Sarahi Cardenas | Owner of The Fifth Dance Studio
Sarahi owns the The Fifth dance studio in Toronto. She is inspired by Japan, dreams of visiting Iguazu Falls, and recommends every entrepreneur to read the book Extreme Ownership. Read on to find out more about Sarahi!
How do you describe what you do?
We are a dance studio committed to build a community where we can all inspire each other. We believe that regardless of skill level, shapes or background everyone should experience dance in their lives in one way or another.
What’s your vision for your company? Where do you want to take it?
I’d love for The Fifth to grow into an artist hub. One day where we can have a space to call our own, I’d love to be a place people can call home. Inclusiveness and a warm positive environment is our priority.
Is there a career (or personal) accomplishment you’re proud of?
Well haha… dance! Dance and ballet in specific has given me everything I have. From traveling the world and performing at renown opera houses and stages to my husband and now my business.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to become an entrepreneur?
Passion, Resilience (hello Covid19) and Will (as qualities)
Understanding of Marketing, Sales and Bookkeeping (as actual skills)
If you had the chance to do anything over again in your career, is there anything you would do differently?
I would’ve learn how to sing and I would’ve paid more attention in Marketing class at university.
Where is your favourite destination in the world?
Wow.. so many! But my top 3 are Mexico City, Guanajuato and Kamakura
Which country have you traveled to that inspired you most?
Japan
Is there an adventure that changed your life?
I went to Japan to visit my boyfriend at the time and spent a month there. Since he was working 9-5 I got to explore a WHOLE new world on my own.
What’s an adventure you’re excited to take?
Iguazu Falls. I’ve been meaning to explore more of South America for a while now.
What’s your favourite way to recharge/relax? Favourite way to stay active?
To recharge - Cup of coffee, sitting in silence in the morning
To stay active - Pilates 100%! Or Hot Yoga once that’s allowed again
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
🙈 Check my email (working on that not to be the case)
Is there a book that’s changed your life?
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin (as an entrepreneur)
A year of miracles by Marianne Williamson (personal life)
Is there a cause you’re passionate about?
Body Positivity - The life of a ballerina isn’t as glamorous as one may think and sadly in my time and a bit still now, there’s a looooooot of body shaming and just toxic behaviours towards bodies. I am committed to not only fight against body shaming but nurture dancers of all shapes and sizes. Some days are better than others but I still struggle every day to accept my body and love it the way it is. I wish for not only dancers but women to learn how to love the skin they were born into and if there’s any little way that I can help with that, I will be there.
Do you have a piece of jewelry that’s sentimental to you?
A set of dangling earrings and ring that belonged to my godmother. I will go through her jewelry box and play with it when I was little and when I moved to Canada 5 years ago, she gave it to me <3
Jewelry Lightning Round:
Silver or Gold? Gold
Chunky or Dainty? Dainty
Chain necklace or pendant necklace? I love both! But right now, chain
Huggies or oversized hoops? Huggies
Signet ring or stacking ring? Signet
Where can people find you? (IG, YouTube etc)
The Fifth
IG @thefifthdance
FB @thefifthdance
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwh3jpsPZKfEEcd5fhJ_MLQ?view_as=subscriber
Personal
IG @sarahicardenas