Hidden Gems: Meet Nicole Haug of Dance Factory

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Haug.

Hi Nicole, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Dance Factory began in 1973 when Lynn Bassett, at the age of 18, taught lessons to the neighborhood kids in her parent’s basement. Fast forward to 2000, Lynn purchased the current Dance Factory building, located at 2956 W. 29th St. in Greeley, which includes six dance rooms, a full staff of over 25 people, over 50 recreational classes a week, 4 levels community performance teams and 8+ levels of competitive dance teams .

Over the past 50 years of experience, Lynn has taught over 250 students annually, many of which bring their children and grandchildren back to Dance Factory to receive Lynn’s famous dance instruction. Many of Lynn’s dancers have landed careers in the professional dance industry, including completing college degrees in dance, performing as a Bronco Cheerleader, joining Eagles Chicks (Eagles Hockey Dance Team) and Chicago Tap Theater Company, working on cruise ships, with Disney, and more.

Gina Shepard and Nicole Haug, Lynn’s daughters, are now directors at Dance Factory after pursuing degrees and additional outside training in dance. In the past few years Lynn Bassett has been recognized as a Greeley Art Legacy Honoree, named “Changemaker” in NOCO Magazine, and most recently selected as an “Outstanding Women of Weld County” by Friends of a Women’s place in Greeley.

Lynn’s dedication to creating a small business with a large impact continues to enrich the lives of all students that come through her doors. Her tenacity to provide confidence-building classes, memorable experiences, friendships, and life lessons leads to raising students who are well-rounded dancers and people.

“We have been at the Dance Factory for 14 years and love it. It has taught my daughters amazing sportsmanship, teamwork, time management & organizational skills. My girls have not only learned dance from an amazing staff, but have gained amazing life skills as well. I would highly recommend them to everyone! ” – Tammy, Dance Mom

Dance Factory continues in their 53rd season, all students are preparing to participate in the upcoming Winter Recital this December, as Dance Factory brings back a crowd favorite, their production of “The Grinch.” Their community performance teams can be found putting on shows around Northern Colorado at Downtown Greeley’s Monster Day, Loveland’s Winter Wonderlights, United Way’s Children Festival, and more. For more information about Dance Factory’s upcoming events, please visit their website dancefactorylb.com.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As the popularity of dance ebbs and flows along with the economy, the biggest struggle Dance Factory has overcome is the 2020 quarantine during COVID-19. Lynn and her daughters spend countless hours setting up dance classes online for over 250 students ages 3-18 coordinating 20+ staff members, to continue bring a sense of community at a time where everyone felt disconnected. They followed up with fun daily tasks posting through Facebook pages, encouraging dancers to get out and move, and were still able to put on a week of small recitals for all dancers, while still following the pandemic guidelines. Dance Factory has never felt more like a family than during those long months where we couldn’t be dancing in the same room, but everyone was leaning on each other for sense of connection.

We’ve been impressed with Dance Factory , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Dance Factory is currently welcoming new students to their “Dance Factory Family” through their Intro to Dance two-week trial. This allows new students to receive personalized feedback as they are guided to find the classes that best fit their level, age, and style preference. Dancers have the ability to train in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Tumbling. Classes focus on improving coordination, balance, flexibility, and overall dance technique, as well as, building confidence, overcoming shyness, growing friendships with peers, classroom behavior, and leadership qualities like responsibility, teamwork, and goal setting. Through teacher recommendation dancers can be invited to join the higher levels available, Dance Factory Community Performance or Competitive teams. The best way to reserve your spot in Dance Factory’s Intro To Dance Program is by giving us a call at (970) 506-9040 or by visiting our website: https://dancefactorylb.com/get-started

“We love it! It has helped my daughter follow directions and gain more confidence. The teachers are great and have been helpful keeping my daughter on track!” – Jocie Mann, Dance Mom

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Dedication, understanding, and organization are what make our business successful. Lynn has been dedicated to providing the highest quality of dance instruction for over 50 years by never staying stagnant. She continues to seek and provide higher level training for herself and staff through traveling to NYC or L.A. to take classes at the Edge Performing Arts Center or Broadway Dance Center. Dance Factory brings in professional guest artists from around the county in all styles of dance to teach master classes to her students and staff so they can continue to evolve as the dance industry does.

Lynn’s ability to remain personable and understanding with her staff and students as each navigate life’s twists and turns is why so many people feel loyal to Lynn and her studio. Providing a non-judgmental space, where mistakes are turned into lessons, where communication is the key to conflict resolution, and clear expectations makes her staff and students feel welcomed, comfortable, and respected. Creating a positive environment for people to safely excel has always been a pillar to Lynn’s success.

Lastly, organization has made Lynn’s studio stand-out against the rest and can be seen through her ability to grow her small basement studio of 25 students to a entire operation of 6 studios, 20+ staff members, over 250 students a year, with multiple different levels of programs all running simultaneously. Keeping track and following through with the daily to-do list and communication helps keep her staff members, students, and families successful at her studio. Lynn chalks it all up to her amazing team of Directors and Daughters, Nicole & Gina, as well as her administrative Director Andrea. She has even been able to take a step back as starts to travel more with her husband, while her team can keep the studio moving full steam ahead. If you’re not organized, chaos can take over in an instant.

Pricing:

• Intro To Dance Program $39.99
• Two Week Trial $39.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dancefactorylb.com/get-started
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancefactorylb/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancefactorylb

Image Credits
Photography by Shel Francis Creative – 1st picture