We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Glenna Xie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Glenna below.
Glenna, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from a mix of passion, community, and a deep belief in the power of supporting others. Dance changed my life, and I know it can do the same for others. Starting a business—especially one focused on beginners—comes with its challenges. There have been slow seasons, logistical headaches, and moments of doubt. But every time I see someone walk into the studio nervous and walk out beaming, I’m reminded why I do this.
One of the most rewarding things is seeing students who were hesitant at first—doubting whether they could dance, worrying they’d look silly—slowly open up. I’ve watched people stand at the back of the room, barely moving at first, and by the end of class, they’re laughing, sweating, and even nailing the moves. Over time, they build confidence not just in dance, but in themselves. That transformation keeps me going.
I also draw strength from the people around me—our instructors, our students, and the social media community. Seeing others push past their fears and step onto the dance floor inspires me to keep going, no matter what obstacles come up. Resilience isn’t about never struggling; it’s about remembering why you started and finding the energy to keep moving forward.
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?
We are Seattle Dance Hub, a dance studio dedicated to making dance fun, welcoming, and accessible—especially for adults who are just starting their dance journey. Our mission is to be the go-to place in Seattle for beginners looking to explore movement in a supportive and non-intimidating environment.
What makes Seattle Dance Hub special is the community we’ve built. Many people think you have to start dancing as a kid to be “good,” but that’s not true. We’ve seen complete beginners walk into their first class feeling nervous and unsure, and within weeks, they’re moving with confidence, having fun, and even making friends. It’s not just about learning steps—it’s about discovering joy in movement, breaking past fears, and proving to yourself that you can do something new.
Right now, we’re expanding our class offerings beyond K-pop dances to include more styles like hip-hop, jazz funk, giving students more ways to explore dance. In addition to group classes, we also offer private dance sessions for those who prefer a more personalized learning experience. Private sessions are perfect for beginners who want extra guidance, dancers looking to refine their skills, or anyone preparing for a special event—whether it’s a wedding dance, a performance, or just a personal goal.
At the heart of it all, Seattle Dance Hub is for anyone who’s ever thought, “I wish I could dance” but didn’t know where to start. We’re here to show you that it’s never too late, and that dance is meant to be enjoyed—not feared.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Resilience & Adaptability
Running a dance studio—or any business—comes with unexpected challenges. From slow seasons to bad weather conditions, things don’t always go as planned. The key is learning to adapt and keep moving forward. When something doesn’t work, I see it as a lesson rather than a failure.
Advice: For those starting out, expect challenges and don’t take setbacks personally. Instead, treat them as learning experiences. Stay open to change, and always look for ways to improve.
2. Community-Building & Connection
Seattle Dance Hub isn’t just about dance—it’s about creating a space where people feel welcomed and supported. Building genuine connections with students and instructors has been crucial in growing the studio and making it a place people love coming back to.
Advice: Whether you’re starting a business, a creative project, or a career, focus on the people. Engage with your community, listen to their needs, and create something that truly serves them. Relationships and word-of-mouth are incredibly powerful.
3. Tune Out the Noise & Focus on Execution
There’s always going to be outside noise—self-doubt, opinions from others, and distractions that make you second-guess yourself. I’ve learned that overthinking can slow you down, and the best way to move forward is to take action. Progress happens when you stop waiting for the “perfect” moment and just start.
Advice: If you’re early in your journey, be selective about what advice you take in. Not everyone will understand your vision, and that’s okay. Stay focused on your goals, trust yourself, and take consistent action. Execution beats perfection every time.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Right now, my biggest challenge is scaling both myself and Seattle Dance Hub without burning out. As the studio grows—adding more classes, hiring instructors, and expanding our reach—I’m realizing that I can’t do everything myself. But at the same time, I want to ensure that the heart of what makes this studio special stays intact.
To overcome this, I’m focusing on delegation and building a strong team. I’m hiring instructors who truly align with our mission, so I can trust them to create the same welcoming, beginner-friendly experience that I would. I’m also refining our systems—whether it’s scheduling, marketing, or student onboarding—to make operations smoother and less dependent on me handling every detail.
Scaling a business is exciting, but I’m learning that the key is not just working harder—but working smarter, letting go of perfectionism, and building a structure that allows both the studio and myself to thrive long-term.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seattledancehub.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seattledancehub/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SeattleDanceHub
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@seattledancehub
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
