08/03/2026
I’ve attended countless teacher trainings over the years, and while many leave you inspired, this weekend’s MDC Official Insta Teacher Intensive did something even more valuable.
It equipped us with practical, immediately applicable tools that will make our classrooms safer, stronger, more effective, and more impactful the very next time our students walk through the door. That is rare.
A heartfelt thank you to Shannon Mather for creating such an intentional space for educators to learn, grow, and be challenged.
Thank you to the incredible faculty who shared your gifts with us:
✨ Nicole Smith for your inspiring leadership and teaching.
✨ Melissa McGhee for pushing us to think differently and strive for excellence.
✨ Dr. Aly Anderson for giving us invaluable tools to better protect and care for our dancers’ bodies.
✨ d e l a n e y ☆ for reminding us of the artistry, joy, and power that dance can bring.
✨ And to every assistant who poured your time, encouragement, and heart into this weekend. You made every experience richer.
I’m incredibly proud of our Turning Point Dance team. Gwendolyn Nichols , Blake :) , Megan Bogart , and NatalieMegan Bogartne of tNatalie Ritchiets a teacher can give their students is the willingness to never stop being a student themselves. While most people were enjoying a summer weekend, they chose to spend hours taking notes, asking questions, dancing, learning, and challenging themselves because they believe our dancers deserve teachers who are constantly growing. That kind of humility, passion, and commitment is something I never take for granted.
To our TPD families, thank you for trusting us with your children. We believe that learning never ends, and neither does our commitment to becoming the very best educators we can be. Every class we take, every notebook we fill, every mentor we learn from is ultimately an investment in your dancer.
We are coming home inspired, challenged, and overflowing with ideas.
Season 13... we’re ready for you. ❤️