Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby West.
Hi Shelby, 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?
I started as a competition dancer myself growing up and went to dance in college at KU. While I was a student, I was also teaching at a studio in Olathe once or twice a week for fun. When I graduated in May 2017, I also found out the studio I was teaching at was closing down. I was sad to hear that but did not put much thought on my next steps as I was focused on graduation. During my last few weeks of teaching, I had a few students come up to me and ask where I was going to teach next because they still wanted to take class with me, and for some reason I decided to just open my own studio. I knew I always wanted to eventually and this just felt like the right moment. I quickly got ready, found a location, and was promoting on social media. After I graduated in May, I opened Westside in September. It was crazy to do something like that in such a short amount of time and with no guarantee of students except for the 8 I opened for. The last 9 years I have worked very hard to grow my business and making a name for myself in the community. In January 2025, I moved to a larger location, then grew even more. We then expanded quickly in June 2025. As Westside keeps growing I am constantly reminded how hard I have worked to make it to this point, I did it with integrity and gained students naturally. I now have many students that have stuck with me for years and I am proud to have them a part of this journey. I am thankful 9 years ago when this idea came into my head my mom never said no, she said let’s do it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The main struggle I would say is that Overland Park is oversaturated with dance studios. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but I also knew I was prepared. I knew it would slowly grow but sometimes, got impatient. I knew what I could do but needed the students and space to do it. It is hard to compete with not only these large studios, but studios that have been around even when I was a dancer.
We’ve been impressed with Westside Dance Company , 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?
I teach all different types of classes and ages from 2-19 and even some adult classes! We have tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, contemporary, hip hop, technique, acro, and a competition team. Our competition just came back from nationals in July as national champions.
What sets us apart is that even though this is a business, this is also a family to me. I take pride in not only knowing every dancer that walks through the door, but their families. Brothers, sisters, grandma, aunts, and uncles. They are all a part of Westside and I could not do it without everyone’s support.
I am proud of the fact that every dancer has equal opportunity at this studio. Instructors do not judge students based on their ability or talent. I am also proud of all the dancers I have built from the ground up.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I like the feel of community in our city! I grew up here and now have a business here.
Pricing:
- First Class is Free
- Siblings get a 50% discount
Contact Info:
- Website: https://westsidedancecompany.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westsidedancecompany/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westsidedancecompany
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@westsidedancecompany
