Entrepreneur of the Month

June 2004

WHO IS HE?

Edward "Sarge" Sargent of DeSarge Danceworld in Naperville.

HOW LONG IN BUSINESS?

Sarge (as he is known by his students) has taught the art of dance for over 25 years at various dance studios. Sarge owned studios in both Naperville and South Africa for 25 years before selling the business. Three months ago, Sarge established himself as a newly independent dance instructor and opened DeSarge Danceworld in Naperville.

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
 SERVICES OFFERED:

DeSarge Danceworld offers instruction in American and International Style Ballroom and Latin, including Salsa, Jitterbug, Swing, Country & Western, American Tango, Bolero, Argentine Tango, Vals, Milonga and much more. Sarge specializes in private and group instruction for social and competitive dance. Sarge also runs special dance workshops, performance showcases and other dance events. From beginner to advanced levels, Sarge is a seasoned and extremely versatile teacher offering comprehensive services.

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE:

What makes DeSarge Danceworld truly unique is Sarge himself, succinctly described in two words: brilliant inspiration. Sarge has pure passion for teaching dance, evidenced by unwavering high energy, infectious enthusiasm and total dedication.  He does not simply teach - he motivates, creates, sculpts, encourages and inspires. His range of dance knowledge and accomplishment allow him to offer instruction seldom found at other dance studios, such as the Argentine tango series and his specific brand of dance technique classes. Not only does Sarge have the ability to train the most awkward, self-conscious beginner through the most skilled dancer, but he maintains a sincere interest in doing so to help each of his students achieve the fullest potential of personal growth. Sarge is a man of integrity who is a credit to the dance world...a charismatic maverick who is energetic beyond belief. SOME ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Sarge is Gold qualified in American Ballroom and Latin dance. His dance credentials include South African Rock & Roll Champion; certifications in American Style and International Style Bronze, Silver and Gold Dance; and international certification in Ballroom and Latin Dance. He has won numerous top teacher and dance competition awards nationally and internationally, including International Smooth & Rhythm, US Terpsichore Assn., Chicago, IL 2001; and Ballroom & Latin Dance, Fred Astaire Studios, Johannesburg, South Africa 1978-1985.

Sarge's creative accomplishments transcend the dance world, having won recognition in other genres. He completed an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Design and Multimedia at Westwood College in Woodridge, December, 2002. He operates Eagle Eye Images, a graphic design business, through which he also produces self promotional pieces for his dance business. He has a special interest in website design. He designed and maintains his own website for DeSarge Danceworld.

HOW IT GREW:

Sarge's lofty dance qualifications and talent provide a strong base for the outstanding instruction he offers. His reputation is widely known within the Chicago dance community. His high respectability has earned him a long list of loyal clients.

OVERALL IMPRESSION OF BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR:

To illustrate Sarge's entrepreneurial attributes, we refer to a study by William Jennings in which entrepreneurs were given a list of attributes and asked to rate their importance for success. The seven most highly ranked qualities were perseverance; desire and willingness to take the initiative; competitiveness; self-reliance; a strong need to achieve; self-confidence; and good physical health (William E. Jennings, "A Profile of the Entrepreneur" in Entrepreneurship: A Primer for Canadians). These qualities are an apt description of Sarge.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

DeSarge Danceworld 632 Amersale Dr. Suite 104  Naperville, IL 60563
Call: 630.355.1188 or 630.309.9256
Email: sarge@desargedanceworld.com

Nominated by: A few of his students; Pat Pitula, Judith Boustead, Aref Khwaja, Firdaus Hashim, and Carole Strejc

To my wonderful students,
Thanks for the Nomination!!!

Thank you for 12 wonderful years of happy memories dancing in Naperville. I am looking forward to many years to come serving this wonderful community...
Dancingly yours,  Sarge

Comments From Happy Clients

Linda...

I cannot thank you enough for making my Sunday evening performance special. Everyone enjoyed themselves. My sisters loved it. My girlfriend's grand daughter still talks about dancing with you. Thank you for your support and help. You are a special person...

Luke and Celeste...

Sarge, our wedding dance was beyond amazing! People said it was the most awesome dance they had ever seen. They were either yelling, screaming, clapping or crying as we were twirling and dancing our steps.  It was a great way to start our reception! Thanks for everything!"

Christy Cunningham...(7-27-04)

Hi Sarge! The wedding was awesome and our dance was even better! Thank you so much for teaching Carson and I, and my dad and I, such fun and beautiful dances. We felt comfortable and looked great! I will send you pictures for your website in the next couple of weeks. Thanks again!

Carole...

Sarge...You are an awesome teacher and dancer. I love dancing showcases...preparing for them is always an adventure!

Rose and Miles...

Sarge you brought life to music fondly...

Rebecca...

Sarge what can I say - life has not been the same since I started dancing with you.

Linda...

Thanks for allowing my friend Rose to experience your swing group class. Your kindness and hospitality was appreciated. As you could tell she was very nervous and did not change partners, when requested and pretty much stayed with Mark the entire evening. Even though you are a very high level instructor, you still have such empathy for beginners. When you and Susan demonstrated a step pattern, I wish you could have heard Mark make the comment to Rose "you are looking at the two top professional instructors in the Chicagoland area!"

Jenna...

Dear Sarge, thank you! Dancing has changed my life. Not just dancing ~ but having you as my dancing teacher. Happy 3rd Anniversary.

L Sickles...

Thank you so much for all of your support for the Showcase on the 21st. I am always amazed at your ability to create a routine that displays each of your students strengths, no matter what level they are dancing at. This, along with your compassion, and the ability to teach students with a wide variety of learning styles is admirable. You have the ability to present instruction in many different ways, and are flexible with your methods of teaching and you support each students individual learning style. Thanks so much for your hard work on my routine. It certainly was a lot of fun dancing this routine with you. I am looking forward to the next routine's!

Bob and Kelly...

Dear Sarge, we love the classes and wanted to thank you for being such a great teacher. We always have a fun time in your class!!

Mark Hussman - "ELVIS"...

Hi Everyone! I'd like to thank everyone who attended the rehearsal today at DeSarge Danceworld! We completely choreographed Memphis Medley" and completed costuming assignments. Today was, far and away, the best dance rehearsal in the history of the Elvis Spectacular thanks to our brilliant choreographer, Sarge. We found everything written about him to be true, as the girls actually had a lot of fun learning the routine for the most complex number in the show... THANKS SARGE! THANKS GIRLS!

Pat...

Hi Sarge thank you for the awesome instruction in tonight's Latin technique class. Your teaching was beyond excellent and reflects the true mastery that you lend to all of your teaching. Tonight's class was over the top, better than all of the workshops combined that I experienced. This class reinforced how very fortunate I am to have you as my dance coach, a clear reminder that I am learning from the best of the best. The most talented dance instruction I can ever experience is right in my own backyard. Don't ever stop inspiring your students, your gift is too precious.