Conversations with Tracey Wozny

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracey Wozny.

Hi Tracey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been a proud dance studio owner for over 31 years. In 1995, my husband and I made the decision to move back to my small hometown of Carrollton, Missouri. He left his roots in Fairfax, Virginia, and said, “Let’s give this adventure of yours three years.” Now, over three decades later, we’re still here—thriving in our business, our community, and surrounded by the amazing family and friends we call home.

In the early years, I was a one-woman show—teaching classes, scrubbing toilets, collecting tuition, and picking out costumes. As we expanded to four studio locations and served over 1,500 student units, it quickly became clear that I couldn’t do it alone. At the same time, our family was growing with three young children—Luke, Savanah, and Brooklynne—who needed me just as much as the studio did. I realized I had to make a change if I wanted to succeed as a mother, wife, and business owner.

That’s when I made the shift from working “in” my business to working “on”it. Through mentorship and coaching in the dance studio industry, I discovered a new passion for leadership. I learned how to build systems, empower a team, and lay a strong foundation—not only for our studio families but for our team and community.

In 2015, with the guidance of my mentor Misty Lown (founder of More Than Just Great Dancing), we launched a nonprofit organization called *Taking Shape*, a 501(c)(3) with the mission to grow young leaders Here, Near, and Far. As part of that mission, I authored the Star Leadership Curriculum™—a 100-lesson leadership program focused on core values like Trust, Service, Love, Kindness, Growth, and Excellence. Today, that program is used by more than 10,000 children worldwide.

Later that same year, after a life-changing mission trip to Haiti, I felt called to bring our leadership and dance work to underserved areas of Port-au-Prince. We partnered with Pasteur Jean Dieugrand to lead performing arts-based leadership camps rooted in faith and service. In 2018, we launched the IMPA School in the heart of Cite Soleil—one of the most impoverished, gang-ridden areas in Haiti—where over 200 children now receive consistent education, safety, and hope.

As we celebrate over 30 years of Shapes Dance and Acro Studio in 2025, I’m honored to lead a team of more than 20 incredible individuals who serve our students every week. Our nonprofit work in Haiti continues as well, thanks to a trusted team of Haitian leaders who carry the mission forward on the ground—even amid ongoing national hardship.

Today, I serve as the visionary leader of both Shapes Dance and Acro Studio and Taking Shape. I have the privilege of coaching our internal leadership teams and mentoring others in the dance studio world and beyond. Leadership has become my greatest passion and purpose—helping others rise, lead with heart, and create lasting impact in their communities.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many entrepreneurs, the early stages of business ownership were anything but easy. I was doing everything—teaching, cleaning, managing, marketing—learning through trial and error, and often running on empty. Living in a small town with a population of just 3,500 also posed a unique challenge: finding qualified staff was incredibly difficult.

About 8 to 10 years into running my studio, I had a major realization—my future team was already with me. My former students, who had grown up in our studio culture, began stepping into leadership roles as teachers and mentors. That shift changed everything. It not only allowed us to grow, but also inspired the creation of the Star Leadership curriculum. The life lessons I had shared around the ballet barre—about trust, excellence, kindness, service, and growth—became the foundation of a program that now empowers over 10,000 young leaders around the world.

Launching our nonprofit, Taking Shape, came with its own steep learning curve. In the beginning, I didn’t understand the value of building a strong, experienced, and committed board of directors. For the first five years, I carried the financial responsibility of the organization myself. Over time, I learned the importance of empowering others—not just to serve, but to fundraise and advocate for the mission right alongside me.

Perhaps the most personal and difficult challenge was finding balance as a mother while my business was still in its “toddler stage.” The “mom guilt” of missing time with my kids, working long hours, and often putting the needs of dance families before my own weighed heavily on me. That pain point was what ultimately pushed me to invest deeply in leadership and business coaching. I knew I had to raise up a capable, committed team—not just for the sake of the business, but for the sake of my family.

These challenges became turning points. They didn’t just shape my business—they shaped me. They taught me the power of leadership, vision, and the importance of building something with others, not just for others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My professional journey began with a deep love for movement—I started gymnastics and dance at the age of three and never stopped. That passion took me to the University of Missouri, where I danced in the college program and began exploring how the arts could evolve into a career. After college, I stepped into the fitness industry, managing major gyms like Holiday Spa and Gold’s Gym, while continuing to choreograph and direct for musicals, shows, and dance studios on the side.

Eventually, I realized that working under others often limited my creative vision. I wanted more than just a job—I wanted to build a space where creativity could thrive and others could grow through it. That realization led me to open my own studio, where I could combine artistry, leadership, entrepreneurship and love for community.

In 2015, that mission expanded globally. After a life-changing trip to Haiti, I felt called to bring dance and movement to underserved communities there—especially in lower-income, impoverished areas where opportunities for creative expression are rare. I’m incredibly proud of the work we began there and continue to support, despite the challenges and unrest the country continues to face. It reminds me every day that we are put on this earth for a purpose and sometimes we need to get out of our comfort zone to discover it.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
There have been so many memorable moments, but one that truly sparked my passion for teaching dance happened when I was just 15 years old. I had been asked to assist with a “Jazzercise” class at the studio where I trained—a class made up of adult women who came in after their shifts at Banquet Foods, just looking to move, unwind, and have fun.

One night, instead of following the usual Jane Fonda-style routine, I decided to change things up. Michael Jackson’s Thriller had just debuted on MTV, and I taught them the choreography. They absolutely loved it! Seeing their faces light up with joy, laughter, and confidence in that moment left a lasting impact on me. It was the first time I truly understood how powerful dance could be—not just as an art form, but as a way to bring people together, lift spirits, and create connection.

That experience planted the seed for what would become a lifelong journey in dance education and leadership.

Pricing:

• Star Leadership Programs $400-$600
• Leadership Speaking and Coaching; Hourly Rates Available

Contact Info:

• Website: https://traceywozny.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traceywozny/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracey.wozny
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-wozny-32750b78/