Susan Custer
Susan Custer is an accomplished dance educator and health sciences professional home based in Stoughton, Wisconsin. With a Bachelor of Science in Dance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Susan has dedicated over 40 years to the art of dance, beginning as a young student supported by her father and progressing to professional training at the Illinois Academy of Ballet. She has combined her passion for movement with a commitment to community engagement, teaching ballet and creative movement to children and adults through her self-employed practice and her role at the City of Monona Parks & Recreation. As a Brain Health Trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Susan integrates her expertise in fitness, nutrition, and health sciences to promote holistic well-being. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes fostering creativity, physical health, and inclusivity, reflected in her work offering scholarships to students through her business, Dancing with Care, and providing ballet slippers to ensure all participants feel welcomed and supported. She is also actively involved with the Isthmus Dance Collective of Madison Wisconsin, collaborating with other professionals to bring dance education to the broader community. Susan’s professional journey includes a range of leadership and advocacy experiences, from serving as a Student Liaison on the Madison Area Technical College District Board to completing the Wisconsin AHEC Scholars program, where she addressed population health needs through interprofessional learning. Throughout her career, she has overcome significant personal challenges, including cancer and spine surgeries, demonstrating resilience and dedication to her students and the field of dance and health education. Her work continues to inspire creativity, inclusivity, and wellness in every community she serves.
• Senior Fitness Specialist
• University of Wisconsin-Madison - BS
• UW Madison Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education (CIPE)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and support I’ve received from mentors, particularly for the twenty years of working with the same preschool director, who generously supported my plan to teach dance in an after school program by providing space and allowing me to exchange lessons. Through higher education in occupational therapy and senior fitness studies, that practice has evolved into a program for Seniors known as "I'm Possible" ballet. I am also deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my family, whose encouragement reinforced my determination and love for learning. Their combined guidance and belief in me has been instrumental in shaping my path and fueling my growth. I am the tenth child of eleven siblings. We as a family rarely have it easy but we are surrounded in music, laughter creative approaches to challenge rich in love.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"Why are you not dancing?" During my time as a Student Liaison to the District Board for Madison College I was mentored by the College President in one-on-one meetings. Together, we would discuss meeting agenda before I would attend once a month Board meetings sitting shoulder to shoulder with all Board members. To my delight, along with seeing them collaborate on a professional level to acheive moving mountains for students, communities, and cultures, I would witness a window into how they maintained their own individual identies. One highly respected, highly educated and esteemed Board Member shared with me his hobby of spinning records for a non-commercial listener-sponsored community radio station in Madison, Wisconsin founded in 1975. He is my inspiration towards saying yes to teaching dance again. It's about loving what you do and being the best you can be at whatever you want to pursue.
Passion for good opens doors to leading with your heart.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to fully own your skills and your voice. Overcoming imposter syndrome is key—I’ve faced it myself, particularly when challenged by a professor who pushed me to grow. That experience taught me resilience and the importance of trusting in my own abilities. In many ways she was right. I just didn't want to hear it. Embrace challenges as opportunities to strengthen your confidence and expertise.
There will be challenges. Take this as a message not a warning.We cannot plan for challenges. Do not let them get the best of you. It is easy to say that from the other side. Know your truth and stand by your own integrity. In the end we must believe in ourselves but do not forget to take a look at yourself from the eyes of another. There is much to be learned from the outside looking in.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The challenges in my field now are the same they were twenty years ago. The trick is to find a way to be different and to be consistently good. The only way to do that is to not be afraid to learn like a beginner.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are dedication, to be playful and a commitment to growth. I currently balance self-employment with teaching at the City of Monona’s Parks and Recreation facility, where I developed a successful ballet program for youth and seniors after initially connecting through LinkedIn. My experience as an AHEC Scholar, studying women’s and children’s health disparities in Wisconsin and touring Native American territories, reinforced my belief in self-directed learning and the importance of exploring diverse perspectives. To witness harsdship and frustrations in life compels me to provide a pathway through the gift of dance where each participant gives themselves health and joy through movement.
On a personal level, my husband and two grown sons have taught me invaluable lessons about adventures, creativity and higher education, reminding me that learning and curiosity are endless.