Ambition Dance Productions is a studio led by a duo of women who intend to use their experiences to help their dance students succeed. Business partners Laura Williams, the artistic director, and Wendy Jenkins, the executive director, provide each other with balance and insight, Williams said. “Wendy comes from a finance and corporate background; she used to work for Fidelity,” Williams said. “And I have been dancing my whole life.” Jenkins also grew up dancing, and her daughter has participated in dance for several years. Having the personal and parental experience in the dance world helps Jenkins know how to have an informed opinion about dance choreography and costuming, she said. “Between the two us, we bring a mix of the creative aspect and the business aspect together, so I think as a partnership it works well,” Jenkins said. When Williams decided on the name for the dance company, she drew from her desire to help children who want to make performing their vocation. “I wanted to bring opportunities that were not here,” Williams said. “I wanted to help dancers that were interested in dancing professionally.” When Ambition Dance Productions started in 2015 the company did not have its own studio, yet it started with about 75 students. When the studio opened Oct. 12, 2016, about 25 more students were on the roster. Now, Williams said, there are close to 215. The dance spaces have sprung floors to help prevent injuries for both the students and the staff, Williams said. “Especially in the crucial years of these kids growing up, … [the floors are] 100 percent preventative,” she said. “Plus, it’s for the longevity of all of our teachers, including myself.” Williams said she does not want students to feel discouraged. “Our goal ... is for the kids to have fun and feel like they’ve got a place to grow,” Williams said. “We want to challenge them, but we also want them to feel like they’re actually succeeding.” The staff strives to help parents feel involved in the process, she said. “The dancers have got to be happy, but the parents have to be happy, too, because it’s such a significant investment of time and money,” Jenkins said. Ambition Dance Productions 140 Hall Johnson Road, Grapevine 817-394-2062 www.ambitiondancepro.com Hours: Mon. 3:45-8:45 p.m.; Tue. 3:30-9 p.m.; Wed. 9:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 3:30-8:45 p.m.; Thu. 3:30-8:30 p.m.; closed Fri.; Sat. 9:30 a.m.-noon; closed Sun.