Today we’d like to introduce you to Susie Pennington.
Hi Susie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started dancing at the age of five and quickly fell in love with it. Dance became such a big part of my life that I continued training and eventually began teaching at my local studio. From a young age, I knew my dream was to one day own my own studio.
In 1989, I took that leap and made that dream a reality. Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to building not just a studio, but a positive and inspiring environment where students can grow both as dancers and as individuals.
Over the years, our studio has been fortunate to receive many regional and national awards, and we’ve been honored with the Readers’ Choice Award four times. While those recognitions mean a lot, what I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on our students. I’ve had the privilege of watching them grow, develop a true passion for dance, and go on to do incredible things—whether that’s opening their own studios, being accepted into the South Carolina Governor’s School, or even returning to teach alongside me.
Dance has always been more than just a career for me—it’s truly been my passion, and I feel incredibly grateful to do what I love every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Owning a business comes with a lot of ups and downs, and I’ve experienced my share over the years.
There have been financial challenges, the pressure of keeping enrollment strong, and just the reality of wearing so many hats—teacher, owner, mentor, and sometimes even problem-solver for everything in between. It can be overwhelming at times.
One of the biggest challenges was navigating through COVID. Like so many small businesses, we had to quickly adapt and figure out how to keep our studio going while still supporting our students and families. That really tested me as a business owner, but it also showed me how strong our studio community is.
There have definitely been moments where I’ve had to step back, regroup, and push forward—but I’ve never lost my passion for what I do. If anything, those challenges have made me stronger and more determined. They’ve helped me grow not just as a business owner, but as a leader for my students and staff.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Susie’s Academy of Dance, we provide dance education for students of all ages and levels, from beginners to competitive dancers. We offer a variety of styles and focus not only on technique, but also on building confidence, discipline, and a love for the art of dance.
I specialize in creating a positive, encouraging environment where every child feels seen and supported. Whether a student is dancing for fun or pursuing it at a higher level, it’s important to me that they feel valued and inspired every time they walk into the studio.
Over the years, we’ve become known for our strong sense of community and the lasting relationships we build with our families. We’re also known for producing well-rounded dancers who not only perform well on stage, but carry confidence and life skills with them off the stage as well.
What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on our students. Seeing them grow, not just as dancers but as individuals, is incredibly rewarding. Many of our students have gone on to open their own studios, attend programs like the Governor’s School, or even come back to teach alongside me—that means everything to me.
What sets us apart is the heart behind what we do. We’re not just focused on awards—although we’ve been fortunate to receive many, including multiple Readers’ Choice Awards—we truly focus on the experience, the growth, and the sense of family within our studio. Every student matters here, and I think that’s something people feel the moment they walk through our doors.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I would say the most important quality behind my success is my passion and dedication.
I truly love what I do, and that shows in the way I run my studio every day. I’m committed not just to teaching dance, but to creating a positive and supportive environment for my students and their families.
I’m also very consistent. Over the years, I’ve learned that showing up every day, even when things are challenging, and continuing to give my best to my students is what really makes a difference. That consistency has helped build trust within my studio and community.
At the end of the day, it’s my heart for what I do and my commitment to my students that have kept me going and helped me grow over the years.
Pricing:
- Tuition is based on the number of classes a student takes per week
- We offer both recreational and competitive program options
- Discounts are available for families with multiple students
- Performance and costume fees vary by class and season
- We offer multiple payment methods and flexible payment options
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.susiesacademy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiesacademyofdance?igsh=cnQ0Z295dzRtczh1
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/susiesacademy
