Why We Dance

At Alloa Ballet Company we love teaching dance as we have a lifelong passion for dance.

I asked our team to explain in their own words why they dance. It is a wonderful read and their passion for dance shines through.

Heather

Why?

Sometimes being a dance teacher is hard ..... especially if you have another job....

Trying to juggle everything can be time consuming and ALL consuming. Some decisions that you make can be hard. At times it can all feel quite overwhelming. So why do we continue....

The small moments throughout the week make all the difference in your life.

I love seeing the friendships build and grow with our dancers. These bonds can last a lifetime. I am so happy to consider many pupils and their families friends even when the pupils have long flown the studio nest.

I love teaching ... end of. I love the buzz of watching our pupils learn and grow in confidence, technique and see their love of dance blossom. I know many of our pupils will not become professional dancers - but to instil a passion for dance in each and every pupil is my joy.

I love watching the younger pupils look up to our older pupils. The look in their eyes as they see these role models dance 'on their toes', support and assist in class and see the inspiration to walk in their footsteps.

So as I sit here on a Sunday morning trying to plan the next steps for Alloa Ballet Company - I will hold onto the 'why' I do this

Chelsie

Freedom

Dancing gives me freedom I crave from the stressful chaotic situation of my day job. It allows me to breathe deep and enjoy the movements that I make with my body. It doesn’t necessarily matter the style in which I move, only that I enjoy each moment as it comes. I not only love teaching my class but joining in where I can. I feel privileged that I’m able to pass my knowledge to them in a safe environment.

Iv’e been dancing for years and years and it still makes me happy even if I am no longer as flexible or as strong as I used to be - as I get older y passion for dance only gets stronger.

I dance because it truly makes me happy and free

Elisha

Stop and Remember

I remember growing up in dance class and seeing the ‘big girl helpers’ in our classes and thinking they were the coolest people ever! Then when Heather asked me to come along and help out with the Saturday morning ballet classes I was so excited to become one of the cool ‘big girl helpers’.

I also then got asked to help out with the Wednesday and Thursday younger tap and modern classes and I had the most fun and learned so much from the teachers I was in the class with. I still use some of the techniques they used in my teaching style today!

When I got older I wasn’t sure on what I wanted to do. I knew it had to be with dance but I didn’t know if I wanted to perform or teach. After taking a couple of years out I realised I loved teaching too much to give it all up!

I love teaching and seeing how happy everyone is when dancing. It makes me so happy watching students finally get that move or trick that they have been working super hard on. On the days when I am feeling low and feel like I’m not good at what I do , I stop and think and remember why I teach dance and why I love it so much!

Ariana

Never stop dreaming . . .

One of the earliest memories I have is dancing on my grandpas feet ‘daddy warbucks’ style just like Annie. I guess I have always been a little like Annie since the age of 7, I always had so much hope, positivity and sparkle for the future despite such darkness around me in the world.

Growing up I never really felt like I belonged anywhere, but just like Annie dancing taught me to never stop dreaming.

My life has been a steep climb uphill with many bumps along the way but dance and performing arts always remained a constant. Acting is my safe space in life as I can explore emotions to allow my mind to take a second to catch up with my well-being. In the freedom of music I can allow myself to find peace in the silence of my thoughts as it gives me time to escape reality for a short time and just simply focus on the present moment.

Teaching young people has inspired me to dream again through the creativity and pizzazz of performing arts.

Mental health and equality for all is a passion of mine and there is no better place to explore the positivity and specialness of these two things than in dance.

Why? Sometimes it is hard to communicate our feelings but through dance it is made simple with expression. Dancing isn’t simply just fun and exciting but thrilling from the mind to our toes as it allows us to take our thoughts and ideas from the page to the stage.

Dance has given me confidence to strive for success and never give in no matter how tough things get. I simply dance because I cannot think of anything more exhilarating than the heartbeat felt within your chest as your feet tap out the beat and rhythm in the sound within the speaker.

So in the words of Wayne Dyer “when you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.” Dance through life ❤️🩰🎭🎼

Julia

No turning back

When I dance I forget the small things, I forget about any problems I have going on in my life and I live in the moment. Dance gives me a sense of freedom. No matter what kind of day I'm having, when I finish teaching at Alloa Ballet Company I always feel on a high and content in myself.

Another reason why I dance is that I love the relationships that I have formed through Dance.

Some of my bestest life long friends I met at that very first ballet class I attended at the age of 3. All from different walks of life but sharing one passion. These relationships are very special to me and one of a kind.

I love the confidence that dance has instilled in me. I love looking back through my younger years and all the memories I have from dance alone.

When you get the dancing buzz there is no turning back and you will fall in love with it!

Meara

Passion

Dance has always been my life since the age of 2, I've never really wanted to do much else. Therefore, my passion and drive has lead me into passing on my knowledge and experience to my dancers. Hoping to inspire, encourage and nurture their skills and abilities in the dance world.

Heather

Safety and Expression

I love teaching dance especially to teens because it gives them a safe space to express themselves.

Specifically after lockdown, the need to move to music is enormous. Whether it’s fast, slow, easy or hard I love seeing what it can do for these incredible young people. AND dancing with their friends and peers is something we should never take for granted.

I love that my classes are high energy but relaxed enough that everyone leaves feeling good having had a great time!