Name

Sue Wybrow

Studio/school name

www.popdanceworld.com

Do you have a website you want to promote?

www.popdance.co.uk

Instagram

@popdanceworld

TikTok

@popdanceworld

Do you have a favorite charity?

https://www.make-a-wish.org.uk/

City

Los Angeles

State

CA

How long have you been helping people with their talent and what got you into it?

Over 14 years now. At the age of 38 I wanted to go to dance classes to learn fun dance routines to pop music. On trawling the internet, there was nothing out there that offered what I wanted, so, working with talented dance teachers, we created Popdance and never looked back. What started as just one class in St Albans, Hertfordshire, UK just for fun for me and my pals, turning into an international business, with Popdance classes, parties and events being run by amazing dance teachers across the globe.

What has been most satisfying for you in your journey?

Seeing people really enjoying dance. People of all ages and abilities. Getting people together. Seeing a dance routine come together. And the feedback we get from our dance teachers and clients – that dance really helps people to feel fantastic – both physically and mentally.

How did you learn the professional skills you share with others today?  Who or what influences played into that?

Skills are built up over time and through experiences. I started my career in banking when I was just 16 years old, which then evolved into Market Research, Advertising, TV and marketing. I’d always had an interest in business and how it all worked, and my early career really helped me with all aspects of running a business. The biggest drive is belief, enthusiasm and energy – knowing what I want to achieve and enjoying the ride on getting there. Working with incredible dance teachers, other business owners, people in the industry, my family and friends have all been amazing influences in encouraging and helping me to make Popdance what it is today.

Did you ever feel a struggle to keep going or sometimes want to give up?  If so, how did you overcome it?

Yep, it’s not easy running a dance business, or any business. It takes commitment, drive and most of all, belief! I know, in my heart of hearts, that what we offer is brilliant – I know that our customer service is fantastic, and I know that people really do benefit from what we do – and that keeps me going. Plus the feel good music that we dance to of course. I have a strong team around me and brilliant family and pals – so that makes it much easier too.

What are your thoughts on the concept of helping talent learn the spirit of contribution to the greater good and using their talent for good?

Absolutely – sharing our skills, our expertise, our experiences, working together – really does help everybody. That’s why we run our monthly online Dance Teacher meet ups – it’s purely there to bring like-minded people in the industry together. To share ideas, motivate each other, share what’s worked and what hasn’t worked, brainstorm, collaborate and build fantastic relationships. You can’t do every thing on your own And you are not good at everything Working with others and working as a team is invaluable And sharing what you have learned with others feels amazing too.

Do you have other future aspirations for yourself, your business or training of others?

Yes, we are always up for learning new things. Whether that be new dance routines, new ways of marketing, new customer service processes, etc. you never stop learning. The meet ups really help with this and we also make a point of connecting and inviting others to join us.

Is there anything our audience could do to help with the above?

Yes – do let others know about the Dance Teacher Online Meet Up that we have once a month (may be twice a month soon, to accommodate our international pals). There’s really no catch, it’s relaxed and informal and it’s simply there to build relationships with like-minded people in the dance, fitness and well-being industry – to chat, ask questions, help and support each other. It’s great fun and we always come away energised, motivated, having met great people, learned new things and with actions to implement – so do spread the word – everyone is welcome and it’s completely and utterly freeeeeeeee – https://popdance.co.uk/dance-teacher-meet-up/

Please share any standout moments in your experience that would inspire other performers.

We put together a spoof video of Justin Timberlakes “Can’t Stop The Feeling” for a local charity with local businesses. It was great fun to shoot – lots of local business owners got involved and it was shot locally. The video was submitted to the BAFTAs Charity Awards and got down to the last 6 – and we were invited to the BAFTAs to celebrate – it was a brilliant night – https://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/21896030.st-albans-business-music-video-nominated-award-bafta/ We were also lucky enough to work with Arlene Phillips MBE on a charity campaign called “Dance My Street” for a charity called the Alzheimers Society. We met the lovely Arlene on twitter and ended up working together – it was brilliant – https://youtu.be/3ep7bHR8ipA

What is your best piece of advice you would give to any talent out there?

Keep going – even when it feels you are running through mud! Believe in yourself – don’t get imposter syndrome – you are amazing! Don’t try to do everything at once and beat yourself up over it Focus on what’s most important at that time – and do that well Nobody is perfect Be YOU If you want it enough, it will happen!

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