By KEVIN CHIRI
Slidell news bureau
SLIDELL – Jennifer Johnson is thankful for the helping hands she has had during the years of heading Galloway’s Studio of Dance & Performing Arts.
But maybe that’s because she is a 39-year-old who has helped so many young people throughout nearly 20 years of operating her Slidell studio.
“Since I began this I wanted to be an example for these kids, to show you don’t have to come from money to be somebody and to make something of yourself,” she said. “It has always been so important to me that our studio is about more than trophies.”
Galloway’s began in Slidell in 1998 at the former bowling alley on Pontchartrain Drive and has had its own studio for nearly 10 years just off Old Spanish Trail, located at 3191 Terrace Ave. in Slidell. During that time, Johnson—formerly Jennifer Galloway—has taught thousands of kids from age 2 through 18 to dance.
And through it all, Johnson insists her top goal is to teach the kids you can overcome challenges in life and be a success, despite what difficulties life may throw at you.
Johnson said “I always loved to dance since I was a little girl, and I dreamed of having my own studio.” Coming from a typical middle class family, her parents still found the money so she could attend dance classes at studios in the New Orleans area where she learned great skills under several veteran teachers before her family moved to Slidell when she was 15.
She continued to dance with the Salmen High dance team and several local clubs, graduating high school in 1993 and suddenly facing a difficult decision.
Johnson was not only a skilled dancer, but had emerged in high school as a talented track star, earning a scholarship to the University of New Orleans.
“Coach (Mike) Leland used to tell me I needed to turn in my dance shoes for track shoes,” she said with a laugh. “But I believe I was good at track because of dance. It teaches you coordination, discipline, flexibility and strength.”
At college she planned to become an oncologist, but the dream of owning her own studio wouldn’t leave.
“I couldn’t let go of my dream. I loved dance so much, so I finally managed to get about $5,000 off my credit cards, and rented the old bowling alley,” she said.
Johnson suddenly was facing the challenges of every new small business person.
“It was very hard for several years. I kept working second jobs besides teaching dance classes,” she said. “I even mowed yards and babysat—anything to keep the studio going.”
Her determination paid off and she began to have success, enough so that a young couple who had their daughter in her studio offered her a dream come true.
“They offered to build my own studio for me, then let me lease to own it,” she said. “It was such a huge blessing from God that I still consider it a miracle. But I guess they really believed in me and that’s something I’ll always remember.”
But more challenges were ahead. She got into the building in 2005, only to have Hurricane Katrina blow through the area that summer. Incredibly, the water came up to her front door, but never flooded her building, even though she was on the south side of Slidell where most businesses flooded.
“I’ve always given all the glory for this to God and that was another time I think He performed a miracle for us. Not only did the water not come in, but we didn’t have one tree hit our building,” she said.
That didn’t mean the struggles were over, however, as the storm sent so many families in all directions that the studio which had grown to 400 students and was showing such great promise was suddenly down to 80 students.
“We had to keep working it as hard as possible just to make it, but we did,” she said. “I have to again thank God for helping me through that time, and now we’re up to almost 300 students again.”
When her father died of cancer a year ago Johnson admits she “had to take a step back and be sure I wanted to put this much time into my business. Any small business person will tell you how much time it takes, but in the end, I wanted to focus on these kids so we’re continuing to do what we’ve always done—show them that God gets the glory for all we accomplish or do.”
Like most dance studios, sign up for the new year is currently continuing for the year-long schedule working towards their recital next May. The studio offers every kind of dance style that includes ballet, tap, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, tumbling and more. They have boys and girls in the school.
Galloway’s was selected for a special honor and will be sending students to participate in “The Nutcracker” with the Moscow Ballet, to be performed the weekend of Sept. 19 at the Saenger Theater.
For more information, or to register for the new year, contact the studio at 985-781-6638.