Conversations with Debbora Childress

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbora Childress.

Hi Debbora, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for dance began as a child and has never left! I taught my first classes in my backyard with a sheet on the clothesline for a backdrop. It progressed to a real studio environment in my teens. As a young adult I branched out to teaching at schools and pre-schools. I offered my first classes to the Poway community almost 40 years ago!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although the road to teaching dance full-time was a curvy one, I eventually made my dream come true. First, teaching a few hours after “work.” Next, teaching one entire day per week after reducing my “work” schedule. Next, taking a risk and teaching all week – instead of “work.” Notice that teaching dance is NEVER “work!”

I instructed dance classes at a local studio. I also offered classes at pre-schools and schools for quite a few years before offering classes through the City of Poway’s Community Services Dept. This community program was popular, and very well attended. It eventually evolved into the programs we offer today at our studio location in Poway. It has been an exciting journey!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Teaching dance is a career of passion. I never think of it as “work,” although there is a lot of effort involved.

My specialty has been teaching young children; however, I have grown up along side these young children who are now older children. I consider myself to be good with all ages at this point!

I am proud of the fact that we have lots of returning students, many of whom stay until they graduate from high school and beyond.

I am proud of my ability to create dance productions – danced versions of a story. It is the highlight of our end-of-season recital each year. It is so much fun to offer more ways to include dance in a meaningful way for our students. We incorporate many forms of dance and some drama too in our productions. It keeps our dancers on their toes – working on skills, remembering scene changes, prop and costumes. They learn teamwork, timing, responsibility and stage presence. It adds yet another positive dimension to their performing arts education.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I have been so very fortunate to have the teachers I learned from in the past. I have the love and support of past and present students and their families. I have the support of my incredibly talented adult daughter Kellie Nichols, who co-runs our studio. I have complete support from our family members who put their hearts and souls into making our studio a space that is functional, beautiful and a personal oasis.

The community of Poway has been a home for this dance program for nearly 40 years! We have been honored to receive “Best Dance Studio” in readers’ Polls for multiple years. Students who danced with me in the beginning, are now sending their children. Some are sending their grandchildren. This kind of trust and support has allowed us to continue offering dance classes for this many seasons!

We are very honored to be supported by this community – and look forward to many more years of collaboration!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.MsDebborasSchoolOfDance.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msdebborasschoolofdance