Transforming challenges into success: A dance studio blog

Written by Jason Kolmer from Crystal Academy: Aerial Arts and Dance CIC

In the world of dance, where creativity and artistry shine brightest, there can sometimes be shadows—gossip, slander, and negativity. Unfortunately, no industry is immune to small-mindedness or callous attempts to undermine others.

But here at Crystal Academy Dance and Aerial Arts, we’ve learned a valuable lesson: you can’t control what others do, but you can control how you respond.

Instead of letting negativity define us, we’ve used it as fuel for growth, resilience, and success.

From achieving remarkable milestones like representing Team England at the UK Nationals and securing accolades at the World Finals, to being crowned Dance School of the Year 2024/25, we’ve proven that positivity, perseverance, and hard work are the ultimate ways to rise above.

The weight of words

When faced with gossip or slander, it’s easy to feel frustrated or disheartened. Words can carry weight, especially when they come from peers or competitors in the dance world. For us, these moments served as a reminder to reflect on our values and recommit to our mission: inspiring and empowering students through dance.

Rather than engage in negativity, we focused on what truly matters—our students, our community, and our shared passion for dance.

Flipping negativity into positivity

Negativity, when harnessed correctly, can be a powerful motivator. We turned challenges into opportunities to grow, improve, and push boundaries. Here’s how:

Focusing on our why

Every time negativity arose, we asked ourselves, Why do we do this? The answer was always clear: to provide a space where dancers feel safe, inspired, and empowered to achieve their dreams. This clarity fueled our determination to excel.

Celebrating wins

We channeled our energy into celebrating every success, big or small. From qualifying 100 per cent of our entries at the Dance Inspirations Regional Heats to earning a Stand-Out Award and an Entertainment Award with some of our youngest dancers, every achievement became a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come.

Expanding our reach

Instead of looking inward or engaging in petty rivalries, we expanded outward—growing our age groups, refining our programs, and taking on new challenges.

Competing at the World Finals and being crowned Dance School of the Year are testaments to how far positivity and persistence can take you.

Supporting our community

While others may waste time tearing others down, we chose to lift others up.

Through partnerships with local organisations and offering funded or reduced-cost classes, we’ve expanded access to dance for many in our community. When you focus on giving back, you create a ripple effect of positivity.

The downfall of gossip and small-mindedness

While negativity can be a motivator, it also highlights the risks of focusing on others rather than yourself.

Those who spend their energy gossiping or trying to sabotage others ultimately limit their own growth. After all, every moment spent on negativity is a moment lost on improvement, innovation, and opportunity.

At Crystal Academy, we’re proof that focusing on positivity and progress pays off. Gossip may make waves, but it’s hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to your goals that truly create lasting success.

Our message to aspiring dancers and schools

To any dancers or schools facing similar challenges, our advice is simple:

Rise above: Let your actions and achievements speak louder than any words.

Stay focused: Remember why you started and what you’re working toward.

Celebrate your wins: No matter how small, every milestone is a step forward.

Spread positivity: Supporting others doesn’t diminish your success—it strengthens your community.

Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. When we look back on the negativity we faced, we realize it wasn’t a setback—it was a catalyst for growth. Because of it, we are more focused, more driven, and more successful than ever before.

What’s next for Crystal Academy

The future is bright for Crystal Academy. With Team England on the horizon, a thriving community of passionate dancers, and our title as Dance School of the Year, we’re just getting started.

Our journey serves as proof that you can turn any situation—no matter how challenging—into an opportunity for success. Keep your head high, your feet moving, and your focus forward. The dance floor belongs to those who rise above.

Additional, we have twice this year had a 100 per cent Regionals success, where all of our entries achieved Top 3, qualifying for UK Nationals.