Summer is finally here and I am honestly overjoyed for a little time to focus on one thing-my family! I feel like most people in education are a little more eager for summer, but I believe that dance educators are more ready than anyone! It has been a rollercoaster of a year as we work our way through the restrictions that the pandemic placed on our industry. As a mother who is also in education, I find that I am constantly seeking guidance from my colleagues. I am fortunate to work with two amazing women who are also moms and always willing to help however they can.
When I began this blog, I wanted to share not only my experiences, but also those of my friends and peers in the industry. And because it is summer and I am not actively teaching, what better way to introduce their stories than now! Therefore, I would like to introduce my first interviewee, Amy Cichoski, one of the incredible fellow teachers I am blessed to work beside. Amy is the Dance Program Director at Pine Crest School, where she has been a dance teacher for over 20 years! In addition to all of her duties that her teaching and director role requires, she is the mother of two amazing children. I asked Amy for a few thoughts to assist other moms in a similar situation. What has been your greatest challenge being a full time dance educator and a mom of two? Balancing! Both jobs keep me on my toes (pun intended!). One of the challenges I find is when I’m home with my family I’m thinking about work and vice versa. I battle feeling that I don’t do either job well. Do you find that some of your family influence or inspiration carries over into your studio life? I’ve always believed that being a Mother makes me a better teacher and being a teacher makes me a better Mother! As a teacher, I try to always remember that my students are someone else’s children and I would want my children’s teacher to be nurturing and kind. As the dance program director, how do you manage all of your responsibilities at work and home? Any advice for other dance teachers in a similar situation? I have an amazing partner…my husband Chris! A relationship cannot be 50/50…it needs to be 100/100! When I can’t do something or can’t be somewhere, Chris is able to do it! We’ve always been able to divide and conquer! When I have rehearsal after school…Chris is able to pick up the children. When I have a performance or I know it’s going to be a late night Chris is able to handle the nightly routine. I’m extremely grateful for this! My advice is to have a great partner in life and everything falls into place! Having insight from other people that are in a similar position has proven to be incredibly beneficial to me. I am grateful to Amy for her guidance at work and as a mom. Hopefully some of her words of wisdom can be helpful to someone else out there. Thank you Amy for sharing your thoughts! Happy Summer dancing mommas!
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AuthorNikki Allred Boyd (Dancer, Choreographer, Mom). Archives
March 2024
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