Why We LOVE Teaching Dance!

At Tonawanda Dance Arts, our teachers don’t just teach steps - they share a true love for dance and for every student who walks through our doors. They’re passionate about watching confidence grow, seeing hard work pay off, and helping dancers discover what they’re capable of. Teaching dance is about connection, creativity, and joy, and our faculty brings that passion into every class—creating a supportive, encouraging environment where dancers feel inspired, valued, and excited to learn.

We asked a couple of our teachers to share why they love what they do!

❤️ "I started dancing at TDA before it even was TDA. I left for a few years and returned when my daughter began her dance journey. This year I joined the staff and it felt like coming home. Seeing the joy and passion our dancers have is infectious. I feel as though we have created a space for all dancers to be welcomed and loved and I personally feel it back. TDA is a place to learn, grow, love, and be at home." - Miss Erin M.

❤️ "I absolutely love teaching dance at TDA!  I love sharing my passion for dance and movement with my students and seeing how each student grows and evolves. Each student I work with teaches me something that I carry forward to future students. Teaching dance allows such a unique bond between teacher and student that is special to the dance studio; trust, respect, dedication, determination and compassion are all elements that are found in a dance space.  I honestly love the bonds that are created; they help in creating our masterpieces!" - Miss Shannon

❤️ "I love what I do at TDA because I love educating and being able to positively influence kids lives every day! It is so important to me. My own mentors throughout my dance experiences as a child helped me become the strong, confident and incredibly driven dancer and person I am today. Being able to pass that on to the next generation is a privilege and responsibility that I hold so close to my heart! Being able to live my passion each day while helping young dancers achieve their goals has got to be one of the best most rewarding feelings ever." - Miss Miranda

❤️ "I love being a dance teacher because I get to witness growth over time. I see the shy child who barely speaks begin to shine. I see the frustrated student finally nail a skill they’ve been working on for weeks. I see confidence bloom where doubt once lived. These moments never get old. One of my favorite parts of teaching is building relationships. Watching students grow year after year, both inside and outside the studio, is incredibly rewarding. I get to cheer them on during performances, support them through challenges, and celebrate their victories, big and small. I love being a dance teacher because I get to make a difference." - Miss Tammy

❤️ "I love teaching at TDA and interacting with all of the young dancers. It is amazing to watch them grow and be a part of them bringing their honesty, imagination and energy into every class! Creating little moments of fun and excitement in the classroom for the dancers, and being able to intentionally support how they grow, learn and build confidence is really special! On top of that, working with our leaders in training along with the kids, and getting to help them build friendships, and watch their self-esteem grow in the classroom is truly meaningful and rewarding! - Miss Ashlyn

We are thankful for each one of our dance teachers at Tonawanda Dance Arts! They pour so much love into each one of their classes every week. The influence they have on the children in our community will extend far past the recital. To them, it's always about more than the dance steps.