New Beginnings: a Dance Studio Transformed

Sometimes, life throws you something unexpected. While it may be uncomfortable at first, the unexpected can turn into something beautiful. This is a story of another evolution in my career as a dance teacher.

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It’s been quite some time since I’ve written about my day job. The last thing I posted was Empowering English Language Learners through Performing Arts: An Educator’s Experience. It talked about the joys and challenges of putting together our spring musical with primarily English Language Learners.

If you aren’t aware, I am a performing arts and physical educator at Spring Valley High School in Spring Valley, New York. I’m entering my 30th teaching year. As always, I am both lamenting the end of summer and excited to start teaching my students. Many will be returning to my classroom, many will be brand new.

What I am most excited about this year is the new space I will be calling my classroom. Last fall, I found out that I’d be moving out of the dance studio. That space was built 10 years into my career. Prior to that, I taught in half of a gymnasium with basketball being played on the other side of the divider wall. When I came back from maternity leave 20 years ago, the studio was ready for me.

That studio was my home away from home for most of my career. The idea of leaving that space, with just a couple of years left, made me sad and anxious. What would replace that space? Why were they moving me out? Would the new space be as nice as this one? So many questions.

Here’s the why

I learned that my classroom was prime real estate. With a growing student population, we were in need of more classroom space. Before it was a dance studio, that space was the home of two classrooms, separated by a wall. The calculus was they could move the fitness center to a better location, transform the space into a dance studio, and get 50 more seats for students. The wall that was once knocked down would be reinstalled.

When the school was originally built, the gymnasium was housed in an upstairs location. Sometime after the new gymnasiums were created, it became the fitness center. Over the years, the wood plank floors took a beating as heavy weights were continuously dropped on it. That made me nervous about how they were going about transforming it to a dance studio.

After some inquiry, I learned the plan: all the fitness equipment would be moved into a new space. The old wood floor would be removed and a proper floating wood floor would be installed. For me, it was an I’ll believe it when I see it kind of thing. Fortunately, I saw every step of the way. The following is a visual timeline from demolition to completion.

The transformation unfolds…

In late February, 2025, I ran into the head of buildings and grounds. I figured I should take the opportunity to ask some questions. If anyone would know, it was him. He asked if I’d like to see the new flooring. I had no idea it was actually purchased. He took me to where it was: lo and behold, it sitting there ready to go. I was stunned.

Each month, they made unbelievable progress.

Over the summer, I was communicating with the purchasing department to get the barres, lockers and other items ordered for September. The week before school started, I came in to set up what I could before I saw my first classes. I was energized, excited and overwhelmed that this would be my new home away from home.

The space is more than double the size of the original studio. There are skylights in the ceiling that, when it’s a sunny day, you don’t need to put the lights on.

Here’s to a bright future

My original anxiety has transformed, like the space, into something that feels warm and comfortable. I have to say, this studio is the stuff of a dancer’s dreams. It’s still a work in progress, as there’s more good things to come. But I am over the moon anticipating my students’ response when they walk in the door for the first time. I am so excited to share this space and those feelings with them.

For the second time in my career at Spring Valley High School, I have been gifted with a beautiful space to call my creative home. I am filled with gratitude.

I’m looking forward to an incredibly productive school year in motion!