Inspiring Others, Taking Risks, and Being Bold: an Interview with Dance Teacher Brittany Fleet
Meet Brittany Fleet, a dance teacher based in Atlanta.
Photo: Brittany Fleet; shot by Brian Jones Photography
Brittany started dancing when she was 6, in Baltimore, MD, where she was trained in various styles of dance. When she turned 11, Brittany decided to focus on ballet and modern technique. She then attended DeVes Christian School of Performing Arts and Baltimore Dance Tech. After high school, Brittany attended SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance in New York, where she fell in love with the Graham technique under the direction of Stephanie Tooman. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance.
“My dance teachers early on taught me the importance of summer intensives and outside studio dance experiences,” said Brittany. Throughout the years, she’s attended national high school dance festivals, IABD, The Rock School, Orlando Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and more to further her training - experiences she said were life changing. “I knew then I wanted to pursue dance further.”
In her interview below, Brittany shares her dance teaching style, advice for other teachers, and the story behind her private coaching business, Fleet Dance Coaching LLC.
What led you to become a dance teacher?
I’ve always known that I loved working with children. At SUNY Purchase, they had a Nutcracker performance every season and I would rush to sign up and volunteer to help with the children's scenes. However, my original plan was to work with a professional company or that typical broadway dream to be in West Side Story. Looking back, I could see that the things I looked at as setbacks are what led me to exactly what I should be doing today.
When I tore both of my ACLs, I thought it was over for me - that dance didn’t really have a place in my future. After searching and trying the commercial dance route, and even trying commercial acting for a little, I realized my heart was fully in teaching. I quickly realized my ability to relate to this generation and see them at their level.
There is also a need in our community to educate and further their training past any boundary or stereotype. Not to mention the need, in today’s world, to ensure that children are encouraged, uplifted and surrounded by educators that have the ability to see their gift and potential. This is why I teach!
Tell us more about Fleet Dance Coaching LLC!
We offer guidance, mentorship and training to young dancers in Atlanta, GA and surrounding areas. We currently work with ages 8-23. We assist with summer intensive, college, and art scholarships as well as arts education auditions. We also offer choreography, private coaching, and so much more!
We like to call it a lifestyle here at Fleet Dance Coaching. We aren’t just assisting in extra training. We are concerned about the entire dancer’s well-being and goals. Each dancer's journey is different and it’s amazing that they can have a place that can really put the time into their specific dance needs overall. We also offer open classes for students to join together from several studios to express themselves, train, and to just have fun while dancing. It’s a community of dance!
Photo: Brittany Fleet and students; shot by Travis Geter
Is there a specific challenge many of your students face, and how do you help them overcome it?
Confidence. Confidence. Confidence. I get a lot of children who struggle with seeing the gift that is truly inside of them. I can see it in their eyes. Oftentimes, I start by saying, “Chin up, eyes up,” and go from there. This takes time and consistency, but I assist them in overcoming this obstacle by helping them realize the importance of the process. In this day and age, where everything is instant, it's hard to feel confident when most of the time the progression in dance can take years!
I also stress that we cannot compare ourselves to others, instead we should be inspired by each other. Our bodies are different. We look different. So how can we move the same way? How can we progress the same way? My approach isn’t one size fits all. I get to know my students as individuals. I do understand that the world won’t treat them this kindly, so some teachers may have a different approach.
My approach is to build them up so much (of course with some tough love, too) so that when they get out into the tough world they already believe that they are capable of anything and everything. Most of my students know I will pay attention to detail to make sure they can be the best they can be from what I can offer. On the other hand, I’m quick to take a day to talk and to inspire them if they really need it! Sometimes it takes time, but I know they are taking it all in.
Related: Dance Teachers: 5 Ways to Set Good Vibes in Your Studio
What’s one thing you hope all of your students have learned by the time they leave your class?
I want them to feel fearless. I want them to feel that no matter the obstacle that is currently in front of them, if they take one week at a time and stay consistent, they will improve and they will reach their goals. “Step into any room and stand bold in who you are,” is what I tell them. I hope that's their biggest take away.
Do you have any advice for dance teachers?
Although we are teachers, we should never stop being a student of our craft. I always say, as my students grow, I need to as well! I recently had the experience to attend the ABT teacher training program. Putting yourself in the place of a student makes you a better teacher by learning more skills and different approaches. It can also put you back in the shoes of your students. If you could remember what your younger self needed (mentally and in training) be sure to give that to them. I promise you your students will grow tremendously from the amount of care and push!
Another thing I would say is that balance and being in a good environment is very important. I’m big on making sure that I try to pour into myself and have fun when I can. That could mean reading my favorite book, watching a TV show, seeing live performances, or going to dinner with some friends so that I’m never burned out for my students.
Being a teacher, your life is focused on your kids 24/7. We pour out so much, so make sure you make time for yourselves as well. I always try my best to come in happy, energetic and ready to teach. They feed off of our energy!
Do you have anything else you’d like to share with dance students or teachers reading this article?
With any goal or dream you have, just START. You don’t have to have it all figured out.
Just a little back story, I started doing private lessons in my apartment gym. As I started to grow, I felt hesitant to accept new clients, scared of what they may think. I had to remind myself that I started offering privates from a need. Every time I felt that I should give up, or that my shared apartment gym wasn’t good enough, I thought of my students. I didn’t let my lack of a space or budget stop me! The amazing thing about all of this is that the students and parents never complained. We danced, laughed and grew together!
Now as of August 2022, I now have an official location for Fleet Dance Coaching LLC In Atlanta. I am overwhelmed to be able to wake up and do what I love to do everyday! So my advice to anyone that has an idea or dream that just won’t go away is to remember that it’s there for a reason. Follow through and take that leap of faith! You will be surprised as to what follows.