Today, we’d like to introduce you to Debbora Childress.
Hi Debbora, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As a child, I discovered a pair of pink satin pointe shoes, a remnant of my mother’s dance training. Too large for my small feet, I wore them any time I could.
Although those dance shoes created an early interest in dance, my truest inspiration came from musicals. Whether it was a television musical, a live stage production, or a large-screen movie, I was hooked! Even to this day, I am either watching a musical, creating a danced version of one, or thinking about which one I will work on next.
My attraction to classical ballet led me to study the art form for years. However, the rhythm, noise, and drum-like cadence of the tap are where my truest passion lies. Nothing gives me greater joy than to study or create music through tap. The noisy, active, joyful, and rhythmic nature of tap calls to me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have been teaching dance for as long as I can remember. I began selling lessons in our backyard as a child, putting on shows in front of sheets hung on our clothesline.
Over time, I have taught private classes, studio classes, and recreation classes, and then I was brave enough to branch out and lease my own space. Right after I created our current studio space, the world turned upside down with a pandemic. We managed to get through it, holding our annual recital outdoors in our studio parking lot.
The next pandemic year, we returned to our local arts center, where we held our show outside in their courtyard. Pandemic year three found us back inside the arts center, wearing masks. Pandemic year four felt the closest to “normal” that we had felt in quite some time. This year marks our recital number 35!
We have certainly been through a few crazy seasons to get this far.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Teaching dance is a passion, not really a “job.” I have always known I would work with children someday. Combining dance and children is the PERFECT career for me! My specialty is caring. I care about these kids and how they feel. I care that they experience joy through dance. I care that they know I am here for them through thick and thin and that there is always someone on their side.
The art of dance is beautiful, exciting, fun, creative, constructive, filled with action, rhythm, music, technique, and pride of accomplishment. More than these things, it is a place to feel accepted, included, supported, important, and successful. There are never enough opportunities to provide these things for every age. Recently, some of my students set feelings to words about their dance experiences over the years:
“I’ve known Ms. Debbora my entire life. She creates such a positive and enjoyable environment. She goes above and beyond to make sure that every student feels valued and important. Whenever I struggled to grasp something, she would always find ways to motivate me to persevere. Not only did I learn how to dance, but I gained so much confidence dancing with friends I made over the years. I met my best friend in her class, and we have stuck together throughout the years! I can’t thank Ms. Debbora enough for working so hard and being such a passionate and loving teacher.” Kate 2024.
“I’ve been dancing at your studio for 13 wonderful years. I started ballet with this studio in kindergarten, but it wasn’t until third grade that I joined one of your classes and discovered my love for tap. Going from ballet to tap was a new challenge, but I embraced it and enjoyed every step. That same year, I also joined the production of Sleeping Beauty as Dark Magic, marking the beginning of my journey in both tap and production for the next ten years. I appreciate all the help you’ve given me over the years, especially with me losing at least one part of my costume almost every year. Thankfully, I’ve gotten better at that. These experiences have been a significant part of my life. You’ve played a crucial role in shaping me into the dancer and person I am today. Thank you for everything.” Talle 2024.
“Putting me into Ms. Debbora’s Dance at four years old was the single best thing my parents ever did for me. Ms. Debbora gave me a passion for dance, two of the greatest friendships that have carried into my 20s, taught me too many life lessons to count, and is my mentor, friend, and confidante to this day.” Chloe 2024.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I still get excited when I see a dance show or musical! I carry that excitement with me when creating something new for my students.
This excitement is also evident in my daughter Kellie, who creates amazing pieces in jazz, ballet, and lyrical for our students. It is important to find just the “right thing” that brings out the best in a class of dancers. Feeling successful, capable, proud, and accomplished is imperative to a dancer wanting to continue. Many of our dancers stick with it through high school and beyond! That means so much.
My success lies in my ability to communicate well, to “read” what is working and not working for my students, my enthusiasm for creating opportunities for them to shine, my dedication to this craft that brings each of us so much joy, and my consistent, steadfast approach to providing a safe, inclusive space for years and years of dancing. They know they can count on me to be here.
Recently, a lifelong friend witnessed her great-granddaughter perform on stage for the first time. She sent me a note saying how great the show was and how proud she is of us for this dance program we have built. It means so much to have someone be proud of the work that is such a piece of my heart.
Pricing:
- $70 per month per class
- Discounts for multiple classes and multiple family members.
- Discounts for participating in our annual Fall and Spring productions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MsDebborasSchoolOfDance.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msdebborasschoolofdance
Image Credits
DaSilva Studio Photography and Paul DaSilva
