Daily Inspiration: Meet Lyn Westin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyn Westin.

Hi Lyn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My dance journey started a little later in life. My father passed when I was 8 years old, and my mom put me in therapy. And while I believe therapy absolutely holds an important place in life (I’d be lost without my therapist!), I couldn’t understand or process what was going on in my life….therapy just wasn’t cutting it. By the time I was 15, I had tried multiple different forms of therapy, and none of them “stuck”. Out of desperation, my mother enrolled me in dance class. Dance gave me a physical, and emotional, outlet for the things going on in my life. It was the distraction I needed, the exercise. my depression required of me, and somehow it provided me with an emotional outlet all at the same time. Long story short, I couldn’t stop dancing. It became my lifeline through those developmental teenage years, and well into adulthood. I decided if I couldn’t stop, I might as well make a career of it. People say to never make your passion a job- but it was the best decision I could have made. I went to college for Dance Studies, got my Bachelors, and started teaching. After traveling around the country, I settled down in Colorado Springs. I couldn’t find a studio that had the “energy” I was looking for. I craved a dance family- a home- where kids and parents could come to escape life, process life, or follow whatever path was calling them. After a few years of searching, I decided it was time to create the space I needed so badly growing up. So, I opened Westin Danceworks in 2023, and my heart couldn’t be more full.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the hardest part of this journey has been mostly emotional (and lets be real… financial too!) I have had to believe in my dream in a town where it feels like there is a dance studio on every corner. Its been slow going. Ive often wondered if Im doing the right thing- if its all worth it. I have had to depend on my inner child to lead me through this journey; to guide me when I get lost. And that’s been kind of a challenge. I deeply depend on her to create a space that she needed at 8 years old, while also juggling all the “grown up” stuff that comes along with running a business. But my focus is always the children first. Its been such a challenge, but this journey is one I wouldn’t change for the world.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I strive to create a safe space, with structure, emotional safety, physical safety, and strong technique. I am in tune with each and every student that walks through my door. I cater to their needs, while also pushing them just the right amount to be better in every aspect. I love to create beautiful dancers, but Im also concerned with being a small part in creating who these kids are as people- good friends, respecting their peers, respecting their teachers, respecting the adults around them. I want these children to grow up with the ability to walk into a job interview confidently because they spent so much time around people who lift them up. I want them to know how to stand up for themselves in a respectful way, how to work hard, but also to know when to rest. These are all qualities that can be learned through dance, given the proper environment.

I have 4 daughters. One of them, Averlee, is special needs. I decided this was an area that we needed to hold space for. I created a dance class specifically for people with special needs, and all are welcome. This is a class where teens and adults can come and be themselves without apology. Parents can gather in the lobby and talk Medicaid Waivers, Respite, and Nursing Programs while their kiddo is having a blast in dance class.

The goal of Westin Danceworks is to create a safe, healthy community full of beautiful people who love dance,

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Social Media is your friend. I have learned SO much from Facebook groups of other business owners. No question is a dumb one, and you can find it all on there! I would also highly recommend hiring a young person to run your social media accounts. They know what is trendy more than I do! I have received most of my business from social medias- its the place to market, and advertise- student by student!

Pricing:

• Our Classes start at $55 per month.
• We do offer a 50% off tuition discount for EBT/SNAP recipients

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.westindance.com

Image Credits
Black and White Photos compliments of Kaitlyn McEntire Photography