"I believe that it is my responsibility as a teacher not only to help dancers discover their love of dance, but to protect it and help them continue to grow their love. The most important way I feel I can do this is by ensuring that my classroom is always a safe space for every single student, 100% of the time. A student should never have to feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or unwelcomed in any classroom. I will work to establish this safe space for my students from the beginning and continue to protect and uphold it consistently through my words and actions. With my knowledge I’ve acquired in Pedagogy classes and Anatomy, I have a strong understanding of what skills and practices are safe for each age and level, and I will never give students material that they are not ready to do safely. My students’ safety will always come first so that we are avoiding unnecessary injuries and pains, and so that they can physically continue to dance for as long as they desire/choose. Physical safety is extremely important in a dance class, but I believe creating a safe space also includes creating an inclusive and supportive space for students to learn and grow. I will do my best to ensure that my classroom is always a positive environment, one in which every dancer feels welcomed, appreciated, and valued, by both myself and their peers. Dance can be an art for everyone, and I will lead by example for students in showing them that you have a place in my classroom no matter your body, talent, or ability. There is always room for growth in any dance class, and I want to be a teacher who will help each and every one of her students to grow in their own way, while supporting them along their journeys. I want to motivate my students and help them strive to be the best they can be, but never create pressure or unrealistic expectations of being “perfect” for them. I have felt what it is like to put this pressure on yourself as a student, and I have also learned what dancing can feel like once you let that pressure go, so I deeply value an encouraging classroom environment where students truly know and believe that it is okay not to be perfect, and mistakes are the key to growth."