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Teacher in the Spotlight: Amy Leigh Hall
Owner and director, Rhythms Dance Academy, Point Pleasant, NJ
Ages taught:
3 to18, although this summer I will begin Mommy and Me and
creative movement for younger ages.
Genres taught:
Tap, jazz, ballet, pointe, and lyrical. I plan to offer
modern, musical theater, piano, voice, and possibly a
special-needs dance class.
Teaching dance
for: 15 years
Why she teaches:
I was given the opportunity to teach at a young age and it
stuck with me. I love seeing each child grow from September to
June. I chose to open my own school because after teaching at
several locations I didn't think the students were being
taught the correct essentials. It's been a blessing to be able
to set my own curriculum and watch the improvements unfold.
Greatest
inspiration: My greatest
inspiration is my students. They bring such excitement and
thirst for knowledge to my classes. They teach me that
something fantastic can happen each day. I teach for them
always, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for
them. My parents inspire me to be brave and persevere in the
face of any adversity. My husband inspires me to trust myself
and my instincts. The support I receive from the important
people in my life is undoubtedly why I do what I do
successfully.
Philosophy of
teaching: I believe that dance education should be fun and
provide students with a high sense of self-worth and belief in
themselves. My goal is to develop the potential of each
individual while enhancing their love of dance. I encourage
each student to challenge their abilities and growth while
respecting and supporting their peers inside the classroom and
out. Building self-esteem, discipline, and a drive for
excellence is what will push my students forward with the
highest regard for themselves.
What makes her a
good teacher: I believe that
every child can gain something positive from dance lessons.
I push my students according to their abilities and not
their age; young dancers are so receptive to learning and to
finding out what's harder than what they have learned. I
listen to the students' problems both inside and outside of
dance. And I try to make it
as easy as possible for each child to
reach their potential as a dancer.
Fondest teaching
memory: Memories are made every day for me in class, like
when a student finally gets a step or understands a piece of
choreography, or runs offstage after a performance into my
arms and says, "That was so much fun!" One particularly
memorable time for me was taking a student to the Rockette
audition, because I have watched her struggle and triumph and
have seen what a beautiful dancer she has become.
Best advice for
students and teachers: For students, it's to respect the
art of dance. Even if you're just taking classes for fun, try
to get the most out of it. For teachers, it's to let children
be children. There's nothing worse than seeing little kids
dressed in "barely there" costumes and dancing to raunchy
music. Let dance speak for itself in movement and
choreography.
What she would do
if she couldn't teach dance: I would teach English, own a
small flower shop, or be a freelance writer. I'm lucky to have
my career and wouldn't trade it for anything.
More thoughts on
dance and teaching: Thank you to those people who believe
I can do anything. There have been people in my life who are
truly angels and their kindness never goes unnoticed.
Do you know a dance teacher who
deserves to be in the spotlight? Email your nominations to
Cheryl@rheegold.com or mail them to Jeff Warzecha, Rhee Gold
Company, 10 South Washington St., Norton, MA 02766. Please
include why you think this teacher should be featured in
Dance Studio Life, along with his or her contact
information.
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