Today we’d like to introduce you to Kasie Auten
Hi Kasie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started creative edge 10 seasons ago when I was looking for an environment that I could positively provide quality dance education to youth of the Charleston area. I was living in Charleston for a few years at that point and teaching at various studios around town but just couldn’t find a place that felt like home. I had several people encouraging me to start my own studio and after the support of family and friends decided to open my doors. We started with 16 students that walked through our doors the first day and by the next season, we had a full studio! Jeanette Davis was my first friend in Charleston and has easily grown to be my best friend and has been my side as the codirector of the studio since day one. Together we have overcome obstacles and surpassed our goals to build the studio we have today!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Just like any new business, there are always ups and downs in the process of opening. We definitely had obstacles getting into our building the first year and we’re lucky enough to have a Dance family that graciously offered a space for us to start the studio in. Covid was probably our toughest obstacle, but, as we do, we problem solved and made the best of it. We were able to put on a pre-filmed show for all of our families. Although it was a tough season, it was one filled with memories and growth inside of the studio. We held many of our classes online, as several dance, studios, did , and made use of living room, space and couches as props for dance classes. Every year poses it’s different obstacles, but we truly believe that obstacles are put in our path as moments for us to grow and bloom in.
We’ve been impressed with Creative Edge Dance Center, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a Dance Studio that provides the highest quality dance education to youth ages 2 to 18. We just expanded into our second location and we are now able to provide even more classes to our community. We teach recreational dancers all the way to pre-professional dancers. Within our 10 seasons we have produced dance is working in LA, Miami, New York City, on cruise ships, and in Paris. We have several current students that are working towards dancing, professionally or majoring and dance in college. We believe in a balance between life and dance and it’s our goal to grow happy, healthy, strong, and talented individuals. CEDC offers several levels of competitive dancing and we have been nationally recognized for our choreography and technical training.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Some of the greatest advice I’ve ever received was from another studio owner in Charleston and she said to me- we are all here to teach dance and keep kids happy-there’s no need to compete for students.
I truly believe that creating networks and relationships with people in our industry is so important. We all have so many different things to offer and if we support each other the love of our art form shines through.
I value the advice of studio owners and dancers that have come before me as well as younger professionals that are finding their voice and creating fresh ideas. Community is key for success!
I have always helped support my students in reaching their goals and if I don’t have the answer of the connection I know someone who does and will help guide them to the next step. The dance world is a small and tight knit community once you are inside of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.creativeedgedancecenter.com
- Instagram: Dance_cedc
