Why Small Businesses Matter: Local Business Champion: NC Dance Clinics
Meet Karlie Reitano, founder of NC Dance Clinics
Why did you start your business?
I’ve always loved teaching and performing dance, but the inspiration for my business came when I noticed the excitement around dance tied to pop culture moments, like Taylor Swift’s music. I thought, “What if there was a way to harness that enthusiasm and create a fun, supportive environment where kids could dance to their favorite songs, learn new skills, and even perform for their community?” That idea quickly turned into reality with the launch of the Swiftie Dance Clinic in January 2024, and within six months, over 100 kids had participated!
As the clinics grew, I realized how much parents appreciated having a dance program that didn’t require a long-term commitment. That’s how NC Dance Clinics was born—a space where kids can experience the joy of dance on their own terms. This fall, we expanded into cheerleading, bringing on a collegiate cheerleading veteran to lead the program. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the excitement from families. Adding spirit during the halftime of a New Canaan High School football game this fall was a highlight, showcasing what our program can offer to students, families and our community.
Whether it’s first-time dancers and cheerleaders or those looking to try something new, our focus is on fun, teamwork, and skill-building in a welcoming and flexible environment.
What is your best-selling product/service?
Our inaugural dance program, the Swiftie Dance Clinic, was a huge hit! Tapping into the universal love for Taylor Swift, we created a space where young fans could not only listen to their favorite songs but also channel this passion into something productive – learning dance – while making memories with friends. We took it further with fun extras like bracelet swapping, Swiftie-themed class t-shirts, performances, and more.
As we approach a full year in business, we continue innovating with unique programs that fill gaps in our community. Two of our most popular offerings are Mini Rams: Introduction to Dance Team and Mini Rams: Introduction to Cheerleading.
- Mini Rams Cheerleading focuses on sideline cheer, inspiring the next generation of cheerleaders who may one day perform at the high school level.
- Mini Rams Dance Team introduces three core disciplines: Dance, Kick, and Pom. These styles are perfect for halftime performances, helping students build foundational skills while having fun as part of a team.
Both programs emphasize teamwork, skill-building, and fun, making them a fantastic alternative or complement to traditional team sports.
We continue to offer new programs and styles as we continue to grow. The best place to keep updated is our website www.ncdanceclinics.com.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
We have forged partnerships with several local businesses and organizations.
Our groups have performed at the Waveny LifeCare Network and New Canaan High School football game, bringing energy, spirit, and joy to these occasions while fostering a sense of camaraderie and community pride. Additionally, we recently joined the Chamber of Commerce, and we are excited to expand our collaborations and continue strengthening ties within the local community. We’ll be performing at the Holiday Stroll on Elm Street this December and have a New Canaan High School Varsity basketball game on the horizon, too.
Have you "reimagined" your small business?
What began as a Swiftie Dance Clinic has evolved into a comprehensive Cheer & Dance program, shaped by the needs and interests bubbling up in our community. By listening to what parents and students are looking for, we’ve been able to design programming that fills gaps without taking away from the fabric of our vibrant dance community and other youth activities. Instead, we aim to add something new that enhances it all.
Forging partnerships with the New Canaan Athletic Department - and performing at hometown games - has been an incredible step in this journey. Beyond these short-term performances, we hope to create a foundation of cheerleaders and dancers who will continue to build and sustain programs at the high school level. I’m so excited to see how this initiative grows and contributes to the overall spirit and pride of our community!
Visit NC Dance Clinics website to learn more and register for upcoming classes: https://www.ncdanceclinics.com/
Follow along on Instagram @ncdanceclinics
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!