Client Spotlight: Olivia Snyder
DanceWorks Indy is officially 6 years old! In honor of our anniversary, we’ve asked a DWI founding member, Olivia Snyder, to reflect on her experience since the very beginning. As a longtime client, Olivia breaks down exactly what DWI has meant for her over the years, and how her loving spirit has always remained at the studio. Olivia is the epitome of the DanceWorks mission, and we are so grateful to have her insights as we celebrate another milestone in the books.
What is your dance background? When did you start at DWI?
I was here the first weekend DWI opened in 2019. I remember hearing an ad on Spotify and thinking, “Is this real?” Is this actually happening in Indy? I was so excited because at that point, I was in my mid-20s, and I lost a lot of hobbies after starting a full-time job. I thought it would be so exciting to reincorporate dance into my life. Growing up, I did take dance classes, but I have three brothers and my parents both worked, so I only got to dance one night a week. I got some experience growing up, but I did not do a lot of variety. In junior high and high school, I would also do anything my school put on. I was in musical theatre productions, and I tried to find ways to fit it into my life. In college, I was able to take a couple of ballet classes. DanceWorks feels like a dream because it’s like a smorgasbord. You get to pick the class that feels best each week and that day, and you have it all. The coolest part is that we all work. To be able to pop in and be gone for two weeks, you don’t feel like you’re behind, you don’t feel like you’ve missed anything. You can keep picking up exactly where you left off. There are only the good parts of dance. There’s none of the ‘ick’ of performing or being judged. Whatever makes your body feel good, you get to do here.
Can you talk us through what it was like surprising your husband with a solo at one of our showcases?
I’ve been in two showcases here. The first showcase was great—I was in a couple of numbers with other people. And then the second one, I had a thought, and I texted Kerry and Gabby, “Hey, before I back out of this, I think I’d like to do a solo for this next showcase.” I choreographed it on my own to a song that was really special to me at the time. I told my husband we were going on a date, and he had no idea that I had been rehearsing this. I kept it a secret, but then I dropped a pin and somehow told him where we were meeting. He showed up, and it was a surprise. It was so fun because it was kind of a sexy dance, but also a really good vibe. I was really coming into my own, and it was a sweet thing to show him what I did.
You have this aura of oozing positivity, but in the most authentic way. How do you do that?
It’s authentic, but it’s also intentional. I would say it comes pretty natural, but there is also a choice of, “How am I going to tackle today?” I really feel like every day is a gift, and we don’t know what tomorrow brings. So I try to see it like that. I’m a god person, and I truly feel like that’s what we’re supposed to do. We’re supposed to be on this planet to be a loving light for other people. And I feel like I’m really good at curating fun in a day. Like intentionally saying, “Tomorrow I’m going to listen to this album that I haven’t listened to in a year.” I build excitement, and I build anticipation over little things. It’s a little childish, but it still works as an adult. I also keep a day planner, so I have a lot of things to look forward to, and I have things I can reflect on from the week prior. I’m really intense about it because it helps me see the little joy pockets of every day.
How can that translate to new clients coming to class? How can our regular clients welcome new people in a stronger way?
I feel like I can easily see if someone is new, I can get that energy pretty quick. I really try to think that the last thing I want them to feel is not welcome. I immediately try to say, “Are you new here? We’re so happy to have you, you’re gonna love it.” Because I love it. So it feels like an easy way to share something that’s such a blessing to you with someone else. And just put yourself in their shoes. I’m so fortunate that I’m an outgoing person by nature, but for some people, it’s a really brave thing that they even came. Especially maybe if they don’t love their body right now, or maybe they just had a baby, or they haven’t danced in 15 years. I respect that. I just think we are too hard on ourselves. We all can understand that to some degree, and we can let them know that we see it and that we’re so happy they are here.
Reflecting on our sixth year anniversary—you were here when we opened—what does the transformation of DanceWorks look like to you over the years? How has it grown, changed, or remained the same?
I’ve pointed it out as one of my happy places, and it still 100% is. So much to the point where one of my favorite days of the week is Monday. I look forward to Monday because my classes on Monday are so beloved to me. That has stayed the same, because no matter how hard work was for me that week, this is the happy part of it. One thing that’s been really cool to see that has helped me personally is that teachers have changed. There are teachers who I’m sad are not here. I miss Madeline, and I miss the other 305 teachers. I can look back and see teachers I’ve missed or classes that have changed, but on the flip side, I can’t imagine not having these new teachers coming into the scene. It’s cool how teachers come and go, but there’s always this fresh energy that gives other people a chance to shine. It has also continued to be a place that is still so welcoming and inclusive. It’s not a BS spiel.
Do you have to have danced before to come here?
I really do feel like people need to give it a shot. Even if you’re a little bit apprehensive, and you think you’re not going to feel comfortable. That’s not the reason. If you don’t want to dance, don’t dance. But if you want to dance and you really think the reason you wouldn’t come is because you will feel uncomfortable, I push back. When I think about people wanting to take a class they’ve wanted to do since they were a little kid, and maybe financially they couldn’t do it or they didn’t have the resources, and now they get to do it. I think that is so cool. And it’s a way you can put life back into yourself. So no, you do not have to have danced at all. You can dabble, and you can really learn to enjoy your body in a different way.
New to DWI? Join Olivia and the other incredible clients today! Purchase your two-week unlimited trial, or email info@danceworksindy.com.