GROOVE NATION: MOVING TO THE BEAT OF SUCCESS

Groove Nation was founded in 2003 by Beau and Rose Sem in a small room at a local gym with just nine kids. Their desire was to provide a leadership and character development program that used dance as the delivery method. The response to their program was so positive, however, that before they knew it, they were growing. They taught all the classes themselves while simultaneously running the administrative side of things, but before long, they were able to expand. In the last 19 years, they have served over 10,000 kids in the Clark County community. Groove Nation recently moved their headquarters to a 15,000 square foot facility on Columbia House Boulevard in Vancouver, offering classes for all ages

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and levels with assistance from more than 20 staff members. Many of the teachers and other staff were once Groove Nation students.

Groove Nation offers beginner classes for ages two through adults in a variety of dance disciplines. They also have intensive dance programs. The overarching theme of the company is to foster a sense of togetherness and build strong communities so kids can feel safe and confident. Through this, young people and adults alike can encourage and build each other up, overcome obstacles, and accomplish their goals. The staff at Groove Nation works hard to walk out this mission out in every dance class they provide.

“We succeed because we know exactly what our mission is, we don’t sway from it in times of adversity, and we are passionate and grateful about the impact we get to have on kids,” shared Rose.

The pandemic took a big toll on Groove Nation. They had recently transitioned out of their old location at Tower Mall and were getting set up in their current space a few months before the pandemic shutdowns happened. They provided classes online, but teachers struggled to keep kids engaged and students felt stressed.

Rose shared, “We as owners were trying to figure out if we were going to lose everything that we just poured our heart and soul into for the past year with the move. It was a challenge – that’s for sure. However, with the help of the community, parents, donations, grants, and loans, we were able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and today we are so grateful for all the help we received. We thank God every day for the outcome, knowing that many small businesses did not survive this tsunami of a challenge.”

The beginning of 2022 is looking bright for Groove Nation. They have already had a good start to their competition season, winning first place awards in every division, along with an industry dance award. They are also preparing for a national competition in Anaheim, California later this year. Throughout it all, the team at Groove Nation will continue to maintain their commitment to not just developing the skills and training of their students, but their character development, too.

“What people see of our students, and are impressed with on stage, is due to how much we invest in them on the inside,” said Rose. “We believe you’re never too young to learn success principles that great leaders have utilized.” VB

“We succeed because we know exactly what our mission is, we don’t sway from it in times of adversity, and we are passionate and grateful about the impact we get to have on kids.”

– ROSE SEM