The following is a full transcript of the interview given by JACQUELINE CARELLI to The Warrior Messenger’s SOPHIA SHAHZAD about the WMS dance class

(The Warrior Messenger) SOPHIA, HOST: How do you spell your first and last name?

JACKIE CARELLI (dance teacher of WMS):J-A-C-K-I-E-C-A-R-E-L-L-I

SS: If a student in your class is consistently struggling with a specific dance move, how would you approach helping them improve while maintaining their confidence and enthusiasm for dance?

JC: That is such a great question. I try to make sure that I give as many options as possible so that if something is truly not working for a student they have something else that they can do that will allow them to feel comfortable and to feel confident as they go across the floor but also helps progress to the skill that we are working towards, of course I will go back and re-explain  and redo and re-teach it in many ways as possible and give different metaphors, but I also will provide choice.

SS: What inspired you to become a dance teacher, and how do you incorporate that passion into your teaching style?

JC: I had a dance teacher when I was about your age, she was the first person that really made me feel seen and really made me feel special and made me feel like I was a good dancer and I admired how she was not only just a performer but she was a dance teacher and she was a really good dance teacher. I would say that I’ve always been passionate about dance and that has been my constant when it comes to teaching and I hope that even if it’s a little spark that anyone could find a little magic in dance.

SS:  I have seen that you teach many different dance styles, which dance style is your personal favorite and why?

JC: I love teaching modern and contemporary because it’s not just a movement style that makes me feel like me as a teacher but also as a dancer so I feel like I can really provide students with as many options and choices and opportunities to do well.

SS: What is your experience teaching dance to students of all ages and skill levels, and what is the age range that you like teaching the best?

JC: I have taught literally 2.5 to adult, I have taught every single age. I currently only teach middle school and high school both here but also in dance studios, so I literally have taught every single age, I enjoy middle and high school the best.

SS: Is there anything else you would like to add?

JC: No unless you’ve got questions I’m good.

SS: Thank you for your time.