The Power of Dance Junior Faculty program provides our seasoned dancers the opportunity to share their love of dance and gain valuable leadership experience while being mentored by POD staff. These student helpers are asked to be role models of attitude and behavior for younger dancers, and to assist the lead teacher in a variety of ways.
While this is a volunteer position, dancers must apply the same way they would for a job, including a teacher recommendation. There are three different levels of the junior faculty program, according to the dancer’s age, technique level, and time commitment.
This year, POD has 24 student helpers in the junior faculty program, assisting in 31 classes and teams. These teen leaders are an invaluable part of our studio family, nurturing the next generation of dancers and leaders. Here’s what a few of them have to say about their experience:
What I most enjoy about being a student helper is making a connection with the kids. I like how they not only talk to me about dance stuff and sometimes talk to me about their personal lives. I also enjoy passing on my knowledge of dance and seeing how it changes their lives like it did mine. — Sydnee, Ballet 1+
I enjoy being a student teacher because when I walk into that room, I see a bunch of smiling kids that are really excited to be there. My favorite part of the week is when I get to work with the kids. — Jordan, Hip Hop K-1st
As a student helper I have learned responsibility. If a child is doing something incorrectly you have to help them learn to do it the correct way and keep them on track in class. — Addison, Music & Movement
I enjoy being a student helper because I love seeing all the kids and helping them learn. It has taught me about responsibility and being a role model! — Charlotte, Dance Expressions and Pom 1&2
I enjoy being a student helper because I love watching the smiles on the kids’ faces as they achieve a skill that they have been working towards for so long. — Vivienne, LTJ 1+ & 2
I enjoy being a member of junior faculty because I love seeing the smiles on their faces when they learn new skills. — Adaline, Rising Stars
As a student helper, I’ve learned responsibility because it’s about putting them first and their learning. — Lexie, Pom K-1st
What I most enjoy about being a student helper is being able to bond with the kids. They’re all so sweet, and I love to see them grow in dance and as humans. — Inara, Wishing Stars and LTJ 1+ & 2
This article was originally published in our April 2024 newsletter.