Professional Background
1. What inspired you to become a dance coach?
I have been teaching dance for teens and children since I was fourteen years old! I started off choreographing musical theatre for a local summer camp, Spotlight Theatre, when I was in eighth grade. After joining the Donettes my freshman year of high school, I began choreographing contemporary and hip hop dances for the Donettes, Dance Production, and Dance I/II. I fell in love with choreographing and knew I wanted to continue teaching dance after high school. After graduating in 2019, I continued choreographing for the SBHS Dance Program’s recitals. In 2023, Mrs. Goldman presented me with an opportunity to coach the Donettes.
2. How long have you been coaching, and where have you coached before?
I have been coaching for two years and have taught dance classes in Santa Barbara before, but I had never coached a team until I began with the Donettes 2023!
3. What is your dance training and performance background?
- I have eight years of hip hop, jazz, and contemporary; five years of ballet and musical theatre; two years of POM/Drill and flamenco. I have trained with local dance instructors at studios such as Santa Barbara Dance Arts, Momentum, Linda Vega Flamenco, etc.
- In more recent years, I took hip hop, POM, jazz, and contemporary master classes at Pace University (2019-2020) and at/around UCLA (2021-2023).
- I taught hip hop and jazz for a brief time (2021-2022) at Peabody Charter School for an after school program.
- I was the captain of the Donettes and president of Dance Production at SBHS (2015-2019).
4. Do you specialize in any particular dance styles?
I specialize in contemporary and hip hop dance.
5. What achievements or awards have you or your teams earned?
- SBHS Donettes won first place at Sharp International Knott’s Berry Farm State Championship in 2024!
- SBHS Donettes made it to Hip Hop International competition in 2024! We hope to return there in future years.
Personal Connection to Dance
6. What do you love most about coaching high school dancers?
The Donettes were not as established or supported by the school when I was a student at SBHS. I love being able to offer my students opportunities that I would have only dreamed of in high school. I also love coaching high school dancers because they are so eager to learn new styles and improve their craft.
7. What is your coaching philosophy or approach to teaching dance?
My approach to teaching dance doesn’t stray too far from how I might teach history. I want my students to feel represented and heard in my class. I went to many different dance studios growing up, and I can confidently say that I want to be an instructor/coach that is open to collaboration and listens to their students. I’ve learned a lot from listening to my students, and they’ve helped me improve my craft and expand my creativity in dance.
8. What do you hope to instill in your dancers beyond technical skills?
I hope my dancers leave the dance team with more empathy for others!
Fun and Personal Details
9. What’s your favorite memory from coaching this team?
So far, favorite memory this year is watching my students perform at Welcome to the 805 in Port Hueneme. It was something I will never forget.
10. Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of dance?
I love to exercise, read, and spend time with my friends outside of dance. I am also currently applying to teaching credential programs!
11. Is there a fun fact or interesting story about your dance journey?
I took break dancing classes when I was little and always wanted to be a b-girl!
Team-Specific Information
12. How did you get involved with this particular dance team?
I am a Donettes alumni! I was a dance team member all throughout my four years at SBHS. After I graduated, I returned annually to choreograph for the Donettes and Dance Production. In 2023, Mrs. Goldman invited me to apply for the open coaching position.
13. What makes this team special to you?
It’s hard to put into words exactly what makes this team so special. They are extremely kind individuals with a passion for dance. The Donettes represent the best parts of Santa Barbara high school.
14. What are your goals for this team in the coming year?
I am very excited for our competition this year! I hope this team feels confident and enjoys every second of performing together. I also want the Spring Recital to be the best one that Santa Barbara high school has ever had!
Educational and Personal Growth
15. What advice do you give students who want to pursue dance after high school?
I believe any of my students could pursue a career in dance after high school. Students who want to pursue a career dance after high school should always remember to keep their individuality and never conform to be something they’re not. The dance world is so cut throat, but dancers that remain true to themselves always rise to the top.
16. What’s the most rewarding part of being a coach for a high school team?
The most rewarding part of being a coach for a high school team is hearing how I’ve impacted their lives, and, at the same time, being able to tell them how much they’ve impacted mine. They keep me on my toes and push me to be my best self!
SBHS DONETTES 