DA: When did you first begin to dance?
I began dancing at age six here at the Dance Academy. I was reluctant to go at first, but my best friend and neighbor convinced me that Beginner Ballet was a good idea. After the first few classes, she decided that she was better fit for soccer, but I had instantly fallen in love with dancing. I remember looking at the advanced girls in the classroom next to mine and thinking, I want to do that. So I did. Over the years, I’ve expanded my classes to every style that the studio has to offer, and the Dance Academy has become very much like a home away from home for me. I compete regularly in group numbers and as a soloist and take classes at DA every day, as well as the occasional class at Broadway Dance Center in New York City.
DA: When did you first begin teaching?
I first began teaching when I was 12, assisting teachers with the 4-6 year old classes. Last year, I was an assistant DA teacher in the afternoon program at Central Elementary School in Haddonfield. This is my first year teaching formally at the Dance Academy and I’m really looking forward to it.
DA: What styles of dance are you trained in?
As of right now, I’m trained in a variety styles and hope to continue learning new ones as I get older. I currently take ballet, lyrical, jazz, modern, hip hop, contemporary, and tap at the Dance Academy.
DA: What is your favorite aspect of teaching dance in the classroom?
Overall, I love watching students improve over the year. Seeing what they know in September compared to what they’ve learned by June is amazing, and it feels great to be a part of that learning experience.
DA: What do you hope your students take away from your class?
I hope that students taking my class take away everything that they’ve learned and carry that into new, higher levels. As much as I want my students to become a technically better dancers, my biggest hope for this year is that the students have fun learning something new and are inspired to continue dancing.
Dance, of any style, is my passion and obsession. Being on stage, dancing or performing in general, is such an amazing feeling and one that I want to share with every student that comes into the classroom.
Dance can be extremely challenging, but I hope the students can take away a part of my own inspiration, passion, and good memories of their Beginner Tap experience.
