Karen, Dance Schoool Teacher

• Name: Karen Love   • Age: 43

• What do you do? I create smiles on children's faces.......Rhythm in your shoes focuses on the enjoyment of dance in young children.  Through theme based dance programmes, each term is a creative adventure. I also offer coaching in Ballroom & Latin American dance styles and run a Danz-U-Fit programme for adults which lets you dance your way to fitness with some sizzling Latin rhythms.  
 
• What qualifications do you need to get this job? A dance background & dance teaching diplomas in your field and above all a sense of humour!

• How do you get your foot in the door? If your interested in teaching dance then its a great idea to find a mentor, they transmit the lessons you need to learn.
 
• How did you get this job? I wanted to make a difference in people's lives, my daughter was 3yrs at the time, I wanted to re-enter the workforce but support her needs also.  I knew I'd have to create a career with the 'tools' I had gathered along the way.  Dance had always been a passion of mine so I began putting small dances together for my daughter and I to do .  Lots of fun and giggles....I realised at that moment that perhaps I had a gift that needed to be shared with other young children - the gift of dance.  With my dance training and finance background, Rhythm in your shoes was created.
 
• What hours do you do? What days of work? I started teaching to my friends children, a couple of classes a week,  I now teach 5 days a week, it hardly seems like work at all.  The majority of my hours are completed during the day, it suits where I'm at right now. From humble beginnings to winning the 2008 Zonta Women in Business Award grant, my business is on the map.  The Zonta grant enabled me to develop a website for my business which creates a constant flow of students.

• Do you get a company vehicle? I have branded my current vehicle and claim business usage

• Where is the role based? I teach in 3 locations in Christchurch, City, Richmond and Addington

• Is there much room for promotion? I'm the boss!

• Do you get normal time off? The dance programmes run during term time which means I am able to work from home during the school holidays preparing for the forthcoming term and work the private lessons side of the business around my daughter. 

• Do you get any freebies? Teachers always get spoilt at xmas time, chocolates, wine and touching home-made cards

• To you get to attend many functions/events? Many dance competitions throughout the year.

• What is your best memory while working here? I have so many memories that make me laugh - the best therapy of all!

• What drives you to work here everyday? Something about the kids

• Any embarrassing moments while working? Well, they say never work with kids or animals.....there is a reason for that!

• Do you have to wear a Uniform? What do you have to wear? You are a role model for these young futures, it is important to be well groomed
What are the best things about your job? I have met so many nice people through dancing some have grown to be very close friends

• Are there any downsides to your job? It's a balancing act!!

The Zonta Club of Christchurch-Canterbury has a $5,000 'Women in Business' grant available just like the one Karen received for a Christchurch businesswoman who wants a financial 'hand up' to take her business to another level.
 
Applicants must have been in business two to five years, be able to show a detailed business plan and relevant financials, have a specific project for the money and show clearly what impact this would have on her business.
 
To apply for this grant, contact Chryssie Russell, Convener of Women in Business Grant, ph 03 3848 906 or email chryssie [dot] russell [at] uniquestyle [dot] co [dot] nz. Applications close 31 March.