Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Dupuy.
Hi Kathy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to building organizations that make a difference in people’s lives. I started my career in childcare staffing, founding Mom’s Best Friend in 1994. What began as a small business grew into one of the largest nanny agencies in Texas, and we eventually franchised into other cities. Our temporary childcare division later became part of Jovie, and today my husband serves as the National President of Jovie at Bright Horizons. That journey taught me so much about leadership, building healthy cultures, and creating organizations that genuinely serve families. Along the way, I also owned and operated an assisted living home for ten years before we sold it.
Dance has always been a huge part of my life. Fourteen years ago, I founded Balance Dance Studios, in South Austin, and nine years ago I acquired The Dance Spot, in Round Rock. Today, we serve more than a thousand students, and our mission goes far beyond teaching dance. We’re passionate about helping children, and adults, build confidence, discipline, character, resilience, and a true sense of belonging.
More recently, that vision has expanded into the development of the Luxora Theater and APAX (Austin Training and Performing Arts Complex). Our goal is to create opportunities not only for dancers, but also for artists, nonprofits, schools, businesses, and the broader community. It’s exciting to imagine how the performing arts can become a catalyst for education, connection, and community impact. In December, we will open the new Luxora Theater with 430 seats, and host our first Nutcracker performances in our new space. As of July 1st, we opened up our pre-booking calendar for rentals starting in January 2027.
When I look back, the common thread through every chapter of my career has been supporting families and creating places where people can thrive. Whether through childcare, senior care, dance education, or the performing arts, I’ve always been motivated by helping people grow and building organizations that create lasting impact. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey so far, and I truly feel like the best is still ahead.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not. Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve had seasons where I wondered if we were going to make it.
Starting a business from scratch means wearing every hat imaginable, and there were plenty of years where the hours were long and the uncertainty was constant. I’ve navigated economic downturns, staffing challenges, rapid growth, and acquisitions, There have also been personal seasons where balancing leadership, marriage, raising four children, and multiple businesses felt difficult to manage.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth almost always comes through adversity. Some of the hardest moments have forced me to become a better leader, to delegate more effectively, build stronger teams, make difficult decisions, and keep my focus on the mission rather than the obstacles.
I’ve also learned that success isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about being willing to adapt, keep learning, and stay faithful to the vision even when the path isn’t clear. Looking back, I wouldn’t choose many of those challenges, but I also wouldn’t trade what they taught me. They’ve shaped both the organizations I’ve built and the leader I’ve become.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Today, I have the privilege of leading several businesses centered around serving families and building community. While dance education is a big part of what I do, I see my role less as running studios and more as building organizations where people can grow, whether they’re students, employees, instructors, or the families we serve.
I probably enjoy most taking a vision and turning it into reality. I enjoy building systems, developing leaders, creating healthy organizational cultures, and finding ways to blend purpose with sound business practices. I’m passionate about proving that organizations can pursue excellence while genuinely caring for people.
If I’m known for anything, I hope it’s creating places where people feel seen, challenged, and supported. I have high expectations, but I also believe deeply in investing in people and helping them become more than they thought they could be.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a building, a business, or an award, but the people. Seeing students grow into confident young adults, watching employees develop into exceptional leaders, and knowing we’ve made a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of families is incredibly rewarding.
I also believe in thinking long-term. The Luxora Theater and APAX are a natural extension of that philosophy, not just creating another venue, but building a lasting resource that serves the entire community for generations to come.
At the end of the day, I don’t just want to build successful businesses. I want to build organizations that outlive me because they continue to strengthen families, develop leaders, and create opportunities for others.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m an avid reader. I read over 120 books last year and reading is probably the single biggest investment I make in my personal and professional growth. I enjoy books on leadership, business strategy, organizational health, and faith, because I believe there’s always something to learn from people who’ve gone before us.
John Maxwell has been one of my favorite leadership authors over the years. I also enjoy reading Jim Collins, Simon Sinek, and a wide variety of books that challenge my thinking and help me become a better leader.
I’m also a firm believer that leadership is never something you “arrive” at but something you continually develop. We’ve invested in a wonderful executive coach who works not only with me but with our entire executive and leadership team. That ongoing commitment to professional and leadership development has been invaluable in helping us grow individually and lead our organizations more effectively.
More than anything, I’ve learned that success is never a solo effort. I’m incredibly grateful for the exceptional executive and leadership teams we’ve assembled across our organization. They lead with passion, vision, and genuine care for the people we serve, and they make our mission possible every day. I simply couldn’t do what I do without them.
I also believe some of life’s greatest lessons come from relationships. Many of my best ideas have come from conversations with fellow business owners, our executive coach, and our executive and leadership teams. Staying curious, actively soliciting feedback, continuing to learn, and surrounding yourself with great people is one of the best investments you can make.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies depending on programs and services. Readers can find current tuition and membership information on our website
Contact Info:
- Website: Balance Dance Studios: www.balancedancestudios.com
The Dance Spot: www.dancespotx.com
Bestow Balance (Nonprofit): www.bestowbalance.org and www.luxoratheater.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedancestudios/, https://www.instagram.com/thedancespotx/, https://www.instagram.com/bestow.balance/, and https://www.instagram.com/luxoratheater/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalanceDanceStudios, https://www.facebook.com/thedancespotx, https://www.facebook.com/bestowbalance, and https://www.facebook.com/luxoratheater
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-dupuy-9220a85/
