Expressions Dance and Preschool Interview with Amy Simkins

Amy Simkins, the Owner and Director of Expressions Dance and Preschool in Utah, stated that their intent is to not only build talented, beautiful dancers, but to do so while teaching responsibility, respect, discipline, self-esteem and confidence. Their staff takes their roles as teachers, mentors and role models very seriously and knows that their direct involvement in every student’s life can have a profound effect on how that student carries themselves throughout their lives – beyond dance. Most importantly, their goal is to give students the opportunity to express themselves and grow in a positive, challenging environment – and have a little fun in the process!

According to Amy there are lots of great dance studios and many of them tend to focus on different aspects of the dance education process – performance, technique, recreational, etc. Amy believes that where Expressions Dance stands apart is the in between. Performance and technique are important. But, the values that are taught are just as important, and that extends beyond dance, such as sportsmanship, attitude, relationships, respect, team building, positive self-image, and dedications. Expressions Dance also tries very hard to create and maintain a positive dedication. Expressions Dance also tries very hard to create and maintain a positive environment where “egos” are left at the door and everyone feels involved.

Expressions has two studios in Utah – one in Bountiful and one in Centerville – and Amy believes that both of her studios are a great home away from home for her students.

Another area where Expressions Dance is different from the average studio is the classes that they offer. Like many schools, they offer ballet, jazz, hip hop, Zumba and tumbling to young dancers that begin as early as preschool plus “Mommy and Me” classes. They also offer company and competition teams. Additionally, Expressions has an Academic Preschool that offers traditional preschool activities in addition to dance classes.

Over the years, Amy has had many proud moments. She says these proud moments are what give her the desire to keep teaching! Among her favorite “proud moments” are the moments when she sees true joy and passion coming out of one of her dancers. She gets chills just thinking about the influence dancing can have on a little person’s life. Seeing her dancers let go of insecurities and really shine on stage and in class makes Amy very happy!

In Amy’s opinion, one of the biggest mistakes she sees dancers make, and people in general, is that they tend to give up on themselves. She believes everyone needs to keep striving to meet their goals, no matter what roadblocks they may encounter.

Amy’s biggest goal for this year is to create a sense of unity among the entire studio. This includes their performing company, their recreation program and their preschoolers. It has always been her number one goal to ensure that their studio has a positive atmosphere and doesn’t get caught up in the negativity with which so many studios have become infected. Another goal Amy has made for this year is to increase the improvement in their recreational classes.

Expressions has added end of year assessments in all of their classes and created structured class curriculum to accomplish this. No matter what the individual dancer’s weekly commitment level is, Expressions wants all of their dancers to have a good experience and get the best instruction possible!

Amy grew up living, eating and breathing dance – it is her life! Dance was her favorite class in high school. However, she eventually realized that teaching was even more fulfilling to her than dancing. That knowledge, coupled with the fact that she has always been an entrepreneur at heart, made it obvious that she should start a studio and teach for the rest of her life.

Amy began dancing in St. George, Utah, as a young girl. She trained at Ballet Arts of Southern Utah, and in high school was dance captain for her drill team. She was awarded the Regional Sterling Scholar in Dance which enabled her to attend the University of Utah and further her education where she graduated with a degree in sociology and studied child development, education and dance. In Salt Lake, she has become an accomplished dancer, performer, choreographer and teacher. She has trained with Bonnie Story and Tamara Squires, studied ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance at the University of Utah, and has participated in many workshops. She has had the opportunity to take classes in New York City and Los Angeles. Additionally, she has worked with many well renowned choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Travis Wall, Doug Caldwell, or Joe Tremaine and Vincent Patterson (choreographer for Michael Jackson). She also performed as a backup dancer for Weird Al. Amy has had experience teaching ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, lyrical and academic preschool for several dance studios before establishing Expressions Dance and Preschool in 2006. She was an intern for Ballet West Conservatory’s “I CAN DO” program. She has created first place choreography nationwide for high schools, dance studios, Two Little Hands Productions, and the list goes on.

Although Amy says that dancing “is her life,” in reality she believes that her greatest accomplishment is her family. She is married to her best friend, Aron, and has three amazing kids, Ashton, Addison and Avery. Her family is her support and her inspiration. In her spare time, Amy enjoys learning, traveling, boating, running, and just being a mom.

Amy loves the fact that she has created a dance studio that values each and every person who walks through the door and strives to not only create excellent dancers but confident, strong young people who exhibit positive self-esteem. Amy looks forward to many more experiences with her students and teachers! She loves dance and wants to continue teaching for the rest of her life!

If you would like more information about Expressions Dance Utah, visit their website and www.dancetoexpress.com, call them at 801-683-7588 or email them at info@dancetoexpress.com. You can also “like” them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/expressionsdanceutah, follow them on Twitter or connect with them on Instagram.

Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Amy Simkins of Expressions Dance and Preschool.