We were lucky to catch up with Kayla Ellenwood recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kayla , 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?
Growing up I tried many sports. I enjoyed every opportunity I had to be active and move. I loved cheerleading and enjoyed dancing around throughout my childhood. Middle school brought challenges where I struggled to find a sport or activity that I was really good at and enjoyed doing. When I got to high school I started real dance training and I fell in love. It came naturally to me and never felt like work. It never mattered how many hours I would dance, I could never get enough. I practiced in my room even though the space was small for some movements. It became a passion I never wanted to give up.
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?
When I graduated high school I found myself struggling to find ways to continue dancing. I couldn’t afford the local college that offered a dance team and wanted to continue doing what I loved. Friends of mine sparked an idea of opening my own studio. I dove into researching how to take the steps to create a space to share my passion for dance with others. I remembered how expensive dance was and wanted to open a space that was affordable and welcoming to all. At 19 years old I found the perfect spot to create my space. I’m proud to say I am celebrating 10 years of founding Pulse Dance and Performance Center. I’ve had the honor of offering dance classes at an affordable rate to the community of Fort Wayne. I’ve been blessed to take my dances all over the United States. I’ve even taken my love for dance to Haiti twice to host dance camps for local kids in a village. I’ve had regional & national champion routines. My families have been able to go new places with their loved ones for new vacations while supporting their children onstage. We’ve participated in parades, baseball games, hockey games, nursing homes, basketball games, and so much more. In 2026 I will be launching my own competition company in an effort to bring affordability to the competitive side of dance so that families can continue to support their dancers.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I would say the most important qualities that led me to where I am today would be my passion for dance, my ambition to provide affordable options, and my drive to never give up on keeping my doors open for dancers. Entrepreneurship is difficult. You will always have a fear of failure but that fear is what keeps you working. The fear keeps you finding new ways to bring clientele. The fear pushes you to make improvements on yourself that will better the experience you offer.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Honestly I pray on it and if you’re not a religious person I respect that this may not be the approach you need. Other ways I’ve tried to approach obstacles in my experience would be journaling, reading motivational books, and confiding in friends who can talk with me through things that are challenging me. I think being overwhelmed is a very natural part of the process of entrepreneurship. It’s a whole different ball park when the court feels isolated to just yourself. I find it important to have people to lean on and give perspective however sometimes sitting in silence and processing thoughts on your own can be helpful as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pulsedancecenter.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulsedancecenter_?igsh=aXZ3ZmZwdGNlZ2Uy
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pulsedancecenter/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
