Celebrating the Educators Who Make an Impact Beyond the Studio
A great dance educator teaches more than choreography. They build confidence, offer encouragement, and share lessons their dancers carry long after class ends. Our Impactful Dance Educator Award Contest gave dancers an opportunity to recognize the teachers and studio directors who have made a meaningful difference in their lives.
From Nominations to Our Finalists
Dancers began by nominating an educator who had made an impact on them. From those thoughtful submissions, five finalists were selected and featured on social media.
Through community voting and a final review by the OneBeat Dance team, our overall winner was determined.
Through every stage of the contest, dancers shared meaningful stories about the support, confidence, and life lessons their educators gave them beyond the studio
“All my life, I have struggled with perfectionism, and it suffocated my dancing; Mr. Tyler taught me how to break free of that weight and to allow myself to fail. He encouraged me to go to the limits that he knew I could go to, but that I was too afraid to reach because I was scared of failure.” – Nominated by Emma Demaline
“Miss Rita has helped me grow outside of dance by showing what kindness is to others and by preparing me for interviewing and communicating. Miss Rita has also been there for all of my moments of setbacks and self-doubt. She is by my side and others' each time we go on stage.” – Nominated by Audrey Cavanaugh
“1 lesson that Miss Nicole taught us that I’ll carry forever is that when competing at a competition, it's just 3 judges opinions and you can’t let them define you as a dancer, because you’re so much more than that and every day it’s a new set of judges. You have to have confidence in yourself and your own ability, and not let 3 people define your ability.”- Nominated by Blake Belkin
“She has helped me become more confident not only when I’m dancing on stage, but also in who I am outside of dance. I’ve learned that it’s okay to make mistakes, have bad days, and still keep moving forward. I’m so grateful for the way she pushes me, supports me, and makes me want to be the best version of myself.” – Nominated by Teagan Rapke
Meet Our Five Finalists
We are proud to recognize five outstanding educators:
- Tyler Stickel, The Studio Centre
- Nicole Messina, Dancesations Studio of Performing Arts Inc.
- Rita Ogden, Ovations Dance Studio
- Mary Lourdes, Mary Lourdes Academy of Dance
- Dee Buchanan, Dee Buchanan Studio of Dance
Each finalist received a 1-Year Membership to CLI’s Online Conservatory and OneBeat swag. The dancers who nominated them also received OneBeat swag as a thank-you for sharing their stories.
Congratulations to Dee Buchanan
After the community voted and the OneBeat team completed its review, Dee Buchanan of Dee Buchanan Studio of Dance was named the Impactful Dance Educator Award winner.
Dee received a $500 cash prize, a OneBeat prize package, and a $500 gift certificate toward a CLI In-Studio Convention.
“When we say that our studio is a family, we aren’t lying. I think her support and connections with dancers have truly created a home base for our families. So many dancers grew up there and still teach for her- that is a lesson in support and cultivating an environment of constant growth and passion!” – Nominated by Jaimie Kiska
Thank You to Our Dance Community
Thank you to every dancer who submitted a nomination, voted, or helped us celebrate the finalists. Your stories highlighted the many ways dance educators support their students, both in and beyond the studio.
To all the teachers and studio directors who help dancers learn, grow, and believe in themselves, we see your impact and appreciate everything you do.