Why We Loved Terrill & Kelsey

We just wrapped up two weeks of Master Classes with the amazing Kelsey Nelson and Terrill Mitchell. A question commonly asked in the dance world is "What makes a 'Master Class' a actual 'Master Class'"? As in, what defines being a master educator?

The dictionary defines the term master as: "To acquire complete knowledge or skill in an accomplishment, technique or art." Though Kelsey or Terrill may tell you they will never "master" their craft of teaching and technique philosophies, as we are all always still learning, but they have certainly taken their dance education and training out of the realm of a studio. Both were professional dancers prior to focus on becoming educators, and they both have taken their experiences and serve as consultants for dance education in some way. Both educators have over 30 years of relevant experience in the dance world, and are sought-out for their talents in both choreography and teaching.

We were fortunate enough to have both of these wonderful teachers in our studio over the last few weeks. When I was planning out my goals for the 6th year at PDC, I knew I wanted to give my dancers educational experiences that were unique and designed just for them. I was on the search for teachers whose values aligned with my own that included: teaching the value of proper technique and training first, followed by the importance of pushing your own limits and testing boundaries. I've often been asked how I chose these two particular teachers to help accomplish this mission, and here's how:

I am a member of a few online dance teacher and dance studio owner communities. In these groups, leaders often share positive experiences that they have had with choreographers and teachers who travel to various studios. Both Kelsey and Terrill came with raving reviews from the studios they have worked with in the past.

In addition to this, I'm active on my personal social media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) and follow a lot of dance educators through those facets. I am also a member of More Than Just Great Dancing, have attended continuing education seminars through Dance Teacher Web and others, I listen each week to the Making the Impact podcast, listened to training calls with industry professionals and more. I have watched thousands of reels and videos, and I make a point immerse myself in the dance education world in my "spare time". I am constantly on the lookout for ways to improve MY teaching to improve OUR studio.

When deep-diving into these videos, calls, seminars etc. I am constantly looking for principals that

hit my heart. Whether it is something someone says during a call, the way they teach their classes, their reasons for teaching dance or anything else - if it aligns with me, I remember them.

I have followed both Kelsey and Terrill on social media for a few years. I loved them each on their own. Their class styles, the exercises they have their students do, the way they conduct their classes were all things I had tons of respect for. And then they were on an episode of the Making the Impact podcast together and it felt like fate!

While they were here and working with our girls, I spent the majority of my time in the lobby watching and observing classes, and just listening to what was going on in the studio. I loved every minute of hearing how both educators were conducting class, and how our students responded. I firmly believe that everyone came out of the four days of training as better students and better dancers. There was a lot of focus on class etiquette, personal successes, how to push yourself to be better and changing our mindsets in the studio.

When we returned to the studio this week, I asked our students what types of things they learned from the classes and are going to keep in practice moving forward. The littles remembered the practical things - don't hang on the barre, don't cross your arms in class, cover your yawns, don't ask to use the bathroom etc. But the older girls recited the good stuff: engaging your back when you turn, why deepening your plie is beneficial, how to push yourself harder and further to achieve goals, why it is important to know who YOU are in the studio. Overall, we had a fantastic few weeks and are super excited for our upcoming season. We have one more guest artist coming to PDC in September for more master classes and choreography and we can't wait! It's going to be a great season! PS: Special shoutout to our scholarship winners for Dupree Dance: Brynn, Audrey, Kennedy, Alexa & Emi Kay! We can't wait to see you growing and learning this January!