Here at The Bedford Mom we love sharing about and celebrating local businesses! This month we are excited to feature Martin School of Dance, a private school for dance that prides itself in small class sizes where instructors can provide hands-on training and one on one attention. Tiffany Martin is the owner and artistic director. Learn all about her and her dance studio below!
Tell us about yourself!
Starting at age three, Miss Tiffany began her dance journey at various schools in New England. During her teenage years, she also attended summer intensives at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB) and The Rock School, showcasing her dedication to improvement. In May 2013, Miss Tiffany earned her BFA in Dance with a focus on Ballet Pedagogy from the University of Hartford, The Hartt School. Throughout college, she took on roles as a resident assistant at both the University of Hartford and CPYB, extending her influence beyond the classroom. After graduation, Miss Tiffany assumed the role of Ballet Director at a local New Hampshire dance school, a position she held for six enriching years. During this time, she provided training in ballet, pointe, pre-pointe, modern, lyrical, and contemporary styles, earning multiple awards for her technical prowess, creative choreography, and innovation. In 2018, she furthered her education by attending CPYB’s teaching program. Miss Tiffany’s pedagogical approach has been embraced by several New England schools, where she imparts her well-rounded understanding of ballet. Passionate about sharing her knowledge, she continues to positively impact those around her with her down-to-earth yet comprehensive approach to dance education.
Tell us about Martin School of Dance!
Martin School of Dance specializes in classical dance and technical excellence. Keeping class sizes small, 8-12 students maximum, allows our instructors to provide hands-on training, as well as give each student one on one attention. MSD is considered a private school for dance for this reason which is one of a kind in the industry. The owner and artistic director, Tiffany Martin, also makes sure her instructors have dance backgrounds and have specialized in dance/education whether it be a minor or major.
What does a “day in the life” look like for you?
Tiffany Martin’s typical September day involves waking up at 7:30AM to open the studio by 9/9:30AM. Morning classes start, followed by email responses and parent interactions. Around 10:30 AM, administrative work and project management take priority, ensuring follow-ups and organization of all of the moving parts. Lunch break is around 1pm, often used for curriculum planning. By 3:15PM, students arrive for afternoon classes, with teachers preparing. Classes run from 3:45/4pm until about 8:30PM, with breaks for support and follow-ups. The day ends with studio closure and personal time.
What are your goals for your business in the next 3-5 years?
My goals for the business within the next 3-5 years definitely vary. As a business owner, my dream has always been to create an establishment within Bedford, NH that is a staple of the community. I didn’t want to create “just another dance school” I wanted to create a small village where people feel MSD is their second home. Long term, my hopes are to eventually have a pre-professional day program for highschool students where they can take dance classes earlier in the day in conjunction with a homeschool program.
What are your favorites local spots in town?
My two favorite local spots are definitely Flight Coffee and Bedford Fields. Both companies do an amazing job, not only with their products but with their customer service as well. For studio party supplies we really enjoy supporting Ellie & Piper Co. based out of Manchester, NH. Their customer service is great and the collections they have curated are different from your average chain store.
What is your best piece of advice for people looking to start a business?
My best piece of advice for someone wanting to start a business is to be patient and ride the wave that is entrepreneurship. You will make mistakes along the way; each is a lesson learned if you remain open minded. Celebrate the small successes; they are just as important as the milestones. And finally, learn when to take a step back; sometimes a square peg will never fit in a round hole so you have to get creative and think outside the box.
How can people connect with you and follow your business?
People can connect with us on Facebook and Instagram! We are also always available by email at: MartinSchoolofDance@gmail.com