Check Out Meghan Burgess Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Burgess.

Hi Meghan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I grew up a competitive dancer and if you would have told me then that I would be running a dance competition now I probably wouldn’t have believed you.

I graduated from the College of Charleston with a BA in Arts Management and went on to create and implement fundraising and development programs for Storytree Children’s Theatre, Summerville Civic Ballet, the Atlanta Police Foundation, and the American Heart Association.

After raising nearly $50 million for these local non-profit organizations, I decided to take a step back from the non-profit world and open what is now Ignite Dance Competition, a dance competition for dancers ages 4+.

We’ve created a competition that thrives on building community between dancers and studios. We provide a space for dancers to learn and grow while recognizing teachers and choreographers for their efforts.

Dance studios love Ignite because they leave each weekend knowing their dancers were inspired, valued, and recognized for their talent and technique.

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?
I wouldn’t say it was a smooth road but definitely winding. I never thought I would be working for myself let alone have the opportunity to do what I love – dance – every day.

I think the hardest moment was deciding to officially leave my full-time job, benefits, and retirement to work for myself. As a result, I took every penny I had saved and invested into the company and what we would need to create these competitions each weekend.

It was scary and others have asked when will I know it’s the right time to leave my job and pursue my business full time, to be honest, there is never a right time but it was the right time for me and now we have just closed our second season.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Many dance competitions are unorganized, unfriendly, and overbooked leaving studios and dancers feeling discouraged and disheartened after a long weekend of competing. We’ve created a dance competition that thrives on building community between dancers and studios.

We provide a space for dancers to learn and grow while recognizing teachers and choreographers for their efforts. Dance studios love Ignite Dance Competition because they leave each weekend knowing their dancers were inspired, valued, and recognized for their talent and technique.

While dance competitions are what we specialize in, we aim to make each weekend not only memorable but one that builds community amongst dancers and studios. Each weekend we offer free convention classes for dancers to partake in and taught by our panel of judges.

We also have a one-of-a-kind brand ambassador program where dancers between 10-18 are selected to represent us for one year. They get a behind-the-scenes peek into the competition world while helping with convention classes and awards and enjoying an exclusive weekend in Charleston with the Ignite staff.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Follow your gut. Sometimes this is easier said than done but knowing when to follow your gut instinct is key as a leader and business owner.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.ignitedancecompetition.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ignitedancecomp
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ignitedancecompetition

Image Credits
Vision Balm Photography