Ms. Carelli explained who inspired her to be a dance teacher, “I had a dance teacher when I was in middle school who really inspired me to want to be a dancer she was the first dancer I met who made dance exciting in a way that I never experienced before, however, I didn’t realize I wanted to become a teacher until after I graduated college and I was teaching and auditioning and I fell in love with teaching.”

Carelli went on to explain why Dance Company is important for school. She said, “ I wanted everyone to have the ability to experience dance. Not everyone is enrolled in dance class or chooses to be enrolled in dance class or is given the elective of dance class and I want everyone to have the ability to get the chance to dance.”

Carelli illustrated what students need to know when they join. She said, “Dance Company is a commitment that is you coming to rehearsal at 7:30 in the morning and yes while it is early it is important so that you learn choreography and learn how to work with a group especially a group that we have this year that is quite large it is a fun experience there is no stress the performances that are exciting but also in places that you can get comfortable with the idea of performing as well as also have it be seen by our peers in school and as well as our families.”

Carelli translated how Dance Companny impacts the students. She said, “I think it gives people a lot more confidence there are so many people that come to Dance Company that maybe do not have any dance experience and that could be super intimidating but to have the confidence to not only learn choreography but to dance in front of people and to watch people become confident and excited in the ways that they are learning how to dance is my favorite part and the reason why I love doing it.”

Students also shared their opinions about Dance Company. Stephanie Rebovich said, “I was really happy because I’ve been wanting to dance for a while.”

Rebovich also said her favorite part about Dance Company, “I like being with my friends and I like performing.”