Building Communities Through Dance

When I think about the word community, I can’t help but think of how dance has always been the thread that ties mine together. From my days as a professional performer to my journey in the classroom, and now as the founder of TMI Design & Consulting, every step has been shaped by the people, organizations, and shared experiences that remind me: we are stronger when we dance together.

For me, community didn’t appear overnight. In my early years of teaching, I often felt isolated. I was trying to figure out how to take my performance background and translate it into teaching, curriculum building, and classroom management. It was overwhelming but little by little, mentors stepped in. Professional organizations like the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) opened doors and gave me a network of peers who understood the challenges and triumphs of dance education. Those relationships not only sustained me but also pushed me to grow.

I was also reminded of this recently as I reflected on my first year of teaching. In those uncertain early days, I connected with another teacher in her second year. We were at different schools, but we constantly shared stories, swapped ideas, and leaned on each other through long rehearsals, curriculum planning, and the challenges of building programs. Together, we supported each other as we formed dance teams, launched honor societies, and created pathways for students to become leaders and advocates for dance. That relationship remains one of my earliest and clearest examples of how community can thrive even across school walls when we commit to collaboration.

Through TMI Design & Consulting, I’ve continued that journey of building community. Whether it’s hosting professional development for teachers, supporting schools in developing curriculum, or creating spaces like the Rejuvenate & Reimagine Dance Educator Retreat, my goal has always been the same: to facilitate experiences where dance educators feel seen, supported, and inspired.

Community is also at the heart of my work across my four pillars:

• Community Engagement: Connecting students, families, and schools to celebrate the joy and impact of dance.
  
• Curriculum Development and New Teacher Development: Equipping teachers with tools and resources so they don’t have to feel alone in their classrooms, like I once did.
  
• Professional Development and Advocacy: Empowering educators to build signature programs that reflect their uniqueness while advocating for dance as an essential part of education.
  
• Choreography & Event Planning: Using the power of performance and shared events to unite communities, spark dialogue, and create lasting memories.
  

When I look back, the moments that mean the most aren’t just about choreography or curriculum, they’re about people. The mentors who guided me. The students who trusted me. The colleagues who reminded me I wasn’t alone. The teachers who gather in retreats, conferences, and PD sessions to remind one another that this work is both art and service.

As we move into a new season, I’m reminded that dance will always be bigger than a single studio, classroom, or stage. It’s a collective movement. And when we commit to building communities through dance, we create spaces where artistry and humanity can thrive together.