Teacher Spotlight: Miss Heather ~ Experience, Heart, and Thoughtful Leadership

At Tutu School Tacoma, our teachers bring many different stories, strengths, and perspectives into the studio. That diversity is what allows our community to feel rich, supportive, and deeply connected. This month, we are excited to shine a spotlight on Miss Heather, a teacher whose experience, insight, and heart have made a meaningful impact on our studio and the families we serve.

Heather comes to Tutu School Tacoma with years of teaching experience, a strong foundation in ballet, and a genuine love for working with children. She previously taught at a Tutu School in North Carolina before her family moved to Washington, and she brings that experience into every class she leads. As a mom of three, she also understands what families are looking for in a studio, and she approaches each class with care, patience, and intention.

In the classroom, Heather creates an environment where dancers feel safe, supported, and genuinely loved. She brings a calm, confident presence to her teaching while allowing space for joy, curiosity, and play. Her passion for ballet is clear, but just as important is the way she connects with each child as an individual.

The things that bring me the most joy at Tutu School are definitely the people. I love getting to know the dancers and their families, and the sense of community it brings. I also love teaching a new step or concept in ballet and really seeing it take shape in the dancers. But I find the most joy when I see a dancer’s face light up when they dance and really feel in the moment.

Heather is a thoughtful and generous member of our team. She is always looking for ways to improve how we show up for families, and she is never afraid to share ideas, feedback, or encouragement from her unique perspective as both a teacher and a parent. She steps in to support her fellow teachers whenever needed and brings a spirit of collaboration that strengthens our entire studio.

I hope and strive to make every child who walks through the door feel safe and loved, and to help every family feel that they belong at Tutu School. I also feel so much passion for ballet and hope that I can pass some of that passion on to them.

Teaching at Tutu School has also been a space for growth and creativity for Heather. She shares that being part of this community has helped her think more creatively, develop patience, and stay open to learning and adapting each day.

Being a part of Tutu School has helped me grow in so many ways. It’s helped me to think creatively and always keeps me on my toes, literally. I’ve also become a more patient person and gotten better at going with the flow and having fun while doing it.

Outside of the studio, Heather enjoys staying active through dance and exercise classes, working on interior design projects, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her family. Those interests reflect the balance she brings into her teaching: thoughtful, creative, and grounded.

When asked what advice she would share with new teachers, Heather offered guidance that reflects both her experience and her heart for children:

Let your unique personality shine through in your classes. Don’t be afraid to have fun and show your silly side sometimes. But most of all, find special ways to connect with each child and help them feel loved and cherished.

We are incredibly lucky to have Miss Heather on our Tutu School Tacoma team. Her experience, leadership, and willingness to support others make our studio stronger, and her care for children and families is felt in every class she teaches.

Families interested in learning more about classes at Tutu School Tacoma are always welcome to explore our offerings and experience the warmth and care that teachers like Miss Heather bring to the studio.

For those who feel drawn to creative movement, ballet, and working with young children, Tutu School Tacoma offers a supportive and collaborative place to grow, teach, and belong.