Defeating Challenges and Creating Opportunities for Students: an Interview with Dance Teacher Jennifer Thiemet
Meet Jennifer Thiemet, a dance teacher based in Anderson, IN.
Photo: Jennifer Thiemet; shot by Catherine Sparks Petraits
Jennifer is a former principal dancer with Anderson Young Ballet Theatre & Academy (AYBT) with extended studies at Canada’s National Ballet School. Throughout her dance career, she has performed with Walt Disney productions, Indianapolis Ballet Theatre and was a principal dancer with Lexington Ballet. She also performed the leads in several ballets, including The Nutcracker, Giselle, and Sleeping Beauty.
Since she began her dance teaching career, Jennifer has taught at the School of Lexington Ballet, School for the Performing Arts of Kentucky, and National Academy. Now, she is entering her 28th season as a teacher for AYBT’s University Dance Department.
In her interview below, Jennifer discusses the importance of providing opportunities for children who aspire to dance, while helping them feel included, empowered, and supported.
What led you to become a dance teacher?
I have always had a desire to teach and connect with young children through the art of dance. Teaching has been my path since my retirement from professional dancing in 1995. I am fortunate enough to have returned to my home dance studio and continue the legacy of our founder, and my mentor, Lou Ann Young. AYBT Academy and AYBT (our pre-professional ballet company) are approaching our 50th season of shaping young minds through the art of dance.
Tell us more about AYBT!
Our pre-professional ballet company (and our academy which supports it) was founded by Lou Ann Young in 1974. We train young dancers in many genres of dance. Our artistic team produces full length classical ballets as well as full length world premier ballets. I have the privilege of following in the footsteps of Ms. Young as the current Artistic Director of AYBT.
Is there a specific challenge many of your students face, and how do you help them overcome it?
Children face many challenges to begin and continue dance lessons: economical, physical, learning, acceptance, etc. Each one of these challenges can (and should) be addressed to give as many children the opportunity to dance as possible.
If a child has the desire to dance, there are ways to help those children: local grants for the students, reduced rates as necessary, donated dance attire, teachers who are trained to help those children who need extra time to learn, patience on behalf of those children with their physical limitations, etc.
What’s one thing you hope all your students have learned by the time they leave your class?
I hope our dancers graduate with a love for the joy of dancing, growth in the art of dancing and performing, and growth of self and reliance on their abilities to address their lives as adults.
Related: Dance Teachers: 5 Ways to Set Good Vibes in Your Studio
Do you have any advice for dance teachers?
All children who wish to dance should be given the opportunity to do so. Not every child you teach will move on the dance professionally. Dance and the arts teach so many life skills that may not involve performing. As teachers, we train dancers now to raise the level of humankind in every child we have in our classes.
Do you have anything else you’d like to share with dance students or teachers reading this article?
If you want children to feel included, you must include them. You, as a director and a teacher, must find viable methods in your community and your dance family to let children know you mean this. Show your intentions to everyone walking in the door to seek training.
You can learn more about Anderson Young Ballet Academy by visiting their school’s website. Learn more about the ballet company here. You can also connect with AYBT on Instagram!
Note: This interview was edited for clarity and concision.