After years of pouring my heart into teaching dance within the school system, I’ve decided it’s time for a change. This decision wasn’t made lightly—it comes from a place of reflection, personal growth, and a desire to impact the dance community in new and meaningful ways.
As a dance educator, I’ve had the privilege of sharing dance with countless students. However, my journey has led me to a point where I need to step outside the traditional school setting to pursue opportunities that align more closely with my vision for the arts, education and my family.
The Joys of Teaching Dance in Schools
Teaching dance in schools has been a deeply rewarding experience. There’s nothing quite like witnessing a student discover their passion for movement or helping a child build confidence through performance.
I’ve seen students transform in ways that go beyond technique—they’ve developed discipline, learned to collaborate, and found a creative outlet to express themselves. These moments have been a reminder of why I chose this career path in the first place.
Related Reading: Affirmations for Preschool Dancers: Building Confidence and Joy from an Early Age
Challenges That Led to My Decision
Despite the joys, the challenges of working within the school system have taken a toll. Tight budgets, limited resources, and a lack of understanding about the importance of arts education have often made it difficult to give my students the experience they deserve.
Additionally, my teaching schedule has left little time for my growing family. As a teacher in a charter school with an extended school day from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, the long hours are demanding. Coupled with teaching in the studio and supporting my own children’s extracurricular activities, the work-life balance has become increasingly challenging.
Another pressing issue is the increasing difficulty with student behavior. A lack of meaningful consequences and limited parental support has created an environment where managing classrooms becomes an additional hurdle. These challenges make it harder to focus on teaching and nurturing students through dance, as so much energy is spent addressing disruptions rather than fostering creativity.
Balancing these demands alongside administrative duties, standardized testing schedules, and a rigid curriculum has left little room for the creative freedom that dance education thrives on. These systemic issues have made it clear that the school system, as it currently stands, isn’t the best place for me to make the impact I envision.
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My Vision for Dance Education Beyond the Classroom
Stepping away from the school system doesn’t mean stepping away from teaching. On the contrary, it’s an opportunity to reimagine how dance can be shared with the next generation.
I envision creating programs that:
- Prioritize creativity and individuality.
- Offer flexible schedules to accommodate diverse learners.
- Build partnerships with community organizations to make dance accessible to everyone.
This shift will allow me to bring dance education into spaces where it can thrive without the constraints of traditional school systems. It’s about meeting students where they are and providing a more holistic, inclusive approach to arts education.
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Don’t Let Insurance and Benefits Hold You Back
It’s easy to feel trapped by the benefits package that comes with a traditional job, especially when it comes to health insurance. After all, securing benefits like health coverage can feel like a major reason to stay in a role, even if your heart is pulling you elsewhere. Let me tell you the school system benefits are not easy to walk away from, the holiday breaks, and PTO along with parental leave. But it’s important to remember that there are other options available, especially for those of us transitioning out of the school system or shifting to independent careers.
When I made the decision to leave teaching within the traditional school system, health insurance was one of the factors I had to think through carefully. Especially having a family with children that relies on you for those benefits. The security of benefits can feel comforting, but it shouldn’t keep you from pursuing a career path that aligns better with your personal and professional goals. If you’re an independent contractor, entrepreneur, or someone looking to take your career in a different direction, there are resources that can help you navigate health insurance and other benefits.
For example, I found that by exploring different health insurance options available for independent contractors, I was able to find a plan that suits my needs and my family needs. without compromising my vision for a more flexible career. If you’re curious about how to handle insurance benefits as you step away from a traditional role, I encourage you to check out this article on navigating health insurance for independent contractors with confidence: Health Insurance for Independent Contractors: Navigating Coverage with Confidence. It offers great insight into how to make sure you’re covered while pursuing your passions without being held back by old structures.
So, don’t let the fear of losing benefits stop you from pursuing the work that truly lights you up. There are solutions and finding the right one can give you the freedom to move forward with confidence and security.
What’s Next for My Career in Dance
As I transition out of the school system, I am so excited to be joining an established organization that is already doing incredible work in the community. This opportunity not only aligns with my passion for dance education, community, and arts advocacy but also allows me to grow new skills and learn within my new position. I’m excited to contribute to their mission while continuing to expand my impact on students, educators, and the arts.
In this new role, I’ll be focusing on:
- Building community-based dance programs that prioritize creativity, individuality, and accessibility for all students.
- Offering workshops and masterclasses that draw on my experience as a professional dancer, arts administrator, and educator to inspire and train the next generation of artists.
- Developing resources for dance educators to help them navigate their own challenges and create impactful, engaging learning environments.
This transition also gives me the opportunity to create better balance in my personal and family life. By stepping away from the extended hours and demanding schedule of the school system, I can be more present for my growing family and support my children’s extracurricular activities while continuing to pursue my professional goals.
This new chapter is about expanding my reach and creating opportunities that reflect the value and the profound power of dance. If you’re an educator or dancer considering a similar path, know that stepping away from a system doesn’t mean stepping away from your purpose. It’s an invitation to redefine how you share your gifts with the world, contribute in meaningful ways, and find the balance you need to thrive.
Leaving the school system is bittersweet, but it’s also a step toward growth and possibility. I’ll always cherish the memories and lessons learned from my time in the classroom, and I look forward to continuing to inspire through dance in new and exciting ways.
What’s your experience with dance education? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.
Happy Dancing!
Taylor B.
