Meet Bonnie Dixon | Owner & Artistic Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bonnie Dixon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bonnie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my business is simple. My faith. Footprints Dance Alliance would not be anything if it weren’t for God and my faith in Him. When the hard days come, and believe me, I have had many of them. It was my faith in Him that carried me through. Just like the poem Footprints in the Sand- the namesake of my dance studio- “When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” If I relied on money or notoriety as the measure of success for my dance studio, there would have been many times that I would have been disappointed and most likely given up. However, because I see owning Footprints as a “calling” and not a “job,” I know where my success truly lies. It lies in Him and His blessings.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Footprints Dance Alliance was the dream of a two year old little girl in pink tights, a pink leotard, and Ballet shoes. My parents thought taking a dance class on Saturday mornings would be a great way to have a break. Little did they know, their Saturday morning break would become my passion and my calling. I remember being 7 years old at Walt Disney World and watching the dancers in the shows and parades. I was mesmerized. I looked up at my parents and said, “That’s going to be me one day. I’m going to dance for Disney.” I didn’t get the courage to audition for Disney until I was 25 years old, which is considered “old” in the dance industry. I spent seven amazing years dancing at Disney full time, part time, and then seasonally. It was after I gave birth to my son, that I realized that I wanted to own my own dance studio. However, I didn’t want “just a dance studio.” I wanted to create an environment where dance could be used to worship God. Where other young dreamers like myself at the age of two, could find a home away from home. a place “Where Passion Finds Purpose.” In other words, I wanted a dance studio that was interested in more than just talent and trophies. I wanted to create, with God’s significant help, a place where purpose could be found in the talent that He gave you. Many people thought the idea of a “Fatih Driven Dance Studio” would diminish my demographic. In the beginning it did. However, after 13 years of developing a steady curriculum that focuses on not only the technique and mechanics of dance, but the character of the dancers and their relationship with Jesus, I have been more than able to grow and thrive in my community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Hands down on the top of the list would be to see a show at the Fox Theater! We are so fortunate to have such a historic and beautiful theater here in Atlanta. After enjoying a wonderful show, I would probably suggest going to the Halcyon. Two of my favorite spots at the Halcyon are HobNob and Cherry Street Brewery. Their atmosphere and customer service are top notch. Due to my love of pimento cheese, I am a native of Georgia after all, I would definitely have to take someone to South City Kitchen at the Avalon. There is nothing better than good southern food and southern hospitality!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I give a shout out to my Heavenly Father. I wouldn’t be who I am and where I am without Him. I also want to give a shoutout to my Mom and Dad who always believed in me and did everything that they could to help “make my dreams come true.” The support of your family is the most indispensable part of entrepreneurship. I am beyond blessed with a phenomenal husband and son who continue to inspire me and push me to bigger and better every day. Last but definitely not least, I want to give a shout-out to my Footprints Family and their 13 years of love and support. It is their belief in me and my mission that has helped a little girl’s dream come true.

Website: www.footprintsga.com

Image Credits
Erin Notestien Brian Notestien Dave Reichardt