Lester selling dance studio after 25 years
After 25 years of providing dance lessons in Chatham-Kent, owner of All That Jazz Dance Co., Lisa Lester, has sold the business.
“The students and teachers have always been my biggest inspiration and they have become more like family over the years. The decision to sell the studio was very difficult to say the least,” Lester said.
She has handed the torch to Kiana Tucker, Kent McCord and Kerry Leigh – who have big plans for the studio.
“It is ready for ATJ to step into a new chapter, and I have confidence that the new owners will be successful by providing even more amazing opportunities for our young dancers in C-K.” Lester added.
Tucker, who hails from Kitchener, moved to Chatham-Kent this summer to pursue running ATJ after teaching at several other studios for the past 10-plus years. She brings a wealth of teaching experience to the studio.
McCord has more than 15 years of experience in the dance industry, with a number of business connections to benefit the studio moving forward.
Leigh, born and raised in Chatham, is looking forward to sharing her love of the arts and community involvement in Chatham-Kent.
Lester will be staying on as an advisor and instructor for the next one or two years to help with the transition.
Lester wants to send out a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved with the success of the studio over the years, including Florence Abel, past and present teachers and assistants, and ATJ dance families.
“Your support over the last 25 years has given me so many opportunities and I am very grateful for that – the students have taught me so much and their accomplishments and growth have always amazed me each and every year! I am so fortunate to have developed close relationships with so many students, parents and grandparents over my time owning ATJ,” she said.
While Lester will miss running the studio, she is excited to spend more time with her five children and husband and she is also excited to serve the community of Chatham-Kent in other ways.
