I can’t believe it has been five years since I first opened Dancers Shape. The personal and professional growth I’ve experienced in the last five years is hard to put into words. I am beyond grateful to all who have helped me make my dream and vision a reality. In celebration of Dancers Shape’s five year anniversary, here are five things I’m thankful for in year five:
5 Things I'm Thankful for in Year 5
Jennifer McCamish
1. Parents
When I moved back from New York City in 2009, I owned nothing (not even a bed!) and what I had in my small savings account I put toward opening Dancers Shape. I was fortunate enough to have loving parents who allowed me to move back home – we ended up being roommates for much longer than any of us expected! Thank you, Mom and Dad, for your continued patience, support and love through this journey. I hope I have made y’all proud.
2. Friends
Scott, you are my business advisor, guardian angel and best friend. I was definitely at a low point when I first moved back without a game plan of how I was going to make a living in Austin. I believed my previous professions (professional dancer and make-up artist) would never translate in Texas, a very scary and overwhelming feeling. You took the time to listen to what most people thought was a farfetched idea and instead, recognized Dancers Shape as a viable business plan. Thank you for not only believing in me but also for your words of encouragement and advice. You are a big reason of where I am (and the studio) are today.
3. Staff
When working on my business plan I honestly thought staffing would be the easiest part since Austin is such a fit city. Not only did I underestimate what I did for a living, I also realized it was not going to be easy finding the right fit for my vision. Dancers Shape was (and still is) my baby and I needed talented, smart, hardworking people to support it the way that I had envisioned.
Ladies, each of your unique personalities enhance the Dancers Shape family and watching you grow in your raw talent is especially rewarding for me as your boss. Some of you have been with me since the beginning and those who have left to spread their wings always end up coming back to visit or teach again. I’m so proud knowing that Dancers Shape symbolizes a home and community for you.
4. Clients
What can I say, our clients are the best. I truly have bonded and befriended the people who come to the studio and am honored to work with such a dynamic and diverse clientele. The Dancers Shape community has grown tremendously over the past five years and we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you. Thank you to all of our clients near and far who patron the studio - we always look forward to seeing your smiling faces.
5. Doing This Job Back Home in Austin
Getting to be a business owner back home in Austin is a great feeling. Owning Dancers Shape is not just a job for me – the studio is my family and my way of life. I am sometimes the first person getting to share the exciting news that a client is expecting a baby. I am sometimes the person who helps a client through a difficult illness or stressful time in their lives. I am sometimes the person helping a client achieve a fitness, work or personal goal and then get to celebrate with them when they have attained that long time goal. The people that make up Dancers Shape and the Dancers Shape community are my happy place. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being a part of my life.
About the Author
Jennifer McCamish is the owner of Dancers Shape, a Pilates and barre fitness studio in Austin, Texas. A former NYC Radio City Rockette with over 30 years of dance experience and training from legendary institutes around the country, McCamish has worked or performed with many well-known celebrities, television shows and publications. Utilizing her professional knowledge and education, she created Dancers Shape, a unique approach to fitness, incorporating elements of ballet, yoga, Pilates and circuit training to efficiently build strength and muscle tone while maintaining a lean and nimble body. McCamish holds a BA in Dance from the University of Texas in Austin, Athletic Training in Injury Prevention for Dancers from Radio City Entertainment, is a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor including Injuries and Special Populations, Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer, IDEA Fitness and Wellness member, and is certified in CPR-First Aid. She is a certified instructor including injuries, special populations and golf conditioning. Read more about Jennifer.