Meet Chris Suchan | Executive Director of Platinum National Dance Competition

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

Hi Chris, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe the most important factor behind the success of Platinum National Dance Competition is the passion for what we do, from me, and our staff. I love every aspect of dance and the arts and being able to work in a field that I am truly happy going to work every day makes all the difference. I have always wanted to provide an experience and service that I would want to receive and that drives most decisions we make. I have also worked and understand every aspect of the competition industry and can speak to most of it from a personal experience which ties together the overall success and experience for our clients and dancers.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I grew up dancing in a studio, starting at age 8. I wanted to do everything my sister did and she danced. I continued with it through High School and once graduating, I wanted to pursue a professional career. It was slow going for a while, working in DC, I performed in Dinner Theatres in Musical Theatre type shows as well as taught dance. After many years of gaining the confidence to do it, I finally moved to New York to take my career to the next level. After many, many auditions, I finally started to land some offers. I worked on a Cruise line as a dancer, I did 3 Broadway National Tours, while teaching Master Classes across the country, and I traveled to Moscow for a contract as well. I started to get a little tired of the contract to contract work and moved back to DC where I took up teaching full time until I figured out the next step. At this time I was also judging competitions and working in other aspects there as well. I took a leap and a full time job at the competition I now own down in Atlanta and that set me up to eventually take it over. It has been a long path, but I am grateful for every step along the way

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.
For DC?? I would take them for a hike around Burke Lake Park, enjoy Old Town Alexandria and find a nice quiet restaurant in Falls Church. Maybe even take in a show at the Kennedy Center.

For ATL?? I would definitely walk the Beltline, enjoy a meal at Ponce City Market and hopefully take in a show at the Fox.

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?
I would like to shoutout everyone who has helped me and believed in me along my journey, which have been many! But specifically, I would have to shout out my 2 business partners Rose Kwiatkowski and Dianna Toler, whom without, I would not be in the position I am in today. I taught both of their daughters dance for years and when the opportunity came for me to take over this business, they supported financially and more to get us where we are today. I know this is not where they imagined their lives would have taken them, but I am forever grateful for them helping me achieve my dreams and aspirations.

Website: www.DancePlatinum.com

Instagram: @suchanchris

Other: tik tok – @danceplatinumco0