Husband: Phil Zrihen
Children: Julia, 22; Jake, 20; and Beckett, 16
Occupation: Studio owner, co-founder, and business director of Downtown Dance Factory
Hobbies: Tennis, reading, and attending Broadway shows

Melanie Zrihen, the vibrant force behind Downtown Dance Factory (DDF), brings a refreshing blend of business savvy and artistic passion to the bustling streets of New York City. Originally from Canada, she and her husband made their move to the Big Apple 24 years ago on a whim– no plan in mind. Her background seamlessly weaves through various business endeavors, but Melanie found her true calling when she teamed up with her friend and business partner, Hanne, to create a haven for young dancers. With her infectious, positive energy and unwavering commitment to both her family and her passion for dance, Melanie Zrihen is not just the mom next door; she’s the cool and fun-loving matriarch who inspires others to dance to the beat of their own drums.

What does a normal day look like for you?
MELANIE: It’s kind of funny; the first things I do are the New York Times daily puzzles. Before I can even speak, I have to get my mind working. Then my youngest— who’s the only one that’s home— goes off to school. I usually take a picture of my dog, and send it to my middle one, Jake, because he gets a daily picture. So that’s sort of the three things that are constant every day. My husband and I then usually walk the dog together. We come back, and I usually get in a couple of hours of work in the morning. I work out, and then I go to work. Since we’re an after-school program, we get busy around three o’clock. So I’m usually at the studio from about one-thirty/two o’clock through seven o’clockish, and then [I] come home, dinner, and TV. Or I go out for dinner. 

What inspired you to pursue your career?
MELANIE: I have a business background, and my first job was in investment banking. I then went on to try advertising. I didn’t really like either of those. I got my MBA, and from there I got a job in management consulting. I did each of them for about two years, but nothing really clicked. 

Hanne and I were talking one day. Our kids were friends, and that’s how we got to know each other. We loved dance, and we were both looking for dance classes for our daughters and for our sons for that matter. We were talking about how it’s New York, and it’s crazy that we couldn’t find a great dance program for our kids. We started realizing that she has the experience of owning a dance studio and teaching, and I have the business background and love of dance. So we were like, ‘Why don’t we start something up?’ It was a random summer day in 2008 when we had this conversation, and then about six months later, we said, ‘Let’s do it!’

Since making the switch from business work environments, what has dance taught you over the years?
MELANIE: I grew up dancing, so I have the dance knowledge, but I studied business, so that’s really my role. And Hanne, she’s the artistic director, but she did own a business. We both are able to do our own roles but really work together on everything. But in terms of what it’s taught me, I think it’s taught me something different from what people would think, which is the value of community and teamwork. You think about dance as sort of an individual thing, like everybody goes out dancing, and you’re dancing by yourself. When you’re in a dance class, you’re part of a group, and there are some kids that dance once a week recreationally; there are other kids that dance several times a week. They compete, they go to school for dance— whether in high school or college— but it all works so much better when they work together.  And I see that a lot. We just had a competition, and it makes me so happy to see the friendships that have been formed among the dancers and also among the parents.

What are some joys and challenges of being a mom?
MELANIE: For me, and I know this is the case for my husband as well, one of the biggest joys is watching our kids do anything, whether it’s sports or dance. Our kids all play tennis, the boys play hockey, and then they all danced. My daughter actually has her final tap show at Yale this month, and we’re going to go watch her. A couple weeks ago, we went to St. Louis to see Jake when Dartmouth club hockey made it to the National Championship. My other son plays tennis and hockey at Poly Prep, so we go and watch his games as much as we can. I just love watching them do their thing throughout their lives, whether they were in P.E., baseball, softball, or soccer; they did a lot of stuff. That’s one of my biggest joys. 

And challenges, I will tell you that one of the biggest challenges right now, and I might get emotional, is them growing up. I think that’s becoming a little bit more real to me, especially because I’m working daily at a place where I see little kids with their parents and their interactions, and how much the kids need their parents. One of my biggest challenges, now, is not being needed as much. I’m here for them if they need something— I’m absolutely here— but I just feel like I definitely miss that.

How would you describe your parenting style?
MELANIE: I would say I’m supportive, I’m very nurturing, and I’m there for them. I’m not very strict— I can’t be. I can’t stay mad at them. If they do something wrong and I get mad in the moment, I see that they get it. I’m like okay… you know we can we can work through this. I’m also very laissez-faire; they’re smart kids, and they do well in school. So, as long as they do their part, I’ve never really needed to be on top of them that way. I let them do their thing so they have their space from me in that sense. But, if they need me or if they want me to help them with something, I’m absolutely happy to help them. I would say I’m actually kind of a pushover– in the best way!

What personality traits of yours do you see in your children?
MELANIE: We were talking about this on a trip recently because we were doing that Myers-Briggs personality test. I am the only one that gets ‘extrovert’ as the first one. My family, after they take a test, are introverts. I’m the only extrovert. And they are very much like [my husband.] I said to them, actually, ‘I don’t know if I should be offended by this.’ But I think that what they get from me is that I’m very structured and organized. I keep lists, and I manage my time well, and they definitely all are like that, probably my daughter and my older son more so. So I think they get that bit of me. But otherwise, they are very much like [my husband,] and they’re not exactly quiet within our own family. There’s a lot of personality. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring businesswomen?
MELANIE: What’s really important is trying to maintain a work-life balance, if you can. I think that’s one of the things that’s been really critical for me, and so I’m so lucky that I was able to create this business that allowed me to see my kids at work and allowed me to also be flexible. I work from home almost every morning now, and I think that if you can try to create something that allows you that perfect work-life balance and that allows your kids to be a part of your day, it’s a pretty unique thing, and I know that I’m very fortunate. The beginning of starting a business, though, is tough. You have to be ready to put in the hours and the weekends and the vacations. And even still, I’m always working, I’ve always got my computer, but I manage it. I make sure that I have time for my family. Also, I don’t ever let anything build up. There’s no day that I don’t check my emails or check in with work if I’m away. I also know that I’m very lucky to have the flexibility to be away. Investing in your team is important as well. Having people that I can rely on and I know are going to get the job done at DDF is actually really helpful. 

What do you think is one of the keys to successful parenting?
MELANIE: I think it’s giving your kids space and knowing when to step in and help them out. They need to advocate for themselves, and I think that’s a really important thing. I see it with my own kids, and I see it at DDF as well, that it’s important– when they’re young– to ensure they know how to advocate for themselves. And also, let them make mistakes when they’re young when the consequences are not as dire, or maybe there are no consequences. If they don’t do their homework, send them to school not having done their homework, don’t keep them home. I think this lets you give your kids space to figure it out. That’s what my parents did for me, and I feel like that’s what I think is important for parents to do for their kids.

Quick Qs
Guilty pleasure…….. Cadburry Mini Eggs AND TV.
Favorite date night…… Curling up on the couch watching TV.
Favorite girls night out…….. Broadway.
Something that makes you laugh…… Funny Instagram dog videos.
Something you’re looking forward to…….Our 15th year celebration of DDF recital.