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When a Dancer Decides to Leave: Navigating the Inevitable Goodbye

Type:

Teacher article

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None

As a dance studio owner, there comes a moment in every career when a student decides it’s time to part ways with dance. For some, it’s a rare event, a handful of instances over the years. For others, it may feel like a more frequent reality. It can be especially difficult when it’s a dancer who has inspired you, whose talent and presence in class have made you a better teacher. But even though it’s tough, it’s something that happens to all of us in this field.

Author

Jess Stafford

Jess Stafford

Jess Stafford is a native New Yorker and has her MA in Dance Education from NYU. She also earned a BFA in dance performance from UMASS Amherst. Following a wonderful professional dance career, Jess now teaches and choreographs nationally and internationally, bringing her love of movement and creating to all her classes. Jess’ favorite performance credits include: The National Tour of Guys & Dolls, The European Tour of Grease, West Side Story, Cabaret, Sweet Charity, Salute to Dudley Moore at Carnegie Hall, guest-dancer with the World Famous Pontani Sisters and IMPULSE Modern Dance Company. She has been on faculty for the Rutgers University Dance Department, Perichild Program at Peridance and was Company Director at Steffi Nossen School of Dance. Jess has also taught creative movement therapy in Uganda and was a featured instructor at the Queen's Kampala Dance School. She has conducted workshops for the cast of LA REVE at the Wynn, Las Vegas and has been on faculty at the IDS International Dance Teacher Conference at The Royal Ballet, MPower Summer Dance Intensives and annual Dance Teacher Web Conferences. Jess has also served as Master Teacher & adjudicator for various dance competitions. She is the Chief Editor and contributing writer for the DanceTeacherWeb.com blog and is also an original in-house Dance Teacher Web faculty member. Jess’ latest venture has called her to become a Board Certified Integrative Health Coach, 500HR RYT and RPYT. She is also the creator of her private practice, Rebel Wellness. Her latest passion project includes creating the “BE WELL” Yoga + Wellness School and Dance Studio Program, which fosters mental health & emotional wellness for today’s youth. www.rebelwellnessny.com

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