From Dance Floor to Corner Office: How Edith Sumaquial Took the Lead

Julia Wagner · 2026-11-05

Edith Sumaquial has always known how to move—on the dance floor and in the boardroom. Now, she's taking on a new role as general manager of Stocktonia, bringing a unique blend of artistic vision and business acumen to the position. For dance studio owners and choreographers, her journey offers valuable lessons on leadership, adaptability, and the power of following your passion. ### A Life in Motion Sumaquial's story begins in the world of dance. As a performer and choreographer, she learned early on that success requires discipline, creativity, and the ability to connect with an audience. Those same skills, she discovered, translate seamlessly to business. "Dance taught me how to lead a team, how to listen, and how to pivot when things don't go as planned," she says. "In both arenas, you're constantly adapting to the energy around you." ### The Business of Dance When Sumaquial transitioned from the stage to the studio, she didn't leave her artistic instincts behind. Instead, she used them to build a thriving dance education program. By focusing on community engagement and personalized instruction, she turned a small operation into a local hub for dancers of all ages. Her approach caught the attention of Stocktonia's leadership, who were looking for someone who could bring fresh energy to their organization. > "Dance is about connection. Business is about connection. If you can master one, you can master the other." — Edith Sumaquial ### Leading with Rhythm As general manager, Sumaquial plans to apply the same principles that made her a successful choreographer: clear communication, a focus on teamwork, and a willingness to take creative risks. She's already outlined a few key initiatives: - **Community outreach**: Expanding partnerships with local schools and arts organizations to make dance more accessible. - **Professional development**: Creating mentorship programs for young dancers and choreographers. - **Innovative programming**: Introducing new styles and formats to keep classes fresh and engaging. ### What This Means for Dance Professionals Sumaquial's appointment is a reminder that the skills we develop in the studio—discipline, collaboration, resilience—are invaluable in any leadership role. For dance studio owners, her story underscores the importance of embracing every aspect of your training. Whether you're choreographing a routine or managing a team, the fundamentals remain the same: listen, adapt, and lead with passion. As Sumaquial settles into her new role, she's excited to bridge the worlds of dance and business. "I want to show that artists can be leaders," she says. "And that the best leaders are often the ones who know how to dance through the challenges." For more insights on dance studio management and choreography, stay tuned to our blog. We'll continue to bring you stories and tips to help you thrive in the ever-evolving dance industry.