Opening, Growing, and Leading: My Journey from Teacher to Founder
By Ivan Pryntsev, Founder and Artistic Director
Opening Paragraph: Setting the Stage
I still remember the moment I decided to open Pryntsev Ballet Academy. It wasn’t just about teaching ballet — it was about building something bigger, something lasting. I realized that there was no school in Orange County truly focusing on the fundamentals of ballet or offering a structured program. No one seemed to value discipline in classes or genuinely care about educating the young generation. That’s when I knew I had to create a place where passionate young dancers could truly grow.
From Teacher to Founder: The First Steps
Honestly? I was barely 22 years old when I decided to start the academy. I didn’t fully understand what it took to run a business. I had the vision, but I had no idea how to enforce it, especially when it came to getting support from employees. Admin work? Attendance? Software systems? Revenue, income, payable bills, ads? I was clueless.
During those first years, I worked long hours — teaching on Sundays from 9 am to 7 pm (sometimes 8 am to 8 pm) without leaving the studio or even eating. I pushed myself hard, convinced that if I stopped, the academy would fall apart. I treated it like a 7-day-a-week, 364-day-a-year operation, driven by guilt if I wasn’t present. Days and years passed in that relentless cycle, and I thought there was no better way.
Growing the Academy: Challenges and Triumphs
Growth didn’t come overnight. I had to learn to calm down and find better ways to handle setbacks, like students or employees leaving. Those moments felt like a part of my heart leaving, but I learned to accept it. Setting up systems and organizing our methods allowed me to feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
There was a pivotal moment when I realized that I needed to take true leadership at the academy. I couldn’t just focus on teaching and expect everything else to fall into place. I had to step up and actively shape the direction of PBA, not just from the dance floor but from a strategic and organizational standpoint. Leadership wasn’t just about being the best teacher — it was about setting up processes that allowed others to succeed too. I started to think not just as a teacher, but as a leader.
Leading with Vision: Building a Culture of Excellence
I’m still very much a teacher — almost a full-time one — but I’ve shifted my mindset from just working in the business to working on the business. I realized that if I didn’t step up as a leader and focus on building a structure, no one else would. Building something strong and sustainable means creating systems that empower teachers and students and guiding them through this beautiful journey together.
Here are some of the key systems and tools we've developed at PBA to keep our operations smooth and efficient
Screenshots: Building Systems and Processes
Flowchart (EOS System): This visual map outlines how we guide customers through their journey at PBA. Each box represents a specific step, from initial contact to building lasting relationships.
Home OS Dashboard: Our team’s central hub for keeping daily operations organized, tracking tasks, and ensuring smooth communication.
OKR's (Objectives and Key Results): A structured approach to setting goals and measuring progress, helping us align our vision with practical steps.
Team Directory: An organized list of team members, roles, and responsibilities to maintain clarity and effective communication within the academy.
Playbook Vault (SOPs): A collection of standardized procedures that help maintain consistency and efficiency in our daily operations.
Parent & Student Home Page: A resource center for parents and students, providing easy access to forms, schedules, and updates.
Student Success Log: A record of student achievements and milestones, reflecting the progress and success of our dancers.
Admin Team Home Page: The go-to space for team coordination, task management, and accessing important documents.
There is a lot more, but for the next time:)
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for PBA
I’m proud that PBA has become a respected institution, but there’s more work to be done. I’m excited to keep improving our programs and to continue building partnerships with organizations like Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Meeting Dmitry from Bolshoi gave me hope for new collaborative opportunities and raised the bar for what we can achieve.
Closing Thoughts: Lessons Learned
If I could give advice to anyone thinking of opening a dance studio, it would be this: Don’t just jump in for the love of dance — plan your emotional envestment, understand the challenges, and surround yourself with a community of business owners. Invest in the right tools from the beginning, and be prepared to face challenges like people leaving or things not going as planned. But above all, keep learning and growing. The business will only grow if you do.
Let me know what is your journey look like?
What about you? Are you running a dance studio or thinking of starting one? Share your journey with me — I’d love to connect and learn from each other.
Looking back, I realize that being stubborn held me back in the early years. I’ve learned to connect with other business owners, set up processes, and trust others with specialized skills. Growing as a leader has allowed me to keep building the academy while balancing the passion that started it all.
