Theresa Orth has been dazzling audiences with her dance performances for 15 years, winning national accolades. Now she’s sharing her expertise as an instructor at the Somerset Valley YMCA teaching a new ballet and jazz classes for children ages 3-10.
Theresa has tapped, twirled and leapt her way through dance competitions since 2002. In April, Theresa placed first in the senior division for her ballet solo at the On Point National Dance Competition. Prior to this, Theresa’s jazz dance group placed third in the UDA National Dance Team Championship, and she reflects on this as one of her most rewarding dance memories to date.
An alumnus of the Central Jersey Dance Company and the Jersey Girls Dance Team and a current member of the New Jersey Ballet Company, Theresa’s dance experience includes everything from tap to hip hop and ballet. Though Theresa’s passion for dance knows no limits, she recommends ballet to beginners. “Ballet is the core of dance,” she said. “You need ballet technique in all other dances.”
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The idea of dancing onstage may sound intimidating, but Theresa has advice for getting rid of stage fright. She suggests that new dancers clear their minds and reassure themselves that they’re prepared. Though Theresa does recommend going over the dance in your mind before going onstage, she suggests that dancers stop doing this at least five minutes before their dance is about to begin.
If your son or daughter dreams of being in the spotlight, make sure to sign them up for ballet and jazz classes at the YMCA, and tell them to get their dancing shoes ready!
