Meet Christie Zehmke of Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christie Zehmke.

Hi Christie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up training in dance from the age of 4 years old in 1997 at a scottsdale studio called Plumb Performing Arts Center. I stayed training in dance and went on the more pre-professional competitive track until I was 18 years old at the same studio. It was my 2nd home, sometimes I spent more time there than I actually did at my own home with my family. Many years later, I moved back to AZ in 2020 and was hired by the studio owner to be an instructor for their 2020-2021 season. Fast forward to 2022, and after discussions with the owners (who were the same owners from when I was a kid) wanted me to take over the studio from them. Things fell into place and I took over ownership in October 2022. In the new year of 2023, I renamed the studio, Studio Z Performing Arts Center! I am the current owner and director of the studio and I also manage the competitive teams who represent Studio Z. It was a real full circle moment to now be the owner of my childhood dance studio!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I will say that I was extremely fortunate to take over the studio that already had great instructors in place so essentially when I walked in to take over, I just had to focus my energy on getting everyone comfortable with me, my goals, and growing the studio to be as successful as possible while ensuring that the space was welcoming, fun, nurturing, educational and supportive. It has not been easy, I had to learn how to be a business owner in the thick of doing a lot of fixing up from what was before and of course still dealing with the aftermath of Covid and how that affected small businesses and leisure activities for kids.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are known for being a high level training dance studio in all genres of dance for ages 2-18 years old plus some adult classes as well! We specialize in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Contemporary, Acro, Hip Hop, Jazz funk, Latin Fusion, & Musical Theatre classes. What I believe sets us apart from other studios is our incredible crew of instructors and the pre-professional level we bring with hands on attention for each child. I am most proud of my staff and the environment they have each created in their classes which are filled with learning, achieving goals, having fun, and enjoying what they are doing!

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I like how much we have to offer in Scottsdale. Especially where my studio is located, there is a lot to do for families and sports/arts. I think what I like least about our city is how expensive everything has become and continues to become. With all expansion comes more financial strain and the area in which I am located is full of constant growth.

Pricing:

• 1 class per week – $89/month
• 2 classes per week – $159/month
• 3 classes per week – $225/month
• 4 classes per month – $280/month
• 5 classes per month – $325/month

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studiozdance.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiozpac/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiozpac/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioZperformingartscenter
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/studio-z-performing-arts-center-scottsdale-2?osq=Dance+Schools

Image Credits
Jake Joe (for the professional team photo only)