I received my BA in dance. Now what?

Photo by William Frederking

I remember when I had to make the big life decision on what I was going to do for the rest of my life (at the ripe age of 18). "Where will you go to college?" "What will you study?" "What do you want to be?" I remember answering "all I want to do is dance". To this day I'm not quite sure what I meant by that, but at the same time I know precisely. I didn't know how I would make money or if I even could. I proceeded (at the last minute) filling out college applications and before I knew it, I made it across the big stage with my diploma. I received my BA in dance. Now what?

I picked up a small teaching job towards the end of college and found myself completely loving it. I found a way to give my joy to others. I saw the way the kids lit up from week to week. This was exactly what I was meant to do. After graduation I acquired more teaching jobs around the city. Some classes I enjoyed teaching more than others, but ultimately, after each day, my soul felt good.

It takes more than a trained dancer to teach dance. Needed requirements would be: patience, mental and physical energy, a firm tone of voice, and an accessible personality.
It's important to be giving of everything. I know that when I go into a class, for the next 30-90 minutes, these bodies need everything I can give them. I know I can't slack. They need instruction, critique, enthusiasm, patience, investment, and motivation. The hardest part about teaching is never letting them down no matter what. I have to be the example of perseverance. If I'm tired and let it show, they are allowed to do the same. If I watch the clock, they do, too. I expect top notch students and they expect that of me.

At the same time, maybe that's why I'm deeply passionate about teaching. I stay motivated through teaching my students. If I get one smile per class, I know I made a difference. When a two year old can finally find her own first position, I dance a little inside. When a teen finally discovers the life altering way of dancing from her core, I am one happy lady. These are moments I celebrate, because I remember how hard it was for me.

Looking back ten years, I smile remembering how easy it was to know I wanted to dance forever. I didn't know where I was going and frankly, I still don't. But one thing I know is the absolute joy of passing on passion that runs so deeply.

Submitted by TDC Dancer Shannon Edwards, September 29, 2014.