Bronco Spotlight: Marissa Peterson (Quivey)
Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance and a certificate in dance studio management, 2018
Owner and Director of Quivey Dance Company
I opened a dance studio in Kalamazoo my senior year of college. After graduation, I moved the studio to Portage in our very own building. I am both the business and artistic sides of the studio.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my students’ growth, and watching them mature as dancers, and as people! The most challenging part of my job would be not having enough hours in the day to get everything done (business, teaching, rehearsing, costumes, emails, etc.)
What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?
There were many classes in college that helped prepare me for this, such as all of the online dance studio management classes, teaching, music, dance management, choreography, and all of my technique classes. Also, being a part of Orchesis Dance Society helped a lot to see how fundraising, events, and just putting a show together really works!
What advice do you have for students?
If you have a vision, pursue it. I had many people question me opening a studio, whether it be that it was my senior year, that I was young, or just for the fact that I was opening one. I felt doubted by some, but always listened to the ones who were encouraging me, and that's what kept me going.