When Washington woman Andrea Lynn Henderson launched her new creative dance service, she wasn’t just starting a business – she was starting a whole new chapter in life.
At the age of 62, Andrea says she feels like she’s “just starting life now,” turning a lifelong love of dance into a bespoke service offering wedding choreography, celebration dances, and corporate flash mobs, all with a Strictly-style sparkle.
After decades of teaching and performing professionally across Europe, Scandinavia and Canada, Andrea hit upon the idea of creating a business of her own that reflects her love of freedom, creativity and emotional connection. And with support from the North East BIC, that dream is now reality.
“I’d had enough of following everyone else’s dream, I wanted my own,” she says. “I wanted the freedom to teach how, who, when and where I want. To be my own boss, make my own decisions and help people make memories they’ll treasure forever.”
Andrea slipped on her first pair of tap dance shoes at the tender age of six. By 12, she was teaching younger classes, and by 19 she had qualified as a professional teacher.
With credentials including fellowships in ballet and modern stage, and associates in ballroom, Latin-American and Classical dance, she worked internationally, dancing and choreographing, and even working for Equity where she advocated for the work of local variety artists.
But after years of working in other people’s businesses followed by a health scare and isolation during COVID, Andrea began to reflect on her purpose in life and what she wanted from her next chapter.
“Dance is integral to me and it has been my lifeline throughout my life,” she says. “I knew I wanted to draw on this passion and realised working for myself was a way to dovetail my entire life experience – dance, teaching, emotional education and creativity.”
She began working on her idea for a choreography and dance tuition service which, unlike traditional dance schools, brings dance to its clients by hiring local venues at times that suit them.
And an introduction to the North East BIC in June by her local councillor Fiona Miller, helped bring her vision to life. Just four months after being matched with expert business adviser Helen Wardropper, Andrea officially registered First Step Creative Dance.
Working closely with Helen, Andrea focused on creating a business model, considering target customers and how to market the business, as well as learning how to embrace AI to enhance her existing business skills.
She went on to access group workshops, networking events, and grants for expert training in social media, marketing, and the chance to test the market and grow a potential customer base at wedding fairs.
“The BIC has been absolutely tremendous,” she says. “Helen has helped me to regain confidence, overcome isolation and prove to myself how advantageous it is to have my own business.
“Through the BIC, I have met some beautiful people who have great skills and genuinely want to help me. Dance is the most natural thing in the world to me and the BIC is making turning that passion into a business so much easier.
“There’s no better feeling than being part of each client’s dance journey of transformation from shy to confident. Now I can finally make a living doing what I love, the way I want to do it.”
The start-up support from the BIC forms part of the Enterprising Sunderland project which has received £523,541 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme, managed in Sunderland by Sunderland City Council on behalf of the Sunderland Partnership.
“Andrea’s story is an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams,” adds business adviser Helen.
“Like many people considering self-employment, she wanted independence, the chance to be her own boss and to provide an income for herself. Her journey shows how combining passion, resilience and the right support can create a business that brings joy to both its founder and its clients.”
Cllr Kevin Johnston, Cabinet Member for Housing, Business & Regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: “The start-up support from Enterprising Sunderland was designed to give residents the confidence and support required to realise their dreams of launching their own businesses and Andrea is a perfect example of that.
“Thanks to the support from the BIC, she has been able to turn her passion for dance into a business which is not only giving her a new way of generating income, but also giving others the chance to realise the incredible benefits which dance offers. We are proud to have been able to support her on her business journey and would like to wish her all the best for the future.”