Today we’d like to introduce you to L.A. Gold.
L.A., we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Performing and dancing has always been a part of me. It is who I am. I remember being in middle school and figuring it out. I realized then that I could make something of being a dancer.
Through out middle school and high school I immersed myself with everything dance, singing, and acting to the point where I was going to finish my high school career at a performing arts boarding school but opted not to because it meant sacrificing dance competitions and pageants which I loved doing!
My college experience started off at Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts as a dance major. I moved in my second semester and knew that something wasn’t right about doing so. Sure enough, 2 days in I got the call to go out on the road with “Care Bear Live – Caring & Sharing Friends” where I played the role of Cheer Bear. I was part of the original workshop company and then was asked back on the full contracted tour.
Tour life ended, and college called my name. This time not as a dance major but just getting those required courses out of the way. During this time I ventured into the movie side of the industry. I was able to work on some indie films and major motion pictures including Edge of Darkness and in Ted & Ted 2.
Life took me to Atlanta working on the other side of the camera for MTV. That left me unfulfilled and wanting more.
Summer of 2015, I packed what I could fit in my car and headed west to St. Louis. Knowing it was my time to do me and to make moves. I knew I was going to have my own dance studio, but in reality had no idea where to start or how. Manifestation is real!
Fast forward to 2017, Mid-County Dance was born, but not in the way you’d think. I pretty much walked into a community facility and said this is who I am, this is what I do. You need me in your building and in your community.
Classes were held 1 day a week in a shared space of the spin/cycling room. After the first 6-8 week session, I said this isn’t how this is going to work, we need to make it easier for the parents. More days/classes were added and we had a full on recital. Being the overachiever I am, this still wasn’t it for me or MCD. The following season we added more and talked about what else we could do. Things were looking great until the pandemic when everything came to a screeching halt.
My program was cancelled, my recital plans vanished and I was more determined than ever to not let what I had worked for get tossed away. So naturally, we did what everyone else did and went virtual. This time no organization housed us, this was all MCD. All me.
Spring of 2021, MCD was official on the move, from virtual classes/zoom to our own 1900 Sq. ft. studio space. 6 years later, we are still dancing, still making memories and adding in new and exciting programs including our competition team, singing, tumbling, adult classes & yoga classes.
That’s why we call it “The Mid-County Way” and we want you to experience the Mid-County Difference. Every dancer that walks through our doors is part of our story, part of our journey and becomes a part of our family.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening a business is never a smooth ride & never what you would expect. Expect the unexpected for sure. I signed my lease right in the height of the pandemic which had caused all sorts of struggles in life in general.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mid-County Dance was established in 2017. We proudly provide world class training in the heart of the Midwest for the competitive and recreational dancer starting at the age of 2!
We offer classes in tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, acro, singing, and poms. We have a heavy theatrical influence with being east coast natives.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many people who have provided some sort of support and mentorship along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.midcountydance.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/midcountydance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midcountydance314
