Assistant director and teacher, Wasatch Ballet Conservatory, Lindon, UT

NOMINATED BY: Clarissa Rees, student: “Stephanie’s students admire her for her care and devotion in helping them reach their potential by making sure they dance with their whole capability, no matter the age or skill level. What really makes her shine is her choreography. Every piece is fueled by her passion for dance and unique in nature, emotion, and spirit. Her extraordinary style radiates from choreographer to dancer to audience, bringing with it her fervor and brilliance as a teacher. One need only lose oneself in her choreography to understand Stephanie’s true love for dance and for her students.”

YEARS TEACHING: More than 15 years

Stephanie Thomas Saul says that without mutual respect, "there would be no foundation for the progress that I have come to expect from my students." (Photo courtesy Stephanie T. Saul)

AGES TAUGHT: 3–18

GENRES TAUGHT: Ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, creative dance, and character dance

WHY SHE CHOSE TEACHING AS A CAREER: While earning my BFA in ballet from the University of Utah, I sustained an injury for a big part of my senior year, so I wasn’t ready to pursue a dance career upon graduation. I got a job teaching jazz for Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and School in Aspen, Colorado, and I fell in love with teaching. I loved the challenge of learning to break down movements and present them in a way that young dancers understand and enjoy.

GREATEST INSPIRATION: My students. I love seeing them grow and mature as dancers and as people. Every once in a while I get a note from a student or have a conversation that reminds me of the influence I have on these young, impressionable dancers. There is so much pressure on young girls to have a certain body and look a certain way, and dance can help girls to understand their strengths and weaknesses. And through dance, they can learn to respect and love the body they were given.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY: I believe each student is on a unique journey. I do my best to help them reach their personal potential. I know that a commitment to ballet can teach you so much more than how to tendu. It can teach you how to make goals and accomplish them, how to work your hardest, how to make mistakes and take constructive criticism. And most important, how to be the best you can be at something.

WHAT MAKES HER A GOOD TEACHER: I respect my students and they respect me. Without that, there would be no foundation for the progress that I have come to expect from my students. I make an effort to get to know my dancers as individuals. I appreciate their strengths and work to strengthen their weaknesses.

FONDEST TEACHING MOMENT: I have a lot of fond memories, and most of them are about helping dancers discover something about themselves. I love the moment when I have been working on something specific for a few months and then it clicks and the dancers understand the correction and have figured out how to execute it. It is pure joy!

ADVICE TO DANCE STUDENTS: Learn how to let go and enjoy dance. If you can let yourself experience that freedom in the studio, it will carry over into so many other aspects of your life.

IF SHE WASN’T A DANCE TEACHER: I would pursue a schoolteacher position. I feel it’s important for me to make a difference in people’s lives, and I love kids. I’m touched by their openness for learning and experiencing, and I love being a part of their lives.

DO YOU KNOW A DANCE TEACHER WHO DESERVES TO BE IN THE SPOTLIGHT? Email your nominations to Arisa@rheegold.com or mail them to Arisa White, Dance Studio Life, P.O. Box 2150, Norton, MA 02766. Please include why you think this teacher should be featured, along with his or her contact information.