Meet Jody Hirsch

We were lucky to catch up with Jody Hirsch recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jody, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?

From the time I was a child, I’ve been curious about people and what makes them tick. I love getting to know people, I listen to what they say and I remember what they’ve told me. What I’ve come to realize is that when you’re genuinely interested in getting to know and understand someone, they feel seen and appreciated. And it builds trust. Those connections enrich my life and after over 30 years in this business, “full circle” moments of long standing conections are the foundation I stand on.
When I was a tween/teen, I had a lot of different types of friends, and built life long connections and deep friendships. As a business owner that has a staff and two types of clients with very distinct needs: children and parents, I’m always diligent about communicating and connecting with empathy and detail to each individual situation.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I grew up in the suburbs of NY in Westchester County. I’ve always taken dance classes and loved creating productions. As a high school student, dancer and cheerleader my best memories are from the days of choreographing the haftime show with friends and collaborating with adult mentors. I went to college in Southern Vermont where I cultiviated my creativity in many ways and learned about business management. After college I worked in the cosmetic industry, then married and started a family.
Always teaching and coaching dance, cheerleading and gymnastics was always my side hustle, and a special part of my life.

I decided to open my own studio by circumstance. It has become my passion, and my joy. Hudson Dance and Tumble has a culture of respect, kindness, encouragement and creativity. It is a safe and comfortable place for girls and boys to learn. Toddlers through High School age all need motivation and encouragement, they need to know you care about them and most importantly that you recognize their talent, regardless of what that is. Some students have more natural ability than others but I task my team with recognizing greatness in every student. It’s there in every individual. You have to genuinely love the work enough to find it in each child.

The parents, who are working hard to develop their child’s interests, managing demanding school and after school schedules, and paying the bills deserve clear, professional communication and in instances where there is conflict, I come from a place of understanding.

The communication to advertise my Studio is a marketing mix of word of mouth and social media. The way I communicate about the Studio is all about our culture, what we offer and wonderful staff. My message there is to communicate that we provide an excellent dance education and a culture of kindness and connecting, not about competition.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Knowledge of the fundamentals of Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and Tumble
2. Importance of understanding physical safety and abilities with children
3. Genuine curiosity about people, communicating and listening with understanding
My advice would be to give of yourself just for fun and freely. If you follow your passion authentically, your connections will be genuine and meaningful on your journey.
I foster an environment where teachers love to work and kids love to learn.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My parents were/are naturally generous people and they taught me to be the same. They taught me I could do anything I set my mind to, and they were enthusiastic supporters of every interest I took. My parents had a strong work ethic and were also the type of people who always came to watch me perform, who always had an open door for my friends and who cataloged everything I did with pictures. My upbringing set the tone for me throughout my life, particularly as a mother and grandmother but also as a business owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: hudsondanceandtumblecenter@gmail.com
• Instagram: Hudson Dance and Tumble Center
• Facebook: Hudson Dance and Tumble Center