Business spotlight: Belly dance and much more at Brentwood's Red Door Studio

By Roni Gehlke

Name of Business: Red Door Dance Studio and Dansoleil Belly Dance

Type of business: World dance and dance fitness studio

Owners: Toni "Thalia" Todd and Cozette Hileman

Founded: Dansoleil Belly Dance was founded in 2001 as a home-based business. In February 2009 Todd opened Red Door Dance Studio with Cozette.

Address: 817 First St., Brentwood

Phone number: 925-516-DOOR (3667)

Hours: Open during class times (some mornings, most evenings, some weekend hours)

Number of Employees: two

Products and services: At the Red Door Dance Studio Todd teaches Dansoleil belly dance classes for beginning, intermediate and advanced students.

"All students are welcome, whether they are looking for a good workout, new friends, or challenging themselves to learn a new skill," Todd said. "Belly dance is a wonderful dance style that embraces women of all ages, sizes and fitness and skill level."

Outside of the studio Todd also implements and runs the dance program at India 4 U in Antioch. She said she is able to have my students practice their performance skills there during "Dansoleil Nites."

She also teaches a class called "Sassy Pants Belly Dance Workout," which Todd describes as just as fun as it sounds. "We work on core and cardio conditioning, building strong bodies and stamina to support our dancing. Non-dancers and dancers are invited to shimmy, shake and let their inner 'Shakira' shine," she said.

Cozette Hileman teaches ballroom, Latin and swing classes, as well as country line. Todd said that there are other dance groups that rent out the Red Door Dance Studio: Katrina Williams, who teaches hip hop, and Christina Tapia, who teaches Zumba fitness. There will soon be yoga classes and she is in negotiations with a hula instructor.

How did you get into the business: "I have had a love affair with movement and dancing all my life," Todd said.

She said she first became a Jazzercise instructor when she was 21.

"My creative side started rearing its head, so I eventually started by own business so I could choreograph my own routines. I taught for about 20 years," she said.

Todd entered and won some national aerobic competitions. For awhile she had her own fitness studio and also became a personal trainer.

She discovered belly dance through the Brentwood Parks and Recreation Department after becoming ill and going through a long process of recovery and looking for a gentle exercise program. "After my first class, I was hooked," she said.

She learned the style, and within a year, began entering competitions. She decided that belly dance was something that she wanted to share with other women.

Best part about the business?: "The best part of life is always the relationships. Meeting women who are discovering new ways to express themselves in healthy ways is amazing," she said. "I couldn't be luckier to be surrounded with women who are brave enough to try a new skill."
She said she feels like their "Dance Mama" as she watches her students grow more confident, graceful, stronger and even flirtier.

Worst part about the business?: "I'd say the hardest part, not the worst part, but the hardest part is wearing so many hats. Just like any small business owner, we have to wear the '500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins' (Dr. Seuss)," she said. She explained that she had to do everything from being the instructor, manager of the business to advertising executive and bookkeeping.

Key to success: "Loving what you do and being passionate about it is the only way to be successful. And having a fabulous support system from my family and friends is huge," she said.

Biggest misperception about the business: "For starters, it's not only the belly that is used in this ancient art," she said. "We use our legs, our arms, backs, bellies, hearts and souls. And soles, too."

She also said that they never have to bare their bellies. There are many costuming choices for performers who choose to dress more modestly. During classes most students wear yoga-style pants and workout tops, or a more fitted T-shirt.

Future plans: To continue offering quality classes, and to expand her class offerings at Red Door Dance Studio. "I would love to bring on as many dance styles as we can find," she said. Currently they are looking for multicultural dance instructors, especially African, Bhangra, Tahitian, Tai Chi and Persian.
— Roni Gehlke