Name:
Rachel Cantor
How your clients refer to you:
Miss Rachel
Company:
Dance with Miss Rachel
Contact info:
email: info@dancewithmissrachel.com, ph.: (646) 434-8150
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
3.5 years
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I went to school for musical theatre and moved to NYC to pursue a career on Broadway. After many years performing in NYC and around the country, I began assisting children's ballet classes. It was an instant and undeniable match. I quickly realized my passion for theatre, performing and children could all be put together in a (hopefully!) really successful business. I spent some time building up a following (and rolling a suitcase filled with ballet props around the city teaching anywhere anyone would let me!), eventually found an incredible space in Tribeca, and the rest is history!
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
At Dance with Miss Rachel we are a family. We make it a point to get to know each and every student, their siblings, their parents, nannies... We want people to feel comfortable and like they're at home when they walk in our doors. Also, our passion for what we do. I hope that our passion is evident when you watch a dance class.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
Again, our passion for what we do. I am constantly listening to my clients and tailoring their experience to be exactly what they need. I understand how many options parents in this city have. I like to think I have an understanding of what parents want and need and aim to provide them with that.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
We've received countless emails from parents telling us that our classes have changed their child's life. I know that sounds dramatic; after all this is a dance studio. But I like to think that the confidence, independence and joy our classes bring to our students really do make a difference. It is absolutely amazing to see the change in our students from one year to the next. I have seen little ones too shy to walk through the door blossom into vibrant, confident and totally independent children.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The kids! How can you have a bad day when you have hundreds of little dancers running up to hug you?!
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
My baby's nursery :).
How do you benefit mamas?
DWMR provides a safe, educational, fun, loving and creative escape for children. For 45 minutes, we try to transport the dancers to a land filled with princesses, castles, magical animals, where everyone sings all day long. I think mommies can see the happiness in their dancers' faces at pickup. We want moms to feel like when their child is at DWMR they are in loving and capable hands.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
One mother told me that DWMR reminds her of old Tribeca. That kind of family business where everyone knows your name and the doors are always open. As my business has continued to grow I've tried very hard to maintain that feeling. I love when parents tell us that their ballerinas want to dress in their tutus every day and ask every morning if it's ballet day. What better compliment can you get than that?
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
All of my teachers are amazing and without them DWMR would not be possible. They are all professionally trained Broadway performers. Many of them can dance circles around me!
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
One of my favorite sayings, and one that we have hanging in the studio is "She thought she could and so she did." And how true it is!
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Multi task! I swear I can feed my baby, write an email, and take a registration all at the same time. And most days, I have to!