We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Ferretti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Dancing is something that brings peace to my life. It allows me to escape from the outside world and focus solely on creating. It’s the type of art that can bring tears of joy, heartfelt delight, and all the feelings in between. It can come from your own body movement or watching a beautiful piece of work come to life.

My dance teachers growing up in Poughkeepsie, NY, and my professors at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC, were monumental in my thought process when I was contemplating opening a dance studio. They were my foundation, my mentors—the core of who I am today. I knew I was meant to spark that interest and love of movement in others just as they had in me.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My children were still young at the time, so it was sometimes a struggle being a new business owner, a single parent, and losing a loved one all within the first year. But with strength, determination and guidance, I persevered! We even won The Diamond Gold Award for Best Dance Studio in Cary, NC, in the 2023 Cary Living Magazine.

What separates MPD from other local dance studios is that we are small. It feels more like a community or family. I appreciate and am proud that I’m able to know every student who takes lessons. The studio does not take part in competitions; rather, we are focused more on the recreational (while still learning technique) and creative side. This is how I was brought up and is something I am most comfortable with. I enjoy the art form and not the judgment side. I strive to make my students feel confident and build their self-esteem while still pushing them to their full potential.
It’s a fun and welcoming environment for myself, my wonderful staff, and my students.
We offer a variety of dance styles at MPD- ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary; we offer boys only classes, ladies jazz and adult tap. Students can start at the age of 3.

One lesson I’ve learned over the last decade is that students learn differently and might need some extra guidance in their understanding. This has taught me to use different skills in my method of teaching. It’s also helped me become a more patient person overall.
I have learned how to be efficient with my time. Whether it’s emails, calls, addressing any concerns, listening to music for classes, creating choreography, ordering costumes, preparing for the recital, etc.—I still allow myself to enjoy time with friends and family. Even though I love what I do, it is still work and there has to be a balance!

I want people to know how much I care. It might be a dance school, but the qualities and lessons learned here apply to the real world as well. How we carry ourselves with grace and poise, or how we treat others with respect, is something I want my students of all ages to carry with them throughout life. They might not remember the dance steps years from now but they’ll never forget the feeling of importance!
“Hook your string, stand up tall; spot yourself, and you’ll never fall!”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some fun spots in the area to take a friend:

Durham Performing Arts Center to see a Broadway show.

Cuya in Raleigh for some Latin dancing.

Enrigo’s in Cary to enjoy a great Italian meal.

Triangle Wine in Cary to sip some of the best selections from around the world.

Total Spa Escape in Cary for a day of being pampered.

Relevé Dancewear in Cary to check out the latest dance attire.

Raven Rock State Park in Lillington to see beautiful views, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to recognize the support from my family in starting this endeavor. My two sons, Cameron and Zachary, who are the absolute loves of my life; my father, Lou, who is my rock; and my dear mother, Theresa, who sadly passed away. She battled breast cancer for many years.
She knew my mission in life was to teach, create, and share the love of dance. My mom was the driving force behind the dance studio getting underway. With help from both of my parents, the process began in 2014, Millpond Dance’s doors opened in 2015, and in 2016 my beautiful mother passed away.
Each year, our end-of-season recital is dedicated in her memory. It was her will to help make my vision a reality before she died.
I am forever grateful that she helped build a my “home.”

Website: http://millponddancestudio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millponddance?igsh=MW1mdHhnMjFhY3Nxcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DpxShvbHE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Tara Lynn & Co. Photography

Chris Nieto Photography

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