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New ownership/management
- Author:
- Dave Watson (dwatson@airspd.net)
- Date Published:
- June 7, 2010
After 7 years of running Ballroom Parkrose, I have decided to turn the reigns over to a new leader, Wayne Herendeen.
Many of you know Mr. Herendeen as that tall good-looking instructor (with way too much hair) who teaches such entertaining group classes. He is all that and more. He has been teaching at Ballroom Parkrose for 4 years now (and at other venues prior to joining us), and is an excellent instructor, competitor; and, now, studio owner. I'm sure Mr. Herendeen will be having much more to say by way of introduction to you after he gets a little more into the routine of running the studio.
As for myself, I plan to continue teaching, dancing, learning, and competing for Ballroom Parkrose; just as an instrutor, not an owner. All your other favorite Ballroom Parkrose instructors will still be teaching there as well.
Reliquishing control is never an easy thing. All the more so as we built this studio up from nothing. (Unlike most studios of this size, there were no "silent partners" or benefactors involved - we did it ourselves.) My decision to "let go" was one that I did not make lightly or in haste. My wonderful wife, Jo Ellen, and I anguished over this decision for over a year. Still, we have decided to let go.
Ballroom Parkrose is/was my 4th studio. All of them were successful in that they produced good dancing, paid their bills, and provided an environment in which I, and others, could make a living. Some were bigger - some smaller. Some were more successful than others.
Upon opening Ballroom Parkrose, we agreed that we wanted a studio that would be much more than just a place where a few individuals could make money. We wanted the studio to be a true resource for the Portland area dance community. So, we established a small library of manuals, videos, etc. that was accessible to all for dance research & study. We encouraged students to practice in our facility without charge.
Additionally, we wanted to not just teach dancing, we wanted to create the desire and passion for dance within those who came through our studio. We wanted instruction to be of the highest caliber at all levels of learning. Toward that goal we began the idea of running a Supervised Practice Session at the end of each group class; because we wanted people to actually retain what they had just learned, and we brought in a vast variety of highly experienced coaches - not just the latest favorite competitors - for additional training. The proof of the success of this system is to be seen on the competitve floor as well as on the Social dance floor. Our students dance, and I'm very very proud of all of them.
We also wanted to provide an environment for practice and socializing which is so important to the learning of Partnership dancing. So we tried to have parties that had a true variety of music, and an atmosphere that was more "real life" than most studio parties. (Everybody will have their own opinions about whether or not we were successful with that idea.)
We wanted to be a true partner to the greater dance community. rarely was there a dance event at which Ballroom Parkrose members were not participating, supporting, or, at the very least, in attendance. Additionally, we made it a point to recognize the best individuals among us with schoarships, etc. totalling an average of over $1,000. per year. On top of that, we raised signifaicant sums for charities throughout the years.
Finally, we expected everybody in our entire organization to conduct themselves with a high degree of professionalism. No seedy sales gimmicks, etc. We will not tolerate unprofessional or improper behaviour. As a result, our studio has an exemplary reputation both nationally and locally.
I'm so proud to have attained these goals, and I'm so honored to have been given the chance.
I should like to mention here that we could not have done all of this without the support of great students and a great staff. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the contributions made by Beth Knoll (private lessons are available). Her deication to the studio, and her support for Jo Ellen and I was/is invaluable.
So, having attained these goals, I think it's time for a new individual to step forward and lead us toward even higher and greater goals. I have chosen Wayne Herendeen for this task, and he has accepted. I have every confidence that Ballroom Parkrose will continue to be a leader in the dance community for many many years to come.
Running a studio is hard work. I'm sure that all of you will show Mr. Herendeen the same kind of support you've always shown me. As I said at the outset, Mr. Herendeen will be in contact with everybody from this web-site outlet very soon.
As for me, Ill be on the floor "Teaching, Dancing and Creating Champions". I hope to see y'all out there -
Thank you all again -
Dave Watson
