My Experience

I have many years of experience as a dance teacher and a dance studio owner. I understand the personal triumph, and dissatisfaction, that can accompany each role.

Although there is so much good too, people in these positions are prone to loneliness and isolation: fearful they are not doing a good enough job of living up to the expectations of their students, clients, and their own families - and then overworking to the point of utter exhaustion.

Finding and keeping consistent, well-paying work, or maintaining student retention is the cause of chronic stress and sleepless nights for many.

Sadly, it's common for teachers and directors to feel they are not considered serious professionals. Many suffer from harmful habits involving constant comparison and hold a strong need for validation in and out of the studio.

There is a perfectionist culture in the arts, particularly in the dance field. It has the damaging effect of scaring those who work together out of asking each other for help. Not knowing how to deal with a group of students or the best way to teach a particular movement is not uncommon but very difficult to discuss in the workplace.

Dance can be a place of 'YES, I will do this, no matter what,' with the belief that anything less than YES is failing. But this apparently ‘can-do’ attitude quickly morphs into people-pleasing and working to a serious detriment.

Dance teachers, in particular, can lose themselves in all the responsibilities, real and assumed. How many times have you got the impression you should do extra work without pay simply because you "love it"? Have you agreed to teach additional classes that made you uncomfortable or repeatedly gone to work on your days off because you felt you'd be letting many people down if you didn’t?

Another typical example of self-defeating behaviour in dance teachers is accepting a teaching schedule that doesn't meet their financial needs because they feel they need to pay their dues or prove themselves before they get ‘the real job’.

I've been there. And I know there is a better way.

Myths & Truths

The dance world isn't for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of determination, resiliency, creativity and perseverance. But the act of passing on your love of movement to others shouldn't destroy you!

Myth: No Pain, No Gain

Truth: If you are in a painful situation, you should get out! Hurting yourself over and over for the sake of something you think you'll get is ludicrous. Going through hurtful experiences, again and again, does a lot more damage than good. Burnout is real. Injuries are real. Financial hardship is real. Mental and physical health are your top priorities as a living human being, and if you're not looking after yourself, how will you even enjoy the so-called payoff - if it ever comes?

Myth: “I'm not good enough”

Truth: You may be lacking experience, specific knowledge, or an excellent method of delivery, but YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH. I promise. If the idea that you're not good enough stops you from asking for proper compensation for your time or allows disrespect of your boundaries, it's time to look at what's really going on.  

Myth: Dance teachers are poor

Truth: Knowing your worth and receiving accurate payment for your expertise is part of the work dance teachers need to do. The focus on the students, the school, or even the future of the art form needs to come second to the dance teacher's survival (and thrival!). Those who have figured this out are serving so many more students, institutions and dance itself at exceptional levels.

Myth: Real dance teachers don't need lesson plans 

Truth: Yes, they do. Their plans are well-designed, meticulous and lovingly compiled. And you can do it.

I Can Help You

There are so many rewards that come from being a dance educator. When you work with a plethora of personalities, artistry-in-development, physical challenges, and the whole concept of learning, you'll never be bored. But, you can get weary.

I want to help you become confident in:

• setting boundaries

• realizing a streamlined schedule

• building a network of support

• and enjoying the payoff of your hard work.

A renewed sense of purpose and self-worth will help you sleep better, and an understanding of genuine confidence will also produce excellent results from your students. You'll find healthy relationships in the industry, more time to spend with your friends and family, and your own authentic, unique voice.