Catherine Taylor is the 2025 Leap 'N Learn Teacher of the Year!
When I was reviewing submissions for the 2025 Leap ‘N Learn Teacher of the Year award, I didn’t expect to end up teary-eyed and feeling totally fulfilled… but that’s exactly what happened when I read the nomination for Catherine Taylor from Variations Studio in Auburn, Alabama.
It is an honour to recognise Catherine as the Leap ‘N Learn Teacher of the Year.
Catherine was nominated by Stacy Young, Artistic Director of Variations Studio, and to be honest, I was hooked from the very first line where she described Catherine’s teaching. But it didn’t stop there:
“Catherine Taylor’s approach to teaching is a masterclass in blending structure with imagination.
Rooted in the principles of developmental appropriateness and emotional intelligence, her instruction fosters not only technical growth but also confidence, joy, and creativity in every child.
Her classes are built with intention—where movement is never rushed, but instead discovered, explored, and celebrated.
Through gentle guidance and thoughtfully paced lessons, Catherine creates an environment where young dancers feel secure, valued, and inspired to express themselves. Her classroom is where magic meets mastery—where children fall in love with dance one meaningful moment at a time.” (Stacy Young)
This is why we do what we do here at Leap ‘N Learn. And to know that there are teachers out there like Catherine, leading the way in the dance education industry – it just fills my heart with joy.
A whole child approach to fostering creativity and confidence
Stacy’s submission is a glowing testament to Catherine’s integrity, intelligence, and her ability to adapt and blend knowledge and skills with her own unique perspectives and ideas.
“In every sense, Catherine sees and nurtures the whole child. Her classes are joyful, enriching, and purposeful. Her teaching transcends technique—fostering emotional resilience, social awareness, creativity, and cognitive growth alongside movement. Through the Leap ‘N Learn curriculum and her own remarkable intuition as an educator, she creates a space where young dancers grow not only as artists, but as thoughtful, expressive, and confident individuals.” (Stacy Young)
We asked Catherine how being a Leap ‘N Learn teacher has supported her practice:
“Leap 'N Learn has given me the confidence to teach children a love for ballet, as well as a love for their dance community. Every student walks into the studio with different needs. Leap 'N Learn has helped me best support each individual dancer so that they can thrive in their dance classes.”
While many dance studios offer fluff-and-stuff classes filled with gimmicks and time-fillers, Variations walks a different path, with Catherine leading the way for their Petite Academy:
“I value evidence based practices and using developmentally appropriate curriculum no matter what content you’re teaching. I am thankful that Leap 'N Learn provides this for our youngest ballerinas and beyond. The littlest leaders and learners deserve intentional teaching practices and lessons when they walk into dance class.” (Catherine Taylor)
But perhaps the most meaningful insight into Catherine’s teaching philosophy is her comment on the role of laughter:
“I have also learned that laughter is my favorite sound in the classes that I teach. Pretend play lays the foundation for those moments. Laughter shows that the students feel safe, they have found joy through dance, and they are building community with their peers.” (Catherine Taylor)
In an industry that is often marred by harmful teaching practices, it is a beacon of hope to know that there are teachers out there who are changing the rules of the game – who choose to prioritise joy while continuing to deliver effective and educational dance classes.
The power of communication
One of the clearest indicators of expertise is the ability to clearly and succinctly communicate the underlying principles and benefits of a complex and layered methodology.
This is an area where Catherine excels. She’s able to effortlessly switch from teaching preschoolers through imaginative, play-based contexts, to explaining the power and purpose of these methods to families:
“Communication with families is another area where Catherine shines. She regularly shares thoughtful insights with parents about how their child is progressing—not just in dance steps, but in social-emotional growth, classroom confidence, and focus. She explains how what may look like a game is actually a key part of their development, helping families appreciate the intentional structure of Leap ‘N Learn. Her ability to build trust and partnership with families strengthens the studio community and enhances the dancer’s experience.” (Stacy Young)
Intentional leadership supports impactful teaching
It isn’t surprising that when we spoke to Catherine about her win, she noted the role of Variations Studio in her practice:
“Variations Dance Studio has greatly impacted the teacher I am today. Their values when I was a dancer have stuck with me through all the years. Now, I’m grateful to give back to the community that poured into me as a young dancer.” (Catherine Taylor)
While so many studio owners complain how hard it is to find quality dance teachers, there’s one thing I’ve noticed: studio owners who are truly invested in high-quality education have no troubles attracting and retaining amazing teachers.
It’s clear that Variations Studio prioritises developing an early childhood-based dance program that serves their students just as much as it seeks to develop educators with an interest in teaching.
It is this dual focus that works like magic… except, it isn’t magic. It comes from intentional leadership and a conscious choice to invest in teachers and their training, knowing that teachers who are well supported provide exceptional experiences for their students.
It sounds obvious, but so few dance studios get this part right.
Variations Studio is a case study in what happens when we prioritise education and experiences for all.
As the Petite Academy Director at Variations, Catherine identifies Stacy’s intentionality and support as a contributing factor to her success, and what separates Variations from other dance studios:
“I am honored to represent Variations Dance Studio, under the leadership of Stacy Young. Stacy has a background in early childhood education and has laid the foundation for intentional teaching. I am grateful that she saw the need for developmentally appropriate curriculum and became licensed with Leap 'N Learn. She continues to support our team in every way. We are excited to support more teachers who are showing an interest in the field of education!” (Catherine Taylor)
This reciprocal relationship leaves me hopeful for the future of dance education, knowing that there are studio owners and dance teachers who prioritise education, creativity, the magic of childhood, and supporting all dancers to develop in their own ways.
But, don’t just take it from me.
In the closing sentences of her submission, Stacy expressed it far better than I ever could. As studio owners and dance teachers, this is what we should be aspiring to:
“To witness a former student return as an educator and mentor is profoundly meaningful. Catherine honors our studio’s legacy while shaping its future. Winning this award would affirm her remarkable journey and shine a light on the kind of teaching that transforms students and strengthens community—celebrating the full-circle beauty of a dancer-turned-educator inspiring the next generation to dream big.” (Stacy Young)
Congratulations, Catherine! And thank you Stacy. This is a team and studio we should all be looking to as an example of best practice in the dance education industry.