Meet Jodi Kovar | Executive Artistic Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jodi Kovar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jodi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I turned 18, I faced the unfortunate realization that there weren’t any studios or programs that offered high-level dance training or performance opportunities for adults. After dancing varsity in high school and winning a state championship, I wasn’t ready to stop dancing or start over in beginner classes. But in my city, that was the only option.

So instead of accepting that, I built what I wished existed.

I started ALZA Dance Co. as an online dance studio to give adult and post-high school dancers a place to keep training at an advanced level, stay performance-ready, and perform on some of the biggest stages and largest events nationwide. My goal has always been to create a space where dancers don’t feel like their passion has an expiration date.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
ALZA Dance Co. was truly built out of love. Even though we’re an online dance studio, my biggest priority has always been creating a space that feels like family — a place where dancers don’t just take class, but build real friendships, confidence, and lifelong connections.

What sets us apart is that we don’t just train online — we perform together in real life. I’m incredibly proud that we’ve taken dancers who only rehearsed together on Zoom and, after just a short in-person rehearsal, watched them step onto major stages like the Disney parks and perform flawlessly, hitting every formation and spacing like they’ve danced together for years. Seeing that kind of teamwork and magic come to life is something I’ll never get over.

Right now, I’m especially excited about the parade and live performance opportunities we’re opening nationwide. After our first parade performance in the Chandler Parade of Lights, we’ve expanded to St. Patrick’s Day parades in Nashville, Seattle, Phoenix, and Orlando. Watching our dancers travel, perform, and experience these huge moments together has been so rewarding.

But getting here definitely wasn’t easy. For the first six months, I didn’t have a single student. I spent hours every day creating content, passing out flyers, and showing up consistently with little to no response. It was mentally and physically exhausting, and there were moments I almost gave up. Then one student told me that taking my class was the best experience of her life — and that changed everything. That small spark of impact reminded me why I started, and it gave me the strength to keep going.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to trust the vision and stay consistent. If you truly believe in what you’re building and show up with heart, the right people will find you — even if it takes time.

More than anything, I want people to know that ALZA Dance Co. is reimagining what dance training can look like. You don’t have to live in a specific city or be part of a traditional studio to perform at a high level. You can train from anywhere and still step onto real stages and create unforgettable experiences. That accessibility and connection is the future of dance — and I’m so proud to be building it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Phoenix for the first time, I’d definitely take them to Westgate. It’s honestly one of my favorite spots because it has a little bit of everything all in one place.

We’d start the day shopping at Tanger Outlets, then grab lunch at one of the great restaurants nearby.

At night, we’d catch a movie, go to a game or event if something’s happening at the arena, or just hang out and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s one of those places where you can easily spend the whole day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I truly wouldn’t be where I am without the people who believed in me long before I set out to achieve this dream. First and foremost, my husband has been my biggest supporter along the way. His unwavering encouragement has given me the courage to take risks and fully go after this vision, even when things felt uncertain.

I’m also incredibly grateful to Cindy Rodriguez from Glam Dance Studio, who gave me my very first teaching opportunity. Watching how she built and ran her studio shaped so much of how I lead my own business today. Dr. Monica Rodriguez has been an amazing role model and source of inspiration throughout my journey as well.

And of course, my team, Megan and Kaitlyn, have been with me since day one. Their loyalty, heart, and belief in our mission mean everything. Lastly, my parents, who supported my love of dance from the very beginning and helped make all of this possible.

It truly takes a village, and I’m so thankful for mine.

Website: https://www.alzadance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alzadanceco/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@alza.dance.co

Image Credits
Juliet Peel Photography

From Within Arts

Nicholas Kovar

Bryan Serpa

Jan Swier

Luis Feria