By Mary Owen
Tara Manning teaches with her whole heart.
“I love my little dancers!” said the co-owner of Steppin’ Up Jazz Dance, a dance program for children 3 to 18 years of age.
Manning herself has been taking dance lessons since she was 3 years old, an age that maybe can’t grasp all the techniques of a dance, but certainly embraces the enjoyment of the movements, she said.
“I continued all the way through college, and my college dance instructor inspired me to teach,” said Manning, who has been teaching since 1999. “She knew I was going to school to be a school teacher and thought my skills went hand in hand. She made such a difference in my life and many others by her suggestion. A big thank you to her!”
Manning loves seeing her dancers’ faces light up at recitals, the culmination of weeks of learning new skills and having experiences that carry on throughout the dancers’ lives.
“We perform locally at retirement homes and special events,” she said. “It’s so rewarding to see how excited the audience gets. It’s a win-win!”
Manning’s students learn dance styles ranging from ballet to jazz to hip-hop.
“We use up-beat, energetic music and sometimes incorporate props into our rehearsals and routines,” said Manning, who encourages parents to take an active role in their children’s dancing career.
She loves watching her dancers express themselves, especially during freestyle class times.
“They are so expressive to the music,” she said. “And boy are they uninhibited!”
Watching her students grow in both physical appearance and skill levels is the highlight of her career, Manning said.
“Children are amazing!” she said. “I cannot put into words how lucky I am that these parents share their precious gifts with us.”
And spending time with her mother, Rhonda, who also teaches classes, is an added bonus for Manning, she said.
The group’s first show to ring in spring is April 24. Find information about classes and shows at www.steppinupjazz.com.
