February’s Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Miranda

Miranda has been a member of the Academy family for 20 years! Her dance career started at the Academy of Dance Arts with ballet, tap and clogging. She has also explored jazz, modern and hip-hop styles, and truly enjoys all forms of dance. Her passion for children and dance led her back to our studios, which she is quick to call her home away from home!

Miranda is particularly proud of her time as captain of the Rapid City Central High School’s Cobbler Coed Dance Team in 2007. One of her favorite dance memories was her first experience dancing in The Nutcracker with her father, who played the part of Drosselmeyer. “We would go to rehearsals and had a true bonding experience together. Once I had my first performance on the civic center stage, I was forever hooked to performing and theater altogether. Dancing and theater have been a huge part of my life ever since!”

She is currently introducing beginning dancers to hip hop and they just love her! Literally, they give her love notes 😉

Miranda shares that what she loves most about teaching is “the ability to give our youth a healthy outlet for their everyday lives. To build up their confidence is a treasure they can carry throughout their adult lives and will forever be impacted in a positive way. Not only are they learning how to love themselves, they are having fun in the process and that is my number one rule: have fun!”

Some of her favorite hip-hop role models include Twitch and Robert Hoffman. Miranda also enjoys spending time with her family outdoors; horseback riding, fishing, and camping with her fiancé and their 2 children. “Family time is so important to me and I cherish the time we spend together, and I am also truly blessed to be a part of the Academy family!”