Joining the Bruin family this year is new dance teacher Gabriella Blaney. She is allowing her students to act as student teachers, taking control over the dance floor and coming up with their own choreography for the January Student Choreography Showcase. 

Junior Alexa Tan, one of the student teachers, commented on what being a student teacher has taught her.

“So far, being a student choreographer has made me become more responsible and work hard on what I have been creating with the other student teachers,” she said. 

Senior Hailey Hughes also mentioned a few points. 

“I thought being a student-teacher would be very hard because there are a lot of people in my class, but so far it has been really fun to teach everyone.” 

Most of the girls were put into dance their freshman year and decided to stick with it for a year or more. 

“I was put into Dance I my freshman year and I fell in love with it ever since,” said Tan. 

Junior Elaina Wargala was put into dance freshman year as well. 

“This is my second year in dance. I was put in my freshman year, and I have to say, it is pretty cool,” Wargala commented.

Junior Allison Johnson has been doing dance for five years, and she had things to say about what she most loves about dance.

“I love being able to express myself through the form of dance. In this class, I love dancing with my peers and being able to learn new styles of dance,” she said. “I am also looking forward to both shows this year, they are always so fun.”

Hughes described what she was looking forward to this year in dance.

“I am really looking forward to doing my own choreography because I have never done my own dance piece before and I am quite excited about that,” she said.

Even though it is Ms. Blaney’s first year at Bear River, all the students did agree on one thing, and it was how much they appreciated their teacher. A few students commented on their love for Ms. Blaney.

“I really love how Gaby pushes us to always be our best,” said Tan. 

Hughes and other students commented on about the things she liked about her new dance teacher. 

 “I really enjoy our new dance teacher, Gaby, this year,” she said. “She has been teaching us a lot about being a strong dancer and using good technique.” 

Some of the other classmates were all in agreement about the environment in Ms. Blaney’s class. 

“I love our new teacher,” said Wargala. “She’s like a mom and a coach all in one. She pushes us to do our best and works us hard, but also lets us know all the time that she is there for us in more ways than just dance.”