What a GREAT idea!

My name is Miranda and I recently turned 22.

I teach for a large suburban studio in Melbourne, Australia. This is my second year of teaching (after 5 years of assisting) and I absolutely LOVE it. I just took my first teachers exam on Friday, which was an absolutely mammoth task but (fingers and toes crossed of course) if I pass, I will be a qualified to teach the Australian Teachers of Dancing junior syllabus.
I currently teach junior ballet and tap and also take intermediate and advanced students for private lessons.

One of the best things about teaching for my studio is my studio owner and fellow teachers. We are incredibly close knit and great friends so the communication, understanding, support and most importantly respect we give each other is just amazing, and makes for a wonderful atmosphere. Our parents and students always comment on what a fantastic environment our school is to be part of, and that all stems from such a dedicated team of teachers.

I have danced myself since I was 5 years old, taking ballet, tap, jazz, character, funk/hip hop. I was never destined for a career in the ballet world although I had all the passion and application in the world for it. I wanted to get into the commercial dancing industry also, but after a series of injuries, it's become fairly clear that it's not going to happen. I still most definitely take classes however. I take senior classes at the studio I teach for and casual classes from the big professional studios in my city as it's always good keep up with current choreography.

I do remember my first ballet teacher, but only as being kind and helpful. Unfortunately, I remember all to clearly the studio owner who would be my teacher in the couple of years after, and she was frightening. She constantly screamed at her students and had no patience with those who weren't perfect. It was not a nice environment to say the least.

I would have to say my biggest inspirations as a teacher would be my studio owner and my current ballet teacher. The support and assistance I get from her is indispensable and I often think I would be the happiest person on earth if I was just half the person she is. My current ballet teacher is also incredible. She is an ex-prima ballerina and I learn so much from her both as a student and a teacher.

Gosh looking back I have warbled on SO MUCH! I guess I just love teaching so much I just can't stop talking about it!!!