Teaching Dance: An Enrichment Instructor Looks Back
by Katie Williams and Beth Amuso
After 5 years as an Enrichment Instructor teaching Dance in our Peaceful People Enrichment Program, Katie Williams is leaving this summer to pursue new opportunities in Florida. She recently sat down with Program Manager Beth Amuso to reflect on her time with Peaceful Schools.
What initially brought you to Peaceful Schools?
I was always looking for a program that could reach kids who don’t really have the opportunity or the means to attend dance classes, and I came across Peaceful Schools. They provide that opportunity, and so much more!
Tell us a little bit about your background in dance.
I’ve been dancing since age 9 and teaching dance for over 15 years. As a child, I was trained locally in Liverpool, NY. I went on to pursue dance education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Following that, I worked as a dance teacher, then assistant director, and finally director of local dance studios in Central New York. I have been trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop styles. I teach classes in all those styles, as well as musical theater, children’s movement classes, and adult recreational dance classes. And, of course, I’ve been teaching dance enrichment for Peaceful Schools for 5 years.
How does teaching dance help your students build social emotional skills?
Being in a dance class is all about building and practicing social emotional skills. Children must cooperate with each other every class. Dance requires them to practice self-control and perseverance. Students develop a strong self-worth as they grow in learning an artistic skill. Along with that, they build positive relationships with their peers and instructors. I always love seeing their hard work pay off and their confidence grow as they share their final performances.
I’ve always believed that performing arts should be integrated into all school settings. While teaching dance, I’ve seen kids challenge and grow with each other. They have conflicts along the way and learn to fix them in a peaceful and positive way. I see my students being respectful to one another every day, and I know we have worked hard to cultivate this together through dance.
Which Dance Showcase was your favorite, and why?
I think overall the 8th grade performances have been my favorite. Typically, most of the 8th grade students have been in dance for a couple of years. I get so much joy in seeing their overall growth and the professionalism they have learned in just a few years. The appreciation they carry for dance is on full display, and the desire and drive to do well during their “final” performance is evident when they dance.
How has teaching Social Emotional Learning (SEL) improved your life outside of Peaceful Schools?
Teaching SEL skills has impacted my students, and it absolutely has impacted me as well. I’ve noticed my growth in the utilization of all my Peaceful People skills on a daily basis. I am more reflective, more assertive, and a better communicator because of the work I do at Peaceful Schools. While I’ve always been an empathetic and sensitive person, the wonderful trainings and workshops that Peaceful Schools provides their staff taught me a lot about education, resilience, and youth development. For me, the past 5 years have been full of personal reflection and individual growth.
What makes the Peaceful Schools SEL program different from others?
The Peaceful Schools SEL program is different from others because students have a voice, they have a choice, and they build wonderful relationships with their Peaceful Schools instructors. Students who have had the Peaceful People Enrichment Program are excited to see their Peaceful People every day. Even if they don’t have them as a teacher, they know that they can approach any Peaceful Schools staff member. We are there to help, listen, guide, and direct them to success each day. Our students know that the Peaceful Schools team is a trustworthy crew, and that we believe in them as much as they believe in Peaceful Schools. And that is A LOT!!
What is your favorite memory of teaching dance at Peaceful Schools?
I don’t have a favorite memory, but I do have my favorite people!! I’ve worked with many different teams of people over the years, and I am happy to say that they have all been amazing! This company employs some outstanding individuals, and they have all taught me so much. It has been a complete honor to work with so many talented, diverse, kind-hearted people that have made coming to work over the past 5 years a wonderful experience. Sooo… a huge THANK YOU to my H.W Smith Enrichment Teams from the past 5 years, and to the whole Peaceful Schools crew…I am forever grateful to all of you!
Want to catch a glimpse of Ms. Williams and her dance students in action? Syracuse.com featured them in this great video from 2017:
About the Author
Katie Williams has been an enrichment instructor with Peaceful Schools for 5 years. She puts great focus on social and emotional growth in each lesson, whether she’s teaching about what makes a good friend to her 1st and 2nd grade students or emphasizing the importance of cooperation and peer respect while dancing with her middle school students. When Katie is not working with her kiddos, you can find her enjoying her downtime with family and friends.
