Get to know Kim Lennon
Co-owner of Krystal Ballroom Dance Studio
Kim Lennon is the co-owner of Krystal Ballroom Dance Studio in Hampton Falls
Can you describe your business?
Krystal Ballroom offers Ballroom and Latin dance lessons for couples and singles. Our students range from 12 to 80 years of age.
Can you tell us a little about these styles of dancing?
When people hear ballroom and Latin dancing, they often think it’s too fancy or formal when in fact most students are simply looking to learn how to dance in a social environment or for a new fun way to challenge themselves physically and mentally.
We teach private lessons, group classes and even offer weekly practice parties to enable our students to use their new skill in a safe non-competitive environment. We teach wedding couples, teens, social dancers and even competitive dancers.
How did you get into this line of work?
I love this question. I’ve been a dancer my entire life. I went through the typical ballet-tap-jazz routine most little girls do. Then after high school I felt lost. Once you are a dancer it will always be part of you. I went on to college, worked various jobs, none of which truly fulfilled me. I laugh because when I was young — around 14 years of age — I remember talking to my father at our kitchen table and telling him I wanted to own a dance studio when I grew up. Of course, a parent whose child is stating they want to work in the arts or become a professional athlete is concerning, and therefore I was guided to continue school and venture on. Who knew that I would find Dancesport [ballroom and Latin competitive dancing] years later?
What is Dancesport?
I became a student at the original Krystal Ballroom located in Salem, N.H., which is where I met my now business partner Michael Ulbrich. Michael was not only my coach but became a mentor for me. I began working at the front desk to supplement my lessons. One thing led to another and a little over 15 years later here we are opening a new location on the Seacoast.
What would surprise people about dancing?
I think that the biggest surprise about dancing for any couple is how easy it can be. I can’t even count how many times a new couple comes in for an introductory lesson and especially the men say, ‘Wow, that was easier than I thought.’ There is a stigma with Dancing with the Stars that all dancers are looking to be on stage. This is not the case, and this is perfectly acceptable. Learning how to dance with a partner is a life skill that everyone should learn — from weddings to corporate events and simply dancing at the studio for a fun new hobby together.
It sounds like a great stress reliever, right?
The great thing is that people soon realize that the studio is so much more than dancing. Students are able to get away from their devices, stresses, and use their minds in a positive fun cognitive way. They are not only physically but mentally challenging themselves. Students get to socialize with one another in a way that society in this day and age has taken away from us. We are building a community of dance, but also of simply being.
What is the biggest challenge for you as a business owner?
Getting it all done. Isn’t that the biggest challenge for any small business owner? The second challenge is getting the local community to really understand what it is that we do and what we offer. We are not a kids studio. We are a year-round, open enrollment studio.
What is your greatest joy?
Witnessing a student’s progress at any level. Seeing when a new step clicks and hearing our students’ stories about how dancing has brought joy to their lives.
When you’re not working, what do you do for fun? Any special places that you really love?
Well, since my family has moved to the coast, any downtime we get together we try and take advantage of the beaches as much as possible in the warmer weather.
I personally love hot yoga — it keeps me mentally balanced and provides fitness other than dancing. I am so happy to have found a new studio, The Hot Yoga Studio in Seabrook.
— Rob Levey