Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Blanks
Hi Caroline , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started teaching dance when I was just 13 years old. Unfortunately a teacher was injured and could no longer teach, so they turned to me and asked if I wanted the class. Being young and ambitious, I jumped into the position. Dance had always been a part of my life. My mom put me dance before I was even two years old and I have never stopped- literally. My mom jokes all the time about how she will never get to stop being a “dance mom.” My passion for teaching really took off when I moved to Athens and started teaching at The Studio Athens. Not only was I welcomed into the space from a dance teacher standpoint, but I feel valued as a human being. I get to share my passion for dance with so many children, and watching them fall in love with dance like I did as a child makes my heart so full. I am not one to shed a tear, but I have cried more times watching these student’s on stage than I ever have before. Being a dance teacher changed my life.
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?
It has not always been easy. Being only 5’2 there was a time when I was a teenager that I felt like dance was not for me. In fact, I had a teacher literally tell me, “Caroline, you will not make it in this industry. You are simply too short.” I remember crying to mom that I put all this time and effort into an art form that is not for me. I begged her to let me quit. I did not want to go to my dance classes anymore. I was done. However, my mom knew more than I could ever know. I took it as forcing me to continue to go to class at the time, and I can only imagine what my mom went through to get me in the car, but she knew that dance was not over for me. Boy am I glad she pushed me. She always said that she knew dance was for me. My family always jokes that my sister could never have a normal sleepover because I would insist on teaching her and friends a dance routine. Even when I went to college and insisted that I was taking a break, that break lasted about two months and I was back at a studio in my some time choreographing dances for the younger students. I use the negative feedback some of my teachers gave me as fuel to never be a teacher that causes a child to go home crying. Dance is supposed to be a place of escape. Even though it is important to have discipline, it is still supposed to be fun. A positive environment is one that a child will thrive, and I try to implement that every time I step into my classes.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The Studio Athens was founded in 2021 by Cathy Rumfelt, Lindsay Giedl, and Grace Bagwell-Adams. I am currently the assistant studio manager and competition director of some of the competition teams at The Studio Athens alongside one of my good friends, Hope Brown. I have been involved in competitive dance for as long as I can remember. For those who do not know that means, essentially dance competitions are held all over the country and provide a space for dancers to come and show off their talents and compete against other dance studios.
My position allows me to oversee various routines and ensure they are ready to hit the stage. However, my favorite part of the job is being able to choreograph dances. Being able to express myself via dance is a way for me to release my emotions in a productive and artistic way. The creative process allows for me to communicate things that words can’t fully capture. Whether is a sad lyrical piece with the goal to bring the audience to tears, or an upbeat jazz routine that makes people smile, being able to create a routine is truly something special, My friends always pick on me because I never know what songs are “in” because I am always listening to songs to choreograph to. My car playlists are filled with dance music, not pop songs.
Even more than all of this, I believe that choreography allows a person to leave a legacy and impact. Whether it is on the dancers who perform, their parents, a judge or a random person in the audience dance can touch lives. There are pieces I remember watching as a child that have resonated with me still. I hope that as I continue to grow as a choreographer and teacher that I create execs that endure or inspire others. Not only do I get to work beside two wonderful choreographers that inspire me each and everyday, Hope Brown and Lindsay Giedl, but I have learned so much from them that I believe has made me a stronger dance teacher.
Everyone’s creative journey is unique and my relationship with dance is one that I know will be lifelong.
How do you define success?
In the sense of dance, I define success as the ability to inspire and instill a life long passion for dance in my students. I strive for them to leave class with more enthusiasm and excitement each and every single week. I love seeing their big smiles when they nail a skill they have been struggling on weeks, or giving them a hug on their birthday. Success is about more than just technique. It is about forming relationships with my dancers and supporting them through whatever life brings. A successful teacher creates an environment where their dancers feel safe to make mistakes and learn. I work to foster a place that is inclusive and respectful to all dancers. It is efforts like this that make dance something special, not just a hobby kids faze out of in a year or two.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thestudioath.com
- Instagram: misscolumbusga and caroline_blanks
