Monique Michel
Dance Instructor / Studio Owner & Education Director
Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo/Caldwell Fine Arts
Caldwell, ID USA
“Being open-minded has helped me grow and be proactive rather than reactive.”
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
Graduated high school. Went away to college and lived on my own for the first time in my life. Away from my super strict Catholic Mexican family....time to PARTY!
Took a break from college and began working full time to see what that felt like. Made good money and got my own apartment. Started to feel like a real "adult" against the wishes of my parents.
Went back to college and eventually graduated after 6 long years. Took a trip to Idaho with my then boyfriend and his family. Got a job on accident while on vacation. Now I needed to decide.
I marry my boyfriend of 3 years and we move to Idaho after both being born and raised in Los Angeles. I have my degree so I get a good job. We got a duplex. It was so cute and life was so fun.
My husband starts drinking heavily and life isn't so fun anymore. I have my first daughter. I'm a mom and take up my dancing to make some money while raising my baby. Second baby born 4 years later.
Husband drinking heavily off and on. Marital problems becoming bigger and more serious. I have 2 kids and a studio to manage. I work in the schools teaching ESL students. I love it. I miss my husband
Kids are growing up. I still have my dancing and it's seen me through dark times. Husband has a nervous breakdown from being a cop. Life changes DRASTICALLY. I have many part time jobs for income.
Husband and I separate after 25 years together. He hates my dancing and my studio. I have good job at the college. Caring for my kids on my own. Faith sustains me. Dance family is incredible support.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Sacred Heart of Mary High School
Sacred Heart of Mary High School
Doctorate
Certification/License
Vocational
Career
Dance Instructor / Studio Owner & Education Director
I actually have 2 jobs: I'm an arts educator by day at an Idaho college, and a traditional Mexican dance teacher too!
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Non-Profit Organizations
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
I have 2 jobs: my "day" job is Education Director for Caldwell Fine Arts at The College of Idaho. My "evening / all the time" job is dance teacher / studio owner :) My job at the college involves connecting the arts with the community. When artists come to Caldwell Fine Arts, it's my job to provide the outreach to schools and community centers or bring the students on to campus for live theatre experiences. My job at the studio is to teach share and perform traditional Mexican folk dances everywhere
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Meet with a business mentor and visit the local chamber of commerce. Join a network of fellow dance teachers and / or arts educators. Get involved in your community and serve on boards. Get to know local city officials. Especially when working in the arts sector, it's important to know local city laws, who's in charge where, where you can perform and / or bring in performances or even how to plan events. Have a business partner who can support you and offer career advice. Look for peer mentors.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"That dancing isn't a "real" job.. Owning a studio is nothing more than a hobby and it'll never bring in any "real" money...That real people have real jobs..People only take dance to "have fun" and it's not meant to be a way to make a living. "
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
Self-Esteem Issues
