Finding Her Rhythm 

Beth Bradley’s passion for dance started long before she became a business owner. She started dancing at the age of four and never looked back. By college, she was teaching dance classes, and it was then that she realized teaching was her true calling. “I love teaching and working with kids, but I didn’t think I’d like the business side of things,” she says. However, after 15 years of studio ownership and now in her ninth season at her current facility, Beth is just as passionate about running her business, Dance Without Limits, as she is about dancing. In 2020, she began the process of moving Dance Without Limits from its Greer location to its current spot on Pelham Road.   

Pandemic Challenges 

When COVID-19 hit, Beth faced unprecedented challenges. “It was terrible! Truly terrible,” she says. With her new space under construction, Beth found herself teaching classes from home via Zoom. When the studio opened, she marked out “dancing castles” on her floor with tape to help students maintain social distancing during lessons. Despite the difficulties, she found innovative ways to keep going and serving her community. 

Beth adapted her studio to provide hybrid options for students, combining in-person and online learning. She provided space in the studio for tutoring and support for children, so their parents could continue working.  

Becoming Empowered by CommunityWorks 

When Beth needed a loan to build out the new space for Dance Without Limits, banks turned her away. Despite her studio’s rapid growth and her belief in its potential, she didn’t have the years of data banks wanted. “It’s hard not to take it personally when a bank tells you that you aren’t worth that investment, especially as a new business owner.”  

A friend recommended CommunityWorks where Beth found a supportive partner. “The process was super easy. I loved that experience,” she says. “But really, when I became a CommunityWorks fan was during COVID.” While banks were slow to respond during the crisis, CommunityWorks reached out to help. “They said, ‘Hey, if you need help, we’re here,’ and I said, ‘Oh my gosh, yes, please help me.’”  

Beth received critical funding that kept her business afloat. “I tell people all the time, I would not have survived COVID without CommunityWorks,” she says. 

CommunityWorks didn’t just provide financial support; they offered encouragement and belief when it was most needed. “To have an organization look at you and say, ‘Yeah, you’re worth investing in, and we believe this investment will pay off for you and our community,’ was super encouraging,” Beth says.9  

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future 

What sets Dance Without Limits apart is its inclusive approach. Beth is deeply committed to making dance accessible to children of all abilities. The studio focuses on dancing for the joy of dance, not for competition. “I am very aware that kids have one childhood, and that’s it! I want them to live in that and enjoy that as much as possible,” she says.  

With the backing of partners like CommunityWorks, Beth has tackled challenges head-on and stayed true to her mission. She remains committed to offering a space where all children can grow, learn, and dance without limits.