Lifestyle

Justin J. Allen: The Ability to Find Business Opportunity in Everything

Published

4 years ago

September 7, 2021

Recently, we had the unexpected pleasure of sitting down with one of our favorite entrepreneurs on the scene today, Justin J. Allen. For those of you just now hearing about Justin, he founded his first LLC back in 2013, in the world of executive security services, and has since managed to build it into an uber-impressive multi-million-dollar company. Not only that, but Allen also now helms a successful sports agency, in the form of DA Method Sports Agency, a related fitness clothing brand, DA Method Apparel (along with his business partners Darryl Wilson & James “AJ” Mason), and is preparing to launch his own barbershop, Premier Cutz, and adjacent bar, the Premier Lounge.

And in our little sit-down, when we asked him what his secret skill was, Justin correctly pointed at the ability to “find business opportunities in everything”. And judging from his impressive catalogue of successful business ventures, we can safely say he wasn’t kidding. While it’s true that the very concept of entrepreneurship speaks of versatility and adaptability, it’s still rare to find an entrepreneur with so many successful businesses in so many different areas of work. So, it’s fair to assume Allen does indeed possess a sixth sense for sensing business possibilities, one that he’s keen on sharing with young entrepreneurs in need of guidance.

According to Allen, he’s always been an entrepreneur at heart, though naturally, he too went through his fair share of disappointment, bad jobs, professional conflicts, and so on. And during that time, as well as in the first years of his career as an entrepreneur, he learned the importance of having a role-model. Someone there to guide you and steer you in the right direction. Not tell you where to go, because at the end of the day, being an entrepreneur isn’t about that, but rather, about finding your own values and your own path.

That’s what Allen is now looking to do for young entrepreneurs in need of a mentor – provide a helping hand, a word of advice, or even some guidance. And while a sixth sense for business opportunities can’t really be grown, it can be nurtured and developed, under the careful, watchful eye of an experienced mentor like Allen. It’s one thing to realize what businesses have potential and which don’t, and it’s nothing short of remarkable. Still, that’s not all a young entrepreneur will need to succeed in this world. They will also need help identifying what matters to them and finding their true entrepreneurial path.

Now, having established multiple successful businesses of his own, Justin J. Allen is in a place from which he can focus on giving. Naturally, he confided in us, he’s still got his eye on his own development and journey as an entrepreneur, but he has also reached a place in his career where he can help other individuals start their own business, and why not multiple businesses, like him. To show them, perhaps, that yes, entrepreneurship is a hard road, but that’s one of the things Allen loves best about it.

“Your level of success depends on you and how much work you put in. You can create your own schedule. You can decide what business you want to create; you have the ability to provide opportunities for people, The challenge is to stay current with the times.”

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

6 days ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.