Owner and teacher, The Academy of Theatrical Arts, Washington, DC

NOMINATED BY: Elia I. Fuentes, student: “Mr. Garney has devoted most of his life to dance in the Washington area, and many of his students have danced professionally. Many others have been inspired to become teachers and carry on the ‘Garney style.’ He has also donated many hours of entertainment to organizations like the Red Cross, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, the USO, and churches, retirement homes, and nursing homes in the Washington area. Well into his 80s, he continues tirelessly to teach, create, and pass his knowledge to his students, helping them ‘be all that they can be’—and more. I know that I speak for many of those who have been touched by his teachings, discipline, humor, and love of life when I say, ‘Thank you, Mr. G., for being part of my life.’ ”

Bill Garney (in red, with students in his advanced tap class) cites Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire as his greatest inspirations. (Photo courtesy Bill Garney)

AGES TAUGHT: All ages.

GENRES TAUGHT: Ballet, tap, jazz, and pointe.

TEACHING DANCE FOR: 52 years.

WHY HE TEACHES: I was a professional dancer for years—I danced in summer stock, and then I had a touring act that I did with a partner in nightclubs and hotels. Finally I got tired of running around and living out of a suitcase, and when I gave up performing I started teaching. I’ve been at it ever since.

GREATEST INSPIRATION: Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. They both had a lot of style, and they made what they did look easy. Believe me, it wasn’t. It took a lot of hard work in the studio to be that smooth.

PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING: To train dancers to be professional dancers. I insist that my students take dance seriously. So many students nowadays don’t seem to take it seriously—they don’t understand how much work goes into being a professional, and they don’t seem to want to take the time to make the most of their talent. A lot of these young people are in it for the money and they just don’t care about technique.

WHAT MAKES HIM A GOOD TEACHER: It’s the fact that my technique is very thorough. In my studio we stress the fundamentals—without those, you can’t hope to make progress. I’ve had students come in who have taken years of dance classes and I’ve had to tell them, “You need to start from the beginning again.” I had a child who had taken classes with another studio for four years, and she couldn’t name a single step they had done.

FONDEST TEACHING MEMORY: Teaching students to be professional dancers.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR STUDENTS AND/OR TEACHERS: Be sure you are teaching or learning good technique. How do you know that your teacher is teaching you the right things? That’s the hard part for a student.

WHAT HE WOULD DO IF HE COULDN’T TEACH DANCE: I’d probably be doing office work. I did it for 11 years for the Department of the Army, starting back in the 1940s.

DO YOU KNOW A DANCE TEACHER WHO DESERVES TO BE IN THE SPOTLIGHT? Email your nominations to David@rheegold.com or mail them to David Favrot, Dance Studio Life, 10 South Washington St., Norton, MA 02766. Please include why you think this teacher should be featured, along with his or her contact information.