The Ultimate Dance Experience
By Alana Daniel
The dance program is a fun experience to have here at Timber Creek High School. Everyone in the program is so nice and kind to each other. The dance program has helped people in all kinds of ways.
Dance Program director Tara Perry, who was previously an English teacher at Timber Creek, started the program. “I was teaching dance at a local studio. At that time, Dr. Paduano was an assistant principal. She made me aware that Timber Creek wanted to begin offering dance classes. She asked me if I was interested in teaching them and I of course said ‘yes’ as dance has always been a passion of mine,” stated Perry.
Ariana Hamid loves being in the Dance Program. “ My favorite part of the day is dance,” Hamid said. Three things that Hamid loves about the Timber Creek Dance Program are “[her] dance teacher, dance friends, and the different styles [they] learn.”
Perry likes to make her students feel comfortable in her classes. “I firmly believe in icebreakers and activities that connect the students,” said Perry. “We spend the first couple weeks engaging in these activities so that the dancers can become comfortable around each other.”
There are a lot of fun things about being in the dance program. “The best part about being in the dance program is my dance friends and my teacher, dance is originally fun but they just make dance more fun and really brings us all together,” said Hamid.
The dance program at Timber Creek has had a huge impact on the director and students. “The impact dance has on me is it relives a lot of stress, it makes me happy and it helps me express myself,” said Hamid. “The dance program has made me a better teacher. Each year, I try to find new ways to connect with the students, to engage them in this art, to help them become the best they can be. I am so honored to be their teacher,” said Perry.
Here is why students need to join the Timber Creek High School dance program. “The dance program fosters relationships that will last beyond high school. I frequently have past students tell me they are still best friends with others they met in the program. Also, dance is artistic and athletic. Students who like to focus on one or both of these will enjoy being in the program,” stated Perry. “I would recommend that the students should take dance, it is really brings everyone together,” said Hamid.
Winning for the Team. The Apprentice and Elite team winning the battle of the East side. The teams competed against four other schools. Dance Director Tara Perry (far left) said, “I am honestly so incredibly proud of the work that the students put into this program; without them, we would not have a program. It means the world to me to know that I have students that sincerely want to study the art of dance.” Photo donated