Lessons from the Stage to the Classroom

Some words stay with you forever.

"There is nothing to prove, only to share." These words, first spoken by Ulysses Dove, recently found their way back into my life. My daughter, preparing for her college dance auditions, was reminded of them by Renaldo Maurice, an extraordinary artist and dancer from The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. And yet, this wasn’t the first time I had heard them.

Years ago, when I was teaching, Renaldo shared this same wisdom with my students during a masterclass I coordinated through Stage to the Classroom. The impact was profound. One student carried those words with her for years, eventually weaving them into her law school essay, reflecting on how dance had shaped her approach to life and learning.

Moments like these remind me why I do this work why I dance, teach, mentor, and create spaces for students to learn beyond the studio. Dance education is more than movement; it’s about confidence, connection, and carrying the lessons learned into all areas of life.

For me, Stage to the Classroom isn’t just about teaching steps. It’s about providing students with experiences, mentorship, and wisdom that will serve them no matter where life takes them. Whether they become lawyers, educators, entrepreneurs, or performers, the lessons of dance discipline, storytelling, and the power of sharing stay with them.

I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors in my own journey. Their words, encouragement, and guidance have shaped my path as a dancer and educator. And now, I get to pass that on to my students, to my daughter, and to the many educators I support.

So, I ask you what words of wisdom have shaped your journey? And how are you passing them on?

#DanceEducation #Mentorship #SharingNotProving #StageToTheClassroom #UlyssesDove #RenaldoMaurice #LeapingBeyondWords