Taylor Made by Faith
When I think about the trajectory of my life, it’s hard to imagine where I’d be without the arts. Dance wasn’t just a childhood hobby, it was my safe space, my outlet, and ultimately, the reason I received a college scholarship. That opportunity opened doors I never imagined, and now, as a dance educator and …
As dance teachers, we give so much of ourselves, our energy, our creativity, our patience to help our students grow. Whether you’re leading a beginner ballet class or coaching pre-professional dancers through performance season, there are moments when you might feel physically and emotionally drained. That’s when a few well-chosen words can rekindle your spark …
Thank a Dance Teacher Day: Celebrate the Heart Behind the Art on May 1st As a dance teacher myself, I know how much of this work is done behind the scenes, often with little recognition. We show up early to warm up the studio and stay late to talk to students after class. We hold …
Every year in April, dancers and dance lovers around the world come together to celebrate International Day of Dance. This global celebration, established in 1982 by the International Dance Committee of the UNESCO International Theatre Institute, shines a spotlight on the art of dance, its power, its presence, and its purpose in every corner of …
“What’s the point of dance?”“If my child isn’t going to be a professional dancer, why am I pouring money into all of this?” I hear these questions all the time, from parents, from well-meaning family members, even from other educators. Let me tell you something as a dancer who received a scholarship to college. Not …
Introduction When people think about ballet, they often picture dancers performing on stage. But behind every successful dance company, there’s a team making sure the performances, rehearsals, and programs happen smoothly. As a Program Coordinator at Ballethnic Dance Company, I get to be part of that process, helping dancers access training, performance opportunities, and community …
A couple of weeks ago, I attended a vinyl listening party, an experience that felt almost foreign in today’s fast-paced, content-driven world. We gathered, we sat, and listened, really listened, to D’Angelo’s Voodoo album from start to finish. No skipping tracks, no background distractions. Just the music as it was meant to be heard. For …
Every March, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, we recognize Dance in Schools Month, a time to highlight the importance of dance education and advocate for #DanceEducationForALL. As someone who started as a dance educator in underfunded schools, I’ve seen firsthand how dance changes lives. Many of my students faced challenges outside the …
There’s something undeniably special about Saturday morning ballet class. It’s not just the pink tights, the soft leather ballet slippers, or the adorable bags shaped like oversized ballet shoes. It’s the tradition, the ritual, and the nostalgia that swirl together, creating cherished memories that linger long after childhood. For me, the journey began in the …
Cultural heritage is more than a record of the past, it’s a living, evolving art form that connects communities, shapes identities, and paves the way for future generations. In this article, I explore how community arts serve as a powerful medium to preserve traditions, celebrate diversity, and inspire personal journeys. Embracing Cultural Heritage and Community …
