Today we’d like to introduce you to Maryann Michael
Hi Maryann, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Chicago as a first-generation Indian American. My parents immigrated to the U.S. in the late ’80s and early ’90s, and growing up, I often felt caught between two identities. In school, I kind of stuck out for being “too Indian” because I was always talking about Bollywood movies that my friends didn’t really get. But when I visited family in India, I felt “too American” because I would talk about Hip Hop and American dance culture, things they weren’t as familiar with. Navigating this in-between space wasn’t always easy, but I soon realized I wasn’t alone. I met others just like me in my Bollywood dance classes, and that’s when dance became my bridge between these two worlds. Bollywood and Hip Hop allowed me to stay connected to my roots while also sharing a style that resonated with my friends here in the U.S.
After dancing for over 15 years, I started teaching professionally at 19. What began as a small class in my church hall with just a handful of students eventually grew into my own dance company. But my studio is more than just a place to learn a dance it’s a safe space where people of all ages and skill levels can come together to celebrate culture, movement, and community. For me, dance is about honoring my heritage, expressing my dual identity, and creating a sense of belonging no matter where you come from. That’s the experience I hope to bring to everyone who walks through my doors.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth. It’s been a journey full of growth and learning. I started my first dance company, Ignite Dance Academy. It was an exciting for-profit venture, and even though I didn’t have much business experience at the time, I really dove in with passion. I was so focused on keeping the dance school running that I lost sight of the bigger picture. I realized that my bigger goal was to create something that could truly make a lasting impact on my community.
The turning point in my life came when a friend told me her son’s elementary school had just cut their arts program. It struck a nerve because my own love for dance began at that elementary school age. Personally, hearing that kids would miss out on that same spark of creativity was heartbreaking. That’s when I realized I needed to shift gears and start a nonprofit, one that would help make sure children have access to arts education, whether through funding or scholarship opportunities.
That pivot wasn’t just a response to a shift in government funding for the arts, it helped me refine my vision for a multi-genre dance company. A dance company that blends cultures, styles, and communities. Although that first business didn’t go as planned, it inspired me to grow into a more purposeful and focused entrepreneur.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the CEO, Artistic Director, instructor, and pretty much a jack-of-all-trades here. I have a small but amazing team that keeps everything running, but teaching remains my absolute favorite part of the job. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping people of all skill levels feel the music and explore different cultures through dance.
I’m especially proud of our partnerships with schools and community centers, which allow us to make dance accessible to anyone who wants to learn. We help people connect with their roots and discover new cultures, and it’s been amazing to watch our studio evolve into a true community where everyone feels at home. At the core of it all, we strive to create a safe, inclusive space for people of all ages, offering a range of dance styles that celebrate the diversity of our world.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to start with a clear vision of what you want to create and who you want to serve, but stay flexible because things will change along the way, and that’s okay. Surround yourself with people who believe in your mission and aren’t afraid to give you honest feedback. It’s easy to feel like you have to do everything alone, but trust me, having a supportive team or a network of mentors makes all the difference.
Also, don’t be afraid to start small. In the early days, it’s better to focus on creating something meaningful and genuine than to try to impress everyone with big numbers right off the bat. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a dancer, consistency and commitment will get you further than trying to do it all at once. And finally, give yourself room to fail because it’s all part of the learning process. Every setback you face teaches you something new that will help you grow into a stronger leader, artist, or both.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maryannmichaelstudios.org/
- Instagram: @maryannmichaelstudios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Maryann-Michael-Studios/61558091828433/
- Other: https://www.bbb.org/us/fl/orlando/profile/online-dance-classes/maryann-michael-studios-inc-0733-235963812
