Meet Phoenix Cromley | Belly Dance Instructor & Perform and Nurse

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

Hi Phoenix, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My business is teaching a dance form that does have an impact on all the walk in the studios. The approach to my teaching is one that promotes self-acceptance with the body and expression. My classes are all inclusive. I believe belly dancing is for everyone. I have seen students come into class and gain self-confidence in their own abilities and expression. We work on how to take the artform and use to create each individual’s own expression.

Our classes promote support and community. Many of the students end up making friendships that they would not have found outside of class. This meeting and coming together creates a support network. My students reach out to each other if there is any concern or need for support. I feel the classes create a sense of belonging and open arms.

The idea of creating small communities hopefully spills into the world. The international belly dance community is a network of individuals that connect. There is a sense of belonging to a larger community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a belly dance instructor and performer, my focus is on self-acceptance along with safety. As an RN, I use this knowledge of safety, body alignment, muscle control and technique in my teaching style. I focus on precise technique and rich musicality. The combination of artistry and a background in nursing creates a safe but fun environment for all who enter into class.
My first degree is in engineering, and I worked for a number of years in the project management area. Once my career in dance was growing quickly, I decided to change my direction and went into nursing. I am at this point with a successful business by combining my project management background along with nursing and artistry. I am not sure I would say this was an easy or hard path. I feel very lucky that I was able to change my course and create a balance between dance and nursing.
I have learned and continue to learn along the way. Owning a business is more than a full-time job. I work parttime as a nurse but full-time in my dance. I set aside hours a few days a week to create lesson plans, advertise and follow up on dance ventures. This a big lesson to actually create ‘office’ time to ensure deadlines are met and I am organized.
I would want the world to know that dance is for everyone and moving the body can create an environment of healing and connection with others.

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.
Denver has a number of fun places to check out and things to do. One of my favorite places to take visitors is Red Rocks for the view and beauty. Denver has a rich history. The walking tours and Molly Brown House are a great way to learn about the history of the city. For a very different place, the Wild Animal Sanctuary is an amazing place that I love to take individuals for a day of watching big cats and bears live out a good life.

In addition to the sites, I take many visitors to the ethnic restaurants that we have all over town. The Spice Room offers a great Indian meal. There are many great Italian restaurants. I still have more ethnic restaurants that I want to explore. This city is a food city. I also love a lot of the fusion restaurants such as Linger and Root Down. My husband and I also love City O City for great vegetarian choices.

For favorite hang outs, I love Sienna Wine Bar and music in any of our local venues.

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?
My main mentor is Joynan. I was in her classes for over 12 years. Joynan often pushed me to the next step – first performance, then instruction, then releasing a DVD internationally. Joynan has always been a very successful businesswoman who taught me the same in my own business. Also, she has supported me through all my endeavors and is always there to help me with any decisions or struggles.

Website: https://www.phoenix-dancing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoenixdancing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phoenixdancing/

Image Credits
Photos by Artist Edge Photography and GMark Art