Ultimate Dance Company

TAKING DANCE IN CALGARY TO THE TOP!

Debra Mudd has passion, talent, and drive – a combination necessary to reach the pinnacle of success. Debra, a dancer, teacher, studio owner, and most importantly mentor, has taken the Calgary dance scene to a whole new level.

She opened her first studio, Ultimate Dance Company, in Calgary, Alberta in 1996 – this was the beginning of her career and the original foundation of her journey to inspire local dancers. It was in 2014 when Debra decided it was time to add a second location in Calgary.

Growing up, Debra always had a passion for dance. Her dance training began when she was four years old and has never stopped, “I started dancing when I was four, all my training evolved, I went to school (post-secondary) for Early Childhood education and wanted to open up a preschool and instead opened a dance studio,” says Mudd. Debra’s education in dance is one that surpasses many, as she is trained in various segments of the art. However, it is ballet where her true forte lies. In addition to attending summer intensives with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Debra has trained in both the Cecchetti and Vaganova methods of ballet and has achieved a number of certifications in ballet, including credentials with the Royal Academy of Dance and British Association of Teachers in Dance. Debra is currently a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance. This nowhere near concludes the list of Debra’s credentials in dance education as she is always pursuing additional training. Presently, Debra also works as a mentor for new teachers, assisting them in gaining their certification with the Royal Academy of Dance.

Due to Debra’s expertise and the increased demand for her studios, there is talk about further expansion. “Yes, definitely, I am always thinking and planning.” Debra’s approach to teaching styles differs in comparison to most. She takes a caring approach and focuses a great deal of her attention on her faculty at the studio. The studio is always up-to-date on the latest in dance training and instruction, and Debra makes sure to offer workshops to the students in all dance styles. Ultimate Dance Company has created an environment that goes beyond just dance training and offers opportunities for faculty and students to build lasting relationships.

Ultimate Dance Company includes both competitive and recreational dance programs for families with different types of needs. Debra makes sure to offer a wide range of classes for all ages and abilities so that the studio can cater to what people are looking for. In addition to training, Debra takes the time to incorporate dance trips for all her students.

Such trips include Disneyland, where most recently, 64 dancers were granted the opportunity to perform on a stage in Disneyland as well as train with Disney professionals.

Debra has also made it her goal to ensure her dancers are granted ultimate exposure. Debra hosts three large yearend recitals, where the students can share everything they’ve learned from the past year with all their loved ones.

What grants Debra the upper hand in the industry is her true passion for her career, “I love what I do, every day, all day.” Debra has learned an exceptional amount as a dance studio owner for 22 years. Her challenges are few and the inevitable hardships she encounters are turned into learning experiences. “I think if you continue to stay in touch with training and what’s new in the industry and expose yourself to it, there isn’t really much of a challenge.” Debra’s energy is focused on her students, always ensuring that inspiration and positivity are instilled in their instruction each day. Positivity is key when overcoming obstacles and maintaining the caliber of the studio that Ultimate Dance Company has become.

As a mentor, Debra is constantly encouraging her students to attend workshops, auditions, and summer school programs. Debra is recognized for taking the extra time with her students “I love what I do, all day, every day.

and defining their needs as dancers. She is determined to prepare her dancers for the path they are destined for, whether it’s personal training for top dance schools located around the world or simply identifying a dance form that best suits them. Because of her extensive experience, she is aware of the demands that top international dance schools place on students, thus allowing her to prepare her students for what will be expected. Debra’s students have done additional training with Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, Boston Ballet School, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, and Canada’s National Ballet School in Toronto.

In relation to her personal success, Debra acknowledges her participation with Top Choice Awards, “It has taken my studio to a whole other level.” Being a Top Choice Award winner has granted Debra and her Ultimate Dance Company faculty a leading edge in the city. The community has recognized the achievements of the studio and the benefits it has granted its young students. Also, when considering further studio expansion into new areas, Top Choice Awards has established an exceptional system of brand awareness. For this, Debra is beyond grateful for the future opportunities available to her as a Top Choice Award winner.

It is through the art of dance that Debra has had the opportunity to offer her students an exceptional addition to their extracurricular education. Her efforts and determination shine above all other attributes when recognizing her success as a studio owner. Debra completes every task to her fullest potential and this is a motto she projects upon her students. “There will be ups and downs but don’t give up, keep pushing forward, take every opportunity to learn and train because there are endless possibilities in the dance world”, says Debra as she shares her most prominent words of wisdom with the Top Choice Awards team. Evidently, through Debra’s personal and professional pursuits she has proven to be not only a mentor but an inspiration to young dancers everywhere. 403-251-6472 ultimatedanceco.com

Photo: photobliss.com Makeup: Maysaa Elrafih @maysa.maisonblu

Debra Mudd Dancer, Mentor, and Owner of Ultimate Dance Company.

ultimatedanceco.com