In the spotlight

Lisa Boucher (47) is the owner of Phoenix Dance Studio in Anzac. Lisa and her husband, Rob Boucher (47), have been married for 26 years and stay in Minnebron. They have two sons, Jason (28) and Keagan (24), and two grandchildren, Kayden (3) and Nova-Lee (17 months).

How long have you been a dance instructor and what styles of dance do you teach?
I am a member of the Association of International Dance Teachers (AIDT). I teach modern dance, tap and urban hip-hop. I have students from three years of age to adults. I have been teaching for 29 years.

Is this something you have always wanted to do? How did you start?
Dancing has always been my passion and I always knew that teaching dancing is what I wanted to do. I started modern and tap dancing with Des Ross when I was nine years old, and later added hip-hop as well. I did all my exams and teacher’s exams with Des.

When did the studio open? What career did you follow before opening the studio?
Phoenix Dance Studio opened in February. After I finished matric, I started teaching with Des. I was Des’ partner until December when she decided to semi-retire, as she is planning to immigrate to the USA to be with her children.

When Des retired, I decided to open my own studio. Most of the students we had together have moved with me to my new studio. I have also been privileged to have new students join me.

With Covid-19 it is difficult to take part in dance competitions; did any of them take place online? How did the process work?
Covid has made not only competitions but also having exams more difficult. Des and I have run Elite Dance Eisteddfod for the East Rand dance teachers for many years, but we have unfortunately not been able to have this for the last two years now. We are hoping this will be able to take place next year again.

The children miss dressing up in costumes and performing on stage. Performing on stage is also a vital skill all dancers should learn. Our exams were held as virtual exams in July, where we filmed the students in an exam setting.

The videos were then submitted to the examiner to be marked. Our end-of-year exams will also be done the same way. We are taking part in the Del’Arte Eisteddfod on September 4, but this is going to be a live event.

How do you know which song a child should dance to?
I spend a lot of time searching for and then editing the music. I take their age, personality and the style of dance I want to choreograph into consideration then I listen to the lyrics to make sure it is appropriate.

What is your training and background in dance?
I have been trained in AIDT modern, tap and hip-hop. I have done all my associate (teacher’s) exams, including Advanced Associate and Membership, which allow me to train and enter students up to advanced, as well as train students to do their associate exams. I also took ballet classes up to RAD Elementary and I did some ballroom and Latin dance training as well.

If a student was lagging behind the rest of the class, how would you handle him/her?
When this has happened in the past, I have offered to take the student on their own for private lessons or I have asked a senior student studying for their associate exams to assist. I also add exercises to the class to assist with extra strengthening in the areas that need attention.

How do you inspire and motivate your students?
I hope how I relate to them in class every day inspires and motivates them. I always try to be positive and encouraging. I am constantly looking for ways and exercises to help them improve themselves. I try to not only include the discipline and dedication needed for dance but to include the fun aspects as well. To me, the most important is to pass on my passion and love for dance.

What is a major challenge in your profession?
Unfortunately, as dance classes are still a luxury for some and where finances and transport are an issue, some very talented dancers are missing out. Sometimes when people are faced with financial issues, extra-curricular activities are stopped. This causes some studios to have to close as their numbers just don’t support the teachers and their expenses anymore.

What other hobbies do you have?
I love doing crafts, puzzles, reading and going for walks.

Do you prefer winter or summer and why?
Definitely summer, I love to be outside in the sun, especially at the beach. I love the bright colours of summer.

If you could be the president for one day, what would you change?
It would be a dream to put an end to corruption and unfairness, especially in the workplace. I would like to see people hired or promoted on their merit and because they have earned it and are the best person for the job.