Meet Anacia Weiskittel

We recently connected with Anacia Weiskittel and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Anacia , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I have always wanted to make a difference in peoples lives. I have always strived to do the best I can to inspire and help guide the next generation of dancers and dance studio entrepreneurs. When you hear from so many people what a profound impact you had on their lives this is incredibly rewarding. When you see their success and know you played even a small role it makes it all worth while.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

In 2009 we opened our flagship location Degas Dance Studio in (Encino) near Los Angeles, CA. In 2021 we opened our second location Degas International Dance Academy in The Netherlands. With over 14 years of proven, tried and true systems we were easily able to duplicate our success even in another country. Knowing that we had a unique dance studio business model and all of these systems in place our next goal was to set up our Franchise which was completed the end of 2023.

We have continued to train generation after generation of top professional level dancers with our ground up, foundational block building development and syllabus that we provide to our franchisees. Our alumni students are dancing professionally all over the world including Scapino Ballet, Netherlands, New York, Los Angeles and Denmark. We have students year round at ABT and invitations to distinguished schools all around the world. Our alumni have been accepted to top college programs including Codarts Rotterdam in Netherlands, Copenhagen Contemporary Dance Conservatory in Denmark, Ailey Fordham, USC, Boston Conservatory, Columbia, NYU Tisch, University of Michigan, Vasser and Peabody at Johns Hopkins among others. Many of our alums are working professionally in the industry or have used their skills to help them be successful in whatever they set their minds to achieve including doctors, lawyers, business executives, finance, education, marketing, psychology, journalism and other industries. All of them will say growing up in Degas Dance Studio had a significant impact and gave them life skills that helped them be successful.

We are currently expanding 5 locations through out the US/Europe in 2024-2026. We are interviewing potential franchise candidates and looking for passionate dance teachers that are ready to take their careers to the next level.

We want to help the next generation of dance studio entrepreneurs to create their own Degas community and retain families for generations. To watch students grow not only as dancers but as people. To know that you made a significant impact and difference in your students lives for the better.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I have built a successful business, but it wasn’t easy. I made over a million dollars in mistakes and lost revenue and now I’m sharing those lessons so that our franchisees don’t make the same money losing mistakes.

We have set up extensive backend support and systems. These systems in place will help keep franchisees, give a clear picture of your business at all times and cut down dramatically on your administrative time.

Knowing that you are not alone is PRICELESS. We want each franchise to be as successful as possible. As a small business owner it can be very lonely. It is our mission to support our franchisees and to offer them the best possible tools and solutions. Creating a network and team to help them build their own Degas Dance Studio and community.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

We are looking for established dance teachers with strong technical training and backgrounds in dance. If you are interested in opening your own studio, creating a meaningful community and setting your own hours, this might be a really good option for you.  We are currently looking to expand to 5 new locations in 2024-2026 across the US & Europe.  

For further information email info@degasdancestudio.com and provide CV and the city/state/country you are interested in opening a Degas Dance Studio franchise location. We will be interviewing selected candidates and choosing the people we feel are the best fit for our philosophy of teaching the ART of DANCE.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.degasdancestudio.com
• Instagram: Degas_dance_studio and Degas_International_dance_acad
• Facebook: Degas Dance Studio and Degas International Dance Academy Delft

Image Credits

Marjorie Salvaterra
Anacia Weiskittel