Member-only story
I wanted the job, but they said I wasn’t a good “fit”.
How I changed their minds.
A friend shared a job opportunity on Facebook, and I knew I had to jump on it. It was very specific so there weren’t a lot of others who would be interested. How specific? The senior citizens of Sun City Dance Company were looking for a dance teacher and choreographer. They wanted someone who could teach all levels of tap and jazz and choreograph routines for seniors for their Holiday and Annual Shows.
Not many professional dancers or teachers are willing to take on a group of seniors for more than a class or limited workshop. This is not the kind of position that would get you a guest choreographer spot on “Dancing with the Stars” or “So You Think You Can Dance”.
I was overqualified, but that didn’t matter. Teaching dance is what I love, and after a long and rewarding career as a professional dancer, I am always looking for more opportunities to share my passion for dance. My current class schedule at a local studio is limited to just two days a week as the business recovers from the pandemic.
1) “Do what makes you happy!”
This job paid twice what I was making at the time. And my late husband was whispering in my head “Do what makes you happy!” I know that I am only happy in a dance…