From Dancer to Teacher

At the New Year’s dance in January, Yvonne Yang asked me to join the 2025 teacher candidate class. I was stunned — me, a teacher? I’d only been dancing for seven years! But I was thrilled and said yes.

I joined nine other candidates from Washington/Northern Virginia, plus dancers from Ohio and New York. Though I live two hours away in Central Virginia and belong to the Carolinas Branch, I was warmly welcomed. Our course leaders, Ellie Briscoe and Yvonne Yang, guided us through every step.

We began with Unit 1, the written exam. With online practice tests and Zoom coaching from Ellie, we all passed on March 1st. Then came Units 2 and 3 — four months of weekend classes, 9 to 5, filled with dancing and teaching practice. Mornings focused on technique; afternoons on teaching skills. Perfecting formations like Allemande and The Knot took endless repetition, but Ellie and Yvonne were patient and encouraging.

For Unit 3, we had to teach one step and two formations in just 25 minutes — a challenge for someone like me who tends to over-plan! I rehearsed constantly, even during morning walks. The local deer probably know the pas de basque by heart.

Live musicians supported our teaching sessions, adjusting tempo and phrasing to match our needs. Their flexibility and talent made a huge difference. In June, we had a mock exam with experienced teachers acting as examiners. It was intense — honestly, more nerve-wracking than the real thing.

After 24 trips and over 2,700 miles of driving, exam day arrived. Ron Wallace and Elaine Brunken were kind and reassuring. We danced, we taught, we stumbled — and we waited. Four days later, the email came: I passed.

It was exhausting, emotional, and unforgettable. I made new friends, grew as a dancer, and am now ready to teach and share the joy of Scottish Country Dancing. Thank you, Ellie and Yvonne, for believing in me.