Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariya Kemper.
Hi Mariya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Founded in 1988 by Jackie Payne-Noetzelman, Dancin’ Off Broadway has been a vibrant dance studio in the Alexandria & Sauk Centre area for 38 years. In 2015, Mariya (Lawinger) Kemper and the Lawinger family took over the legacy of the family-owned and -operated business. With four girls growing up at the studio since 1995, the Lawinger family brings with them years of experience and love for the DOB Family, as well as a passion for every student to succeed. In the last several years, Mariya – along with her parents Alan & Cheryl – have expanded class options at the studio, as well as emphasized the importance of giving back to the communities who have been so generous to them. With this, the studio has grown and flourished, prompting the move to a stunning newly-renovated studio in 2018 right on Broadway in Alexandria.
With studio locations in Alexandria and Sauk Centre, DOB provides dance instruction for over 300 students and serves more than 30 surrounding communities. The studio offers dance instruction in tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, musical theatre, acro and more. With two professional recitals and a showcase each year, DOB has made its presence in the local community, as well as both regionally and nationally with their competitive teams.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While the journey from Day 1 of Dancin’ Off Broadway to today has been a fun and exciting one, there have also been many challenges along the way. Although the transition of ownership in 2015 was a perfect fit, it still came with many valuable learning experiences on both ends. While Jackie dealt with a new diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimers, the Lawinger family did their best to keep the business running smoothly while still making their mark on it.
In 2020, DOB was just as shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic as the world around us. Trying to find a way to still bring the joy of dance to families and young people, despite not being able to physically be together, was a unique and unprecedented challenge. While virtual classes were offered and many dancers took advantage of these, perhaps the most unique way we pivoted in this situation was by switching our typical recital format to “A Night At The Drive-In.” We recorded every dancer individually – “Brady Bunch style” – and put together a video that we played live at the drive in. Dancers were able to get together this way – because of the unique nature of it being outside – and we had SO much fun. They even begged us to do it again the next year! While we have gone back to our typical recital format now, we are so grateful for this opportunity that never would have been presented if it weren’t for the challenges of the pandemic.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For over 35 years, Dancin’ Off Broadway has been a leader in creativity, dance and FUN in west central Minnesota. DOB provides a well-rounded dance experience, offering a variety of different dance styles taught by qualified instructors with years of experience. At DOB, dancers receive more than just a quality dance education. They learn the importance of hard work and team building, all while making memories that last a lifetime.
At Dancin’ Off Broadway, we value hard work, determination, loyalty, teamwork, accountability, creativity, building confidence and so much more. With FUN at the forefront of our mission, we are ultimately striving to provide dancers with the life skills they need to be good people long after their studio journey is over. Together, we are raising young people who can overcome adversity and whatever life may throw at them… especially when they are part of a team that has their back no matter what.
Mariya has been a part of the DOB family since 1995 when she started dancing at the age of 3 at the Sauk Centre studio. She moved to an instructor role at age 13, teaching and choreographing through high school and college, and eventually taking over the role of Owner and Creative Director in 2015. Mariya graduated from the College of Saint Benedict in 2015 with a major in Communication and minor in Global Business and is also an alumnus of the CSB Dance Team. She resides in Sauk Centre with her husband Wes and their three sweet kiddos – Ivy, Banks & Rocky. She now holds the title of Executive Director at Dancin’ Off Broadway.
Mariya is the studio’s hardworking and fearless leader, and is responsible for many of the creative concepts, show themes and artwork you see at DOB. Oftentimes she is behind the scenes, working on the “big picture” concepts at the studio, but you’ll occasionally find her teaching and choreographing for all ages and ability levels at the studio. She especially enjoys tap and musical theatre, as well as coming up with the production numbers. Nothing makes her happier than seeing the joy and confidence that dance brings to young people. DOB has been a source of so much love, support and inspiration in her life, and she is eternally grateful for the DOB family.
“I’ve always been so proud of what DOB values at its core… hard work, determination, loyalty, teamwork, accountability, creativity, building confidence and so much more. I have watched countless dancers come through these doors anxious to let go of mom’s hand and set foot in the studio and leaving as seniors with the confidence and grace they need to take on the world… always knowing that DOB will be a place they can call home.”
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have found the best way to network and find peers in your industry is through organically building these relationships. Reach out virtually – or even better, in person – to let others know you admire their work or to ask for their expertise in an area. When people feel valued and seen, they will reciprocate by building others up as well. Some of my best connections have been made through alumnae events at the College of Saint Benedict, as well as at dance competitions and events, because these are places where we are already coming together with a common interest or lived experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dancinoffbroadway.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dobdance?igsh=eDBydTIyYzA2ODBi&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOBAlexSauk
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dancinoffbroadway-mn/videos
- Other: https://app.gostudiopro.com/online/dobalex
