Every week, I stand at the front of the studio and watch students walk through the door. Some come in chatty and full of energy, others quietly carrying the weight of their day. They drop their backpacks, change into their dance shoes, and begin to stretch. For a moment, the world slows down. Something shifts. No matter what happened in their school day, in their social life, or in their minds — when the music starts, we all step into a different space together.
People often see dance class as a structured after-school activity — a place to burn energy, learn coordination, maybe prepare for a recital. But for those of us who teach it, and for the students who truly experience it, dance becomes something much more meaningful.
In the studio, I watch students grow in ways that have nothing to do with technique. Sure, they learn to point their toes, control their turns, or land a jump — but even more, I see them build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. Dance asks students to be fully present, to connect their bodies with their emotions, and to keep going even when something feels hard or unfamiliar. They learn how to pick themselves up after making a mistake, how to focus on the details, and how to be patient with their progress. These are the moments that matter most.
The studio becomes a place where students feel safe to be themselves. Some of the quietest kids I’ve taught are the ones who come alive through movement. They may not speak loudly in the world, but when they dance, they are powerful. I see them express joy, sorrow, playfulness, and strength — all without saying a word. Dance gives them a voice they didn’t know they had.
Over time, something else happens too — the students become a family. They celebrate each other’s wins, support each other through rough patches, and grow side by side. Watching them cheer one another on, offer hugs after tough classes, or work together on formations reminds me that the studio is more than a classroom. It’s a community.
And as a teacher, it’s the biggest privilege to be part of that. To witness those small, powerful moments of growth. To hear a parent say, “She’s more confident since starting dance,” or to have a student quietly stay behind after class to share that dancing helped them through a rough day — that’s when I know this work matters.
So no, dance isn’t just an after-school activity. It’s not just movement or music or memorized steps. It’s a space for students to discover who they are, to connect with others, and to learn how to navigate life with strength, creativity, and heart.
That’s what we’re really teaching. And that’s what keeps me coming back, class after class, year after year.
Good luck to all,
See you in the dance studio,
Jess
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