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

Hi Maia, what’s the most important think you’ve done for your children?
I have shown both my 17 year old daughter and my 15 year old son that women are risk takers, leaders in our community, entrepreneurs, and loving moms all wrapped up in one!

What should our readers know about your business?
I own a pre professional dance academy in the extremely competitive Los Angeles area. From my professional background in dance to my experience in the entertainment industry including acting, casting, and producing as well as being a parent I have a unique perspective on nurturing, mentoring, and helping to shape the next generation of young dancers in this creative and competitive art form. Los Angeles was missing a beautiful dance facility housing the best in all dance genres to train and inspire children. It was baffling to me that the entertainment capital of the world did not have a proper dance academy within its city proper. There are ballet academies or hip hop studios or “competition” studios but a pre professional dance academy that offers the best of Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballroom, and Tap all under one roof did not exist. Parents who appreciate the value and discipline of this incredible art form would go from one studio to the next all over the city just to get a diverse education for their child, myself included. Having an intense background in dance and also being a mom to a dancer it was incredibly frustrating. I knew something had to be done. It was warranted and very much needed. As soon as I set my mind that I needed to make this happen the rest fell into place. I constructed a business plan, presented it to my husband and kids, found my partner of like mind, Rhonda Notary, and we built THE INDUSTRY Dance Academy

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Along with the staples, Universal Studios, Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills (Rodeo, Beverly Dr), The Grove, I would show the glorious views of Griffith Park Observatory, Hike Fryman Canyon, Drive Mullholland, along PCH to Pacific Pailisafes and grab a coffee at Malibu Country Mart. My favorite restaurants are Urth Cafe, Crustacean, Mastros, Pizzeria Mozza, and John and Vinnies.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest supporters are my family. My husband, Richard Suckle, always had faith that, after my initial career as a dancer turned actress followed by work in film casting and producing straight into motherhood, I would certainly discover my truest passion. When I came to him with a fleshed out business plan filled with passion, research, and non stop drive he was fully on board. My kids have been champions from day one watching their mama build the business did her dreams.

Website: Www.theindustrydanceacademy.com
Instagram: Theindustrydanceacademy
Facebook: THE INDUSTRY Dance Academy
Yelp: The Industry Dance Academy
Youtube: The Industry Dance Academy

Image Credits
Gina Main

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.