Life & Work with Mallory Quinn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallory Quinn.

Hi Mallory, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
ABASI Dance Lab was created in 2016 following a series of research studies and work in the community that were conducted while I was in graduate school. I received my Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of South Florida. During my time as a student, I conducted research on using Behavior Analytic training with competition dancers. We evaluated different feedback modalities, motivational strategies, data collection methods, etc. to enhance competition dancer’s performance and decrease training methods based on punishment.

We also used ABA within our work with dancers with special needs to train them on gross motor skill coordination. We worked with dancers with Autism, dancers in wheelchairs, etc.

My studio started with just me and a traveling ballet barre in my trunk, traveling to people’s homes and giving lessons in living rooms. In 2018, I opened my fitness studio Kinetic Soul, and would intersperse dance private lessons wherever there were gaps in that schedule.

In January 2021, we opened our official studio space for ABASI Dance Lab. We provide a variety of group classes for all ages including toddlers to all aged adults. We provide classes in all styles of dance and all levels. We continue to provide our specialized private lessons using the science of ABA.

Our studio’s niche is technique focused training in a non-competitive environment. We do not participate in competition dance, and rather focus on our students having the skills to become working professionals. We have many students who are wonderful technical movers but do not feel they fit in in other studio environments. Our student population is made up of, title-winning gymnasts, ice skaters, ex-competition dancers, professional musical theater performers, etc.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some struggles we have faced included being the first ABA and dance studio. Although we conducted years of research in this area, it has been published in scientific journals so people did not know about it. Quitting a secure teaching and research position at a University to pursue a company in a brand new niche area was a huge challenge.

Opening during the COVID-19 pandemic was a huge challenge as well. Our build out took many months longer due to supply shortages, staffing shortages, etc. Our first full semester was full of absences from students and teachers due to quarantines, exposures, illness, etc. Navigating the ever-changing rules and keeping everyone happy and comfortable while also safe has been a huge challenge.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been a dance and musical theater performer in Tampa my whole life!

I attended Blake High School for the Performing Arts as a musical theater major, and received my Ph.D. from the University of South Florida in Applied Behavior Analysis where my work with competitive dancers has been published in multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals. I have worked as a dance instructor in Tampa since 2014, and performed theater roles locally such as Wendla in Spring Awakening, Cathy in The Last 5 Years, Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde, Sandy in Grease, Mimi in Rent, Eponine in Les Miserables, and Mrs. Walker in Tommy at theaters including Eight O Clock Theater, MAD Theater of Tampa and Richey Suncoast.

Now with my businesses, I do not have extra time to perform, but I love to teach young performing artists and choreograph productions. I have choreographed local musical theater productions including: Annie, Spring Awakening, Alice in Wonderland, The Wedding Singer, and The Music Man. I also love to work as a judge at local Thespian competitions and see all of the amazing young talents in Tampa!

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always very outgoing and loved to perform! I grew up doing competition dance and musical theater. I always loved the field of Psychology, and read psychology books all the time and was obsessed with watching psychology shows on TV! Even as a kid I watched Intervention a lot growing up, which was a pretty strange show for a child to enjoy! I don’t think anyone in my family was surprised when I ended up combining a psychological degree with performing arts. I have always had a bold and daring personality and also enjoyed riding horses, and especially trying to train the racer ponies. This personality has definitely led me to the entrepreneur lifestyle which is risky, exciting, and always changing every day.

Pricing:

• 1 class a week per semester (4 months), $65 monthly
• 2 classes a week per semester (4 months), $115 monthly
• 3 classes a week per semester (4 months), $165 monthly
• 4 classes a week per semester (4 months), $210 monthly
• Private lessons: $75 hourly (privates taught in all styles of dance including specialized conditioning and ABA privates)

Contact Info:

• Email: info@abasidancelab.com
• Website: www.abasidancelab.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abasidancelab/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abasidancelab

Image Credits
Jessica Andrews (@theycallmeandrews)