We asked Tiffany Govan, Sam Houston Collegiate Prep Elementary’s Dance Coach and Dyad Consultant, questions about her passion for dance. Read the full interview below.
TFS: What inspired you to pursue dance and share your knowledge with students?
TG: I began dancing in elementary, and luckily the public school I attended had a step team. Step is just a form of dance that uses your body to make rhythms and doesn’t normally require music. We were fortunate enough to attend several dance competitions. It was then and there that I knew dance was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Like so many kids, I did not have the means to pursue dance like I wanted. The only training I had was through the school system, and even that was very limited. It wasn’t until adulthood that I could get proper training. I decided to share my knowledge with students because I wanted them to have quality dance training regardless of their economic background. Dance has opened so many doors for me, and I want the same for future generations of kids coming up.
TFS: Can you briefly describe your experience in dance? How long have you been involved in it?
TG: I have been dancing since the fourth grade. I have been on the Ben Milam Elementary Steppers, I then moved on to dance and become captain for the Midland High Starz Dance Team as well as Midland College Spirit Squad. I have taught at dance studios such as Legacy Elite Athletics here in Midland, TX, and Ms. Sully’s Dance Studio in Lamesa, TX before opening my own studio Expressions of the Heart Dance Studio.
TFS: What do you find most rewarding about working with students and helping them explore dance?
TG: I love to see how excited they get learning to do something that they enjoy. It is also rewarding to see students express themselves in new ways. It is worth it to see their faces light up whenever they master a new skill or difficult choreography.
TFS: Could you share a memorable success story or experience you’ve had while working with students in dance?
TG: I love to challenge my students in every way possible. This includes challenging them to choreograph their own dances. I had one student in particular who was extra shy and she struggled with the concept of creating her own movement. She’d always say to me “I just don’t know what to do.” I told her I felt like she had plenty of ideas but was just reluctant to share it in fear of being wrong. After a few very heartfelt discussions with this class in particular she delivered the most creative and unique solo I had seen from any of my students that year. She allowed me to see her through her movements and she really understood the point I was trying to make about self-expression.
TFS: What skills or qualities do you think are important for students interested in dance to develop?
TG: Dancers are disciplined and determined. Most people look at dance as something easy, but in actuality, there is a lot of hard work and repetition in developing proper technique. If you do not have the drive, dance will eat you alive. It takes passion to grow and when you mix technique and passion you get an amazing moving piece of art. What I love about dance is that the qualities you possess as a dancer carries over into real life and with determination, passion, and discipline you can do anything you set your mind to.
TFS: Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives in dance that you’re particularly excited about?
TG: After over ten years from graduating high school I have the amazing opportunity to coach the dance team I was once a part of. I will be leaving Third Future but the knowledge and training I received here has prepared me for what is to come and I am forever grateful. I am also excited to potentially have my girls work with the local Third Future schools to prepare them for extracurricular success at the middle and high school levels.
TFS: How do you approach teaching dance to students in a way that is engaging and informative?
TG: Children love games and can be competitive by nature. Make it a contest. If there is a new skill you’d like them to master, see who can hold it the longest or see who can do it more without messing up and giving up. Avoid making everything a contest though or it could interfere with some students’ confidence. Also, show them what they are working towards. You would be amazed at how little your students have been exposed to when it comes to your field. A small example goes a long way.
TFS: What advice would you give to students who are considering pursuing a career or further education in dance?
TG: Learn everything you can. Go to classes, attend workshops, and research dance techniques online. There are so many dance outlets and free resources for learning dance online it’s insane. What you once had to spend thousands of dollars on learning to dance, you can now learn for free.
TFS: Are there any specific areas within dance that you specialize in or particularly enjoy teaching?
TG: Hip hop is my jam! It does not require a lot of dance background and the technique isn’t super rigid. You can be yourself without knowing a single thing about dance. You can be you and just have fun with it.
Our Dyad Program was designed to provide students with opportunities and experiences like nowhere else. We believe that learning happens everywhere – both inside and outside of the classroom. To ensure that our students are introduced to as many experiences as possible during their time at our school, we have created the Dyad Program.
