Recess Spotlight: Kathy Dupuy on Building Businesses, Raising Dancers, and Following Your Passion
Kathy Dupuy is a force. As the founder of Balance Dance Studios, owner of Dance Spot ATX, and co-founder of Jovie (previously Mom’s Best Friend), she has built a career centered on supporting families – while raising four children and maintaining her own lifelong love of dance. We sat down with Kathy to talk about entrepreneurship, motherhood, and why dance matters at every age.
You’ve built multiple successful businesses – from household staffing to dance studios. What drew you to entrepreneurship, and how has being a mom influenced your approach to business?
Entrepreneurship was modeled for me early on. My father was a commercial real estate entrepreneur, and some of my favorite childhood memories are walking shopping centers with him on Saturday mornings, visiting tenants and learning how businesses work in real life.
Within a year of graduating from Vanderbilt, I started Mom’s Best Friend in 1994. Austin was full of energetic college students—many studying early childhood education—and parents were thrilled to have knowledgeable caregivers engaging their young children while they worked or enjoyed a night out. I was also my own best client at the time, raising four young kids, which allowed me to really understand both sides of the equation.
What started as a babysitting service grew into full-scale household staffing—nannies, household managers, chefs, personal assistants, and more. We expanded to Houston and franchised to Dallas and Vail, and about 15 years ago entered the B2B space providing corporate backup care, including through Bright Horizons under the Jovie brand. We also offer hotel, event, church, and in-room childcare services.
Along the way, we even created and operated an assisted-living personal care home for 10 years before selling it.
Fourteen years ago, we opened Balance Dance Studios, followed by acquiring The Dance Spot in Round Rock nine years ago. Two years ago, we moved that studio into a state-of-the-art building we built from the ground up. And now, we’re opening APAX—the Austin Performing Arts and Training Complex—next to Balance, which will include six additional studios, Pilates, childcare, a café and bar, and a 430-seat professional theater.
One of the greatest joys now is that three of my four adult children work in the studios in different capacities. It’s incredibly special to build something together.
You founded Mom’s Best Friend in 1994 – before the gig economy made household staffing mainstream. What was it like pioneering that industry in Austin?
One of our biggest challenges early on was educating parents that employing a nanny is a professional relationship—not a casual arrangement. At the time, many families didn’t pay legally or understand payroll, taxes, or formal employment expectations.
We spent a lot of time helping families understand the importance of doing things the right way. We created an eight-page employment agreement to clearly define expectations from day one. That clarity prevents misalignment, hurt feelings, and unnecessary turnover—and it ultimately benefits both the family and the caregiver.
Balance Dance Studios was founded in 2012, and you later acquired Dance Spot ATX. What was the “aha moment” that made you think, I need to open my own studio?
As a dance mom, I spent a lot of time sitting in waiting rooms wishing there were classes for adults happening at the same time as kids’ classes. I also didn’t want to leave my young children at night to take adult classes, but daytime options were almost nonexistent.
I envisioned a space where kids and adults could dance simultaneously, where there were enough studios to offer a huge variety of classes, and where instructors were nurturing, skilled, and focused on helping students grow according to their individual goals.
I loved watching my own kids fall in love with dance, and I wanted that experience for other families—while also keeping dance in my own life. Shortly after opening Balance, I started partner dancing myself and have danced with the same dance partner for 13 years, including competing and performing together. I still take adult classes weekly and love staying active, creative, and connected through dance.
All four of your kids danced at some point. As both a studio owner and a dance mom, what did you learn from watching their different relationships with dance?
Each of my kids had a unique journey with dance, and that was such a gift to witness. My twins were especially shy when they were young, and performing helped them come out of their shells. Watching them perform duets together—usually musical theater pieces—are some of my favorite memories.
Between all four of them, they participated in nearly every program we offer: musical theater, hip hop, competition, and pre-professional teams. Their goals were different—one wanted to make her high school drill team, others wanted as many performance opportunities as possible—but what mattered most to me was instilling a lifelong love of movement.
That’s been the greatest reward. One of my daughters has returned to adult ballet and now takes a contemporary class with me each week (which I treasure). My oldest recently booked a birthday bungee class with friends. My son—even though he’s away at school—has taken adult ballet classes in NYC. Dance truly stayed with them.
Parents often ask: When is my child ready for dance classes? What do you recommend?
Most children are ready to start around age two or three. At two, some children thrive in creative movement classes, while others do best in a parent-and-me format starting around 18 months.
By age three, kids can choose from ballet/tap combo, pre-ballet, or pre-acro/hip hop classes. Around age six, they’re typically ready for full-hour, single-genre classes.
We recommend ballet and jazz as foundational styles, then encourage kids to explore what resonates—tap, hip hop, acro, contemporary, aerial, ballroom, K-pop, and more. We also offer an extensive summer program with themed camps, intensives, and workshops for ages three through ten.
What’s the most common mistake parents make when choosing a dance studio?
Choosing based on price alone. The quality of instruction, facilities, and culture varies widely, and those factors matter deeply—especially for young children.
Another common issue is pulling children out too quickly. It’s normal for young kids to cry or struggle initially, and well-meaning parents sometimes “rescue” them too early. Often, once a parent leaves, the child settles in beautifully. Learning to stick with something through discomfort is an important developmental skill, and many of our most confident dancers started out very shy.
Competition dance vs. recreational dance—how do families decide?
Recreational dance is wonderful for kids who want to move, make friends, and learn new skills without a heavy time commitment. Competition dance is a great fit for students who’ve found a true passion and want to train multiple days a week.
Families also need to consider the financial and time commitments involved—extra classes, choreography, costumes, and travel. There’s no “better” choice; it’s about alignment with the child’s goals and the family’s season of life.
You’re deeply embedded in the Austin parenting community. What’s the biggest challenge parents face today?
Parents today are navigating an overwhelming number of choices—childcare options, activities, schools—and many are stretched thin. One of the biggest challenges I see is screen dependency. Getting kids off devices and into environments where they move, connect, and build confidence is more important than ever.
Our businesses aim to support families in practical, meaningful ways—whether that’s providing high-quality in-home childcare or creating a centralized hub for the arts where multiple children (and even parents) can participate at the same time.
What advice would you give to moms who feel they have to choose between their passions and their families?
I never stopped dancing—even when life was full—because it gave me an hour to recharge, move my body, express myself, and connect socially. That time made me a better mom and leader.
It may look different in each season, but nurturing your passions isn’t selfish—it’s sustaining. Especially when life feels busiest.
Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you’d known when you were starting out?
My husband and I intentionally involved our kids in our businesses—sharing wins, challenges, financial lessons, and decision-making. We read books together, set goals annually, and encouraged curiosity and responsibility.
If I could go back, I would invest earlier in leadership development and coaching. Working with a business coach now has been transformational, and I see how powerful that growth could have been even sooner.
As a female entrepreneur in Austin for 30+ years, what changes have you seen?
When I started Mom’s Best Friend at age 23, earning credibility—especially with high-net-worth clients—was challenging. It took time and consistency to build trust.
I do wish female business owners were more connected locally. Many of us are busy and inward-focused, but we’re stronger when we intentionally support one another. When women lift each other up, truly all ships rise.
Kathy’s journey proves that entrepreneurship and motherhood aren’t competing forces – they’re complementary ones. Whether she’s helping Austin families find trusted childcare, creating spaces where dancers of all ages can thrive, or taking contemporary class alongside her daughter, Kathy embodies the philosophy that it’s never too late to start something new, and you’re never too busy to nurture what lights you up!
Experience Kathy’s Vision in Action
Ready to discover dance for your child (or yourself)?
Explore classes at Balance Dance Studios and Dance Spot ATX, where you’ll find everything from toddler creative movement to adult ballet, hip hop, contemporary, and more. Both studios are available on Recess – browse schedules, read reviews, and book directly.
Get the childcare support you need
Visit Jovie.com to connect with professional nannies, babysitters, and household staff who can support your family – whether you need regular care, backup support, or help for special events.
Watch for APAX
Keep an eye out for APAX – the Austin Performing Arts and Training Complex – opening next to Balance Dance Studios. With six additional studios, Pilates, childcare, a café and bar, and a 430-seat professional theater, it’s set to become Austin’s premier destination for the performing arts.
