Mindarie Senior College teacher nominated in 2014 WA Dance Awards

A MINDARIE teacher is dancing through her dream job, adding to her list of achievements a state finalist nomination.

Mindarie Senior College dance teacher Pamela Konijn is one of three finalists for the outstanding achievement in teaching category in the 2014 WA Dance Awards.

Mrs Konijn said the dance classroom was a fun environment and was grateful to go to her ‘dream job’ every day.

‘I like to have a laugh with my students ” however, they understand that I will always encourage them to work hard and try to master a skill even when it seems challenging,’ she said.

‘Teaching is a challenging and often exhausting profession, but there is nothing more rewarding for me than seeing my students develop confidence in themselves when they master a skill and when they are up on stage.’

Mrs Konijn trained in classical ballet at the Graduate College of Dance Perth, then finished an arts degree at the WA Academy of Performing Arts in 2005. She has been teaching full time for five years ” four of them at MSC ” and was nominated for state teaching awards in 2010 and 2011.

The teacher said her students had performed at state events.

Two are studying at WAAPA and another is at the New Zealand School of Dance.

‘The arts subjects, especially dance, nurture opportunities for students to learn how to think creatively, problem solve and become more tolerant and encouraging of their peers,’ she said.

‘Learning dance isn’t just about learning steps and dancing in time to music.

‘It’s about finding a way to express yourself, to learn discipline and respect for your body’s capabilities, and to challenge yourself to take risks and acknowledge the bravery of those around you.

‘These are all life skills that I think make dance students more tolerant of others and why they often possess positive self-esteem.’

Winners of the 2014 WA Dance Awards will be announced on November 19.