Dance is Kristen’s Business — Check out Wiggle & Giggle
Kristen Conte loves dance, and she loves kids. What better way to combine her two loves than to start a “we come to you” dance business? Wiggle & Giggle is a mobile dance and movement company, bringing, fun, up-beat classes and parties right to you! The Preschool Programs are designed especially for children ages 2 1/2 to 6, and the After School Dance Program offers great classes for children in grades K-5. Wiggle & Giggle delivers great birthday party packages making kids’ parties tons of fun! It is a great option when you want the party at home, but have no idea how you will entertain all the kids.
I spoke with Kristen about her business and what drives her.
Karen: What makes Wiggle and Giggle unique?
Kristen: The main unique aspect of Wiggle & Giggle is that we bring all of the fun to YOU! I believe the arts can change the world, because the arts can change people. Providing my students with an open, loving, and supportive environment to grow, learn, explore, and create is my number one priority. Together we are making this world a better place – one happy and confident dancer, mover, and groover at a time!
Karen: That’s a bold undertaking. What was your inspiration for starting W&G?
Kristen: I was working at a daycare part-time while I was in college and my boss asked me if I would like to teach a couple dance classes for the kids as an extra enrichment program. At the end of the classes we had a little parent’s day show. After the show a parent came up to me in tears. She told me that she almost didn’t make it on time, but she was so happy she did because all her daughter talks about at home is dance class. I couldn’t believe it. If you know preschoolers, they don’t remember much from their day when you ask them. I realized I was making a difference. I was bringing into their day something new, happy, and fun, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my days.
Karen: What’s the hardest part about having your own business?
Kristen: The hardest part about owning a business is having to think and worry about it all. It’s not just worrying about what to teach in class that day. I have to think of marketing ideas and worry about accounting, as well as scheduling and making sure my customers are happy. But, I love the work, so even when it is hard, it is gratifying.
Karen: Good point. Job gratification is so important. What’s the most gratifying part of your job?
Kristen: The most gratifying part of my job would have to be seeing the progress the kids in my classes make from week to week. It doesn’t matter to me if my kids are “perfect” or “the best” – it matters to me that they feel confident and have fun. They will grow into the BEST they can be when they truly believe in themselves – and that is my goal. It’s an amazing reward to see a little dancer who was shy and barely spoke or participated on the first day of class, blossom into a giggling little dancer by the end!
Karen: I love talking to someone with your ambition and passion. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Kristen: I would eventually like to open a Wiggle & Giggle studio that caters to young dancers/movers. While I wouldn’t want to stop traveling to different locations, because it’s a great way to reach students who otherwise might not have the chance to participate in classes, having a space of my own would be a nice addition to the mobile classes.
We wish Kristen best of luck fulfilling her goals of putting more wiggles and giggles into kids’ lives. Check out the photo gallery.
