Meet Laina Lee Ferris of Dance Lane

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laina Lee Ferris.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have danced my way from one end of the Valley to the other! From Mr. Lucky’s to Wild Wild West in Tucson back in the day. I started teaching Country Dance lessons in 2010 after having danced the previous 20 years and loving every minute of it! I had a true passion for dancing and respectively created my business, Dance Lane. Having recently divorced, with no single friends, I had met someone who told me how much fun country western dancing was. Well, I didn’t like country music at all but thought I would give it a try. Within about 2 weeks, I loved the music and was having the time of my life!

After taking a multitude of group dance lessons over the years, I started saying to myself “I can do that, I can teach.” Newly single, I was at a point in my life where I had to decide what would be the next chapter of my life. So, I jumped in “both feet first” teaching 2 step lessons without even having a partner (it is partner dancing you know!) I remember my first group lessons at a dance studio in Gilbert and a man whom I briefly knew, Tony, was doing pretty good at my class. I asked him to demo the patterns with me. Hence, he became my first dance partner in my new venture!

Then I heard about a new club in Mesa called Cactus Moon. A group of dancers I knew were going there on a Friday night to check it out. When I saw the beautiful wood floor I decided I would love to teach group lessons here! As I inquired about this possibility, I learned that the owner was sitting at a table nearby. I approached him with my request, and his reply was, “when can you start?” I taught 2 Step and all the other country dances there with Tony as my partner for many years. We packed the dance floor every Thursday and had tons of fun dancing to the DJ music into the late hours of the night!

I had recently joined a brand-new meetup group called East Valley Kickers and shortly afterwards became the sole coordinator of the group. It grew by leaps and bounds and today has over 4,000 members. I was later asked to teach in the lounge at Casino Arizona in Scottsdale and Bourbon Jack’s in Chandler and am currently teaching there. Little did I know, my name would be “in lights” on the marquee at the Casino.

When I started dancing those 20 years ago, it opened up a whole new world for me. I developed the self-esteem that I was lacking in my life; by continually taking lessons and practicing I was getting better and better. How fun that was! It was a goal and I was achieving it! Now, every day I am privileged to see how dancing transforms the lives of those I teach! It is so rewarding to watch these new dancers blossom and grow, going through the same type of transformation that I did all those years ago! There is a true sense of kinship, sharing this common interest and a sense of belonging in the dance community.

I am amazed and grateful for the opportunities that have been presented to me through my business. I also teach line dancing at a privately funded senior center in Chandler. My oldest participant just recently celebrated her 90th birthday with the class! One thing for sure, dancing keeps you young; keeps your mind and body active. Numerous studies have been done proving the remarkable benefits of dance. Besides being great, physical, exercise it helps with coordination and building new neural pathways in our brains, which aids in cognitive acuity and memory.

I have taught numerous couples to dance for their weddings, taught at high schools, teen and corporate parties, fundraisers and much more. My performing line dance team, Renegade Ropers, has competed in different events and performed for many years at nursing homes, fairs and celebrations.

I feel so fortunate to have created a business where I get to do what I enjoy, helping others have fun and develop skills leading to improving their confidence. Many of my students have gone on to compete in local and national competitions. I have many success stories of couples who have met, gotten married, and are enjoying fulfilling relationships! Sergio and Judy, both in their late 80’s found wedded happiness after meeting at my lessons. Sergio, a widow was told by his late wife that he had no rhythm and couldn’t dance. He set out to prove her wrong!

Currently, a big dream of mine is coming to fruition! I have always wanted to teach on a cruise ship. On October 27, 2018, my staff and I will be teaching at our “Spooktacular Halloween Dance Cruise.” 7 days to the Mexican Riviera. I am very excited for this opportunity. I am so grateful for all the support I have had from family, friends, dance partners and helpers as Dance Lane continues to grow.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not always been a smooth road. Some of the struggles are keeping up with social media, the postings, website updates, computer issues, etc. The “behind the scenes” operations. As far as dance lessons, some nights can be very challenging when it seems no one is listening is to me and they can be SO loud. But it’s usually because they are talking too much and enjoying themselves. At that point, I wonder if I were to walk away if they’ll even notice!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Dance Lane story. Tell us more about the business.
I teach many types of partner dancing and line dancing. I teach Country, Swing and all the dances that fall into those categories, such as 2 Step, Waltz, Cha Cha, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Hustle and more. I teach at different clubs and studios, private parties and events.

I have received the title of “Best Country Dance Instructor in the Valley.”

I am most proud of the fact that I started teaching by myself and have grown quickly to teaching at 5 different venues with more added all the time. I have a huge following of students and over 4,000 people in my meet up. I get tons of compliments on my teaching style, people learn easily and quickly from me.

I think what sets me apart from others is the fact that I always find something to compliment my students on when they are learning and building their self-confidence. When I first started taking lessons, I had an instructor who never said anything good about my dancing and many times when I left my lesson I just felt like crying and giving up on dancing! I never want my students to feel that way.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck has played a huge role in my life and business. I feel blessed in so many ways. I’ve always had some great dance partners to work with. Since most of my lessons are partner dances, it is important to have supportive, helpful partners. I believe in divine timing and the Universe has bestowed upon me some great venues for my lessons. I am so thankful for Meet Up, where the majority of my students are able to find me and my classes.

I also feel very fortunate that I am able to create some time in my life to enjoy my family and my 4-year-old granddaughter, who is such a joy! Even though my working hours can get late, I carve out some time to pursue my watercolor painting classes and occasional games of golf!

Pricing:

• Our Saturday night dances, Country Rain and Dance Sensation are $10
• My private lessons are $70 for a one hour lesson
• Our Halloween Spooktacular Dance Cruise, October 27, 2018, has a starting price of $559 per cabin, double occupancy + $149 dance package + small port charges

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dancelane.net
• Phone: 480-707-2004
• Email: laina26@cox.net
• Facebook: Laina Lee Ferris
• Other: www.meetup.com/eastvalleykickers

Image Credit:
Fox TV News

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