TDW MAVENS
Meet Kayte
My Story
Creative movement has been a part of my life since I was born. My parents were both in Ice Capades, so I started ice skating at age 1. Dance was not too far behind though, and I began with tap classes at age 7 - I thought it was so much fun to make noise with my feet! I soon started taking jazz classes and ballet was required as an adjunct to strengthening muscles and improving line and grace on the ice. In high school, I found lyrical and modern and absolutely fell in love that with that art form. When I began teaching ice skating at age 17, I taught dance as a form of cross-training for skaters as well. It was so fascinating to see the ways that movement could translate to improvements both on and off the ice, and how this supports the body in becoming stronger over time. I deepened my understanding of ways the body can move and interact with inhabited space in college by taking both ballet and modern classes - I loved the juxtaposition of these two disciplines and how they both complimented and contradicted each other.
When I became a mother, I stopped dancing. What had been a part of me forever was suddenly gone, but in 2016 (11 years later!) I found The Dancer's Workout®, and reunited with my love of movement. Even better, I found other women who were still connecting with their love of dance despite life's challenges. I have been grateful for this community every single day since my first class.
What TDW Means to Me
For me, dance isn't just a hobby, it's a way of staying alive. Finding my way back to myself meant being whole again. Throughout the years, I have danced my way through trauma, grief, pregnancy, health issues, doctoral research stress, and more. I have grown to love my body and appreciate what it can do - thanks to Jules' constant encouragement and the supportive environment that she's created here. TDW is more than just a class, it's a grounding force in a world filled with chaos. Each week, I love myself a little more, and feel a little more grateful that my body can move and create and express through dance. At 41, I am proud of what my body can do despite chronic pain and arthritis, and I am so appreciative of the reminders we are all given to listen to our body. When Jules tell us we are beautiful, I believe her. I see improvement every class and every class gives me something more to look forward to. TDW to me is a reminder to be gentle with myself but to keep showing up and trying hard...and that when people are together in supportive community, everything is possible.
TDW MAVENS
Meet Kayte
My Story
Creative movement has been a part of my life since I was born. My parents were both in Ice Capades, so I started ice skating at age 1. Dance was not too far behind though, and I began with tap classes at age 7 - I thought it was so much fun to make noise with my feet! I soon started taking jazz classes and ballet was required as an adjunct to strengthening muscles and improving line and grace on the ice. In high school, I found lyrical and modern and absolutely fell in love that with that art form. When I began teaching ice skating at age 17, I taught dance as a form of cross-training for skaters as well. It was so fascinating to see the ways that movement could translate to improvements both on and off the ice, and how this supports the body in becoming stronger over time. I deepened my understanding of ways the body can move and interact with inhabited space in college by taking both ballet and modern classes - I loved the juxtaposition of these two disciplines and how they both complimented and contradicted each other.
When I became a mother, I stopped dancing. What had been a part of me forever was suddenly gone, but in 2016 (11 years later!) I found The Dancer's Workout®, and reunited with my love of movement. Even better, I found other women who were still connecting with their love of dance despite life's challenges. I have been grateful for this community every single day since my first class.
What TDW Means to Me
For me, dance isn't just a hobby, it's a way of staying alive. Finding my way back to myself meant being whole again. Throughout the years, I have danced my way through trauma, grief, pregnancy, health issues, doctoral research stress, and more. I have grown to love my body and appreciate what it can do - thanks to Jules' constant encouragement and the supportive environment that she's created here. TDW is more than just a class, it's a grounding force in a world filled with chaos. Each week, I love myself a little more, and feel a little more grateful that my body can move and create and express through dance. At 41, I am proud of what my body can do despite chronic pain and arthritis, and I am so appreciative of the reminders we are all given to listen to our body. When Jules tell us we are beautiful, I believe her. I see improvement every class and every class gives me something more to look forward to. TDW to me is a reminder to be gentle with myself but to keep showing up and trying hard...and that when people are together in supportive community, everything is possible.
