Interview with Mary Heller: BeMoved Instructor

After reading a little bit about BeMoved I couldn’t help but reach out to Mary Heller.  She is a licensed BeMoved instructor in Moscow, Idaho. This unique dance class encourages participants of all ages and skill levels to get up and dance! She has made a career out of improving the lives of her students through the power of movement. A treat to share with you Mary’s story and a little insight into her business.

What is the story behind how you became an instructor?

Sherry was one of my Jazz teachers in the late 80′s, early 90′s in Chicago when I was working in 4 dance companies as a professional. She was invited by the University of Idaho to set a piece and teach classes, one of them BeMoved, 2 years ago. I fell in love with it! Since I go home each summer to choreograph floor routines for gymnasts, I decided to get licenced to teach it!

What is BeMoved and what can a first timer expect when attending a class?

BeMoved® Designed by renowned choreographer Sherry Zunker, BeMoved is the new dance fitness experience for adults of all ages and skill levels. BeMoved inspires participants to embrace dance as a lifelong path to health, joy and fulfillment.
Each week focuses on a different musical genre such as Bollywood, Gospel Pop, Swing, Latin and Disco. Classes begin with easy-to-follow therapeutic movements that integrate the upper and lower body. The warm-up flows into fun and engaging dance combinations, sure to inspire anyone from first-time dancers to professionals.

BeMoved lifts our emotional spirits, keeps us socially connected and enhances our mental and physical fitness — all while having fun!

What are the biggest challenges you face as a business owner?

Growing a business as I do 4 other jobs. The business was started in September, and I did a huge advertising push to get it out there. Word of mouth is what I can afford now. It is steadily growing, but since I must give a 40% cut to 1 out of the 3 places I teach it at, 10% to 1, and then get a low base salary for the SRC, it can be tricky to be compensated reasonably. I have increased my prices once in December. May need to do one more price increase here soon. LOVE dancing with everyone! BizeeBee has helped tremendously in keeping track of all my clients at the 3 different places I must keep attendance for!

What types of outside professionals have been key to running your business?

Sherry Zunker, creator of BeMoved, Esther Jeles, Business Advisor for BeMoved, Mark McKinney, co-owner of Nourish Yoga, who told me about BizeeBee, and the wonderful people I work with that own/manage the businesses I rent space/time from!

What are two pieces of advice you would give to anyone considering becoming a BeMoved instructor or business owner?

When you get licenced/certified, ask as many other teachers how much their costs have been the first year and for what so you know what you are getting into, AND, you got to love it!

What is your favorite part about teaching and owning a business?

Truly knowing that the product works for everyone on some level, AND I dance with people every day that want to be there to simply dance. I can set my own hours somewhat too.

What are the best ways to get in touch with you and find out more about your business?

BeMoved-Dance.com, go to locations, and scroll down to Moscow ID locations, past Chicago, NY, LA, etc. although Moscow got BeMoved® before NY & LA ha! There, one will find all locations, times and prices I teach BeMoved®. The Nazarene Church does not list a price, but it is still currently $6/class like eveywhere else, with your first class free! $48 for a 10 class card and $27 for a 5 class card for everywhere you take it here except the Student Rec Center at the University of Idaho. There they state it is $3/class, or you can buy one of their season passes. These prices are a steal considering that in cities BeMoved is usually $15 per class. I also have a senior citizen discount. One can also reach me by email if needed at marychoreographer@gmail.com.

BizeeBee's Marketing Buzz Bee. She loves working with yoga, fitness and small business professionals to help find simple solutions to managing their business. Find Lyndi tweeting at @BizeeBee. For more information about BizeeBee visit BizeeBee.com.

Lyndi Thompson

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