Meet the Teachers: Miss Tess Hanna

Are you ready to meet our next teacher in our Meet the Teacher series for 2023?

This week we're introducing the delightful Miss Tess Hanna.

Tess is JOKSOD alumni and a much loved member of our JOKSOD family, she is now studying her Early Childhood and Primary Education degree at Monash. Tess has such a sweet and gentle nature alongside her dancing skills and is a perfect teacher for our youngest students. 

We are so thrilled Tess is back with us this year teaching our Saturday morning Beginner Classical and Pre School Fairy Magic dancers, covering for our lovely Miss Lucy who is currently on maternity leave.

Carry on reading for more about Miss Tess.....

1. Where and what age did you start dancing?

I started dancing at the age of 3 at Joanne O’Kelly School of Dance.

2. When did you know you wanted to become a dance teacher?

I’ve always loved working with young kids so after being a student teacher for a while I thought that the opportunity to teach my own class would be super fun.

3. What’s your favourite style/genre of dance and why?

I really love jazz and contemporary dance because they both have a quality of showing light and shade through your movements. I love the high energy that jazz brings to dance as well as giving a dancer a chance to show off their personality.

4. What do you love most about teaching?

Seeing the bright smiles that come across the student’s faces when they are having fun in class and spreading their love for dance.

5. What do you do when you’re not teaching at JOKSOD?

I’m currently working towards my Bachelors in Early Childhood and Primary Education at Monash University. I’m also in a part time position at Acacia Park Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten.

6. What is your favourite day out?

On days off I love to spend time catching up with friends, going out for lunch or going down to the beach are my favourites as I can really unwind and relax.

7. Do you have any pets?

I do, I have a 10 year old golden labrador named Milly.

8. What is your favourite time of year at JOKSOD and why?

I absolutely love concert time at JOKSOD, it’s a very fun and exciting way to end the year with a bang! Seeing all the concert dances come together after all the rehearsals and practice is so rewarding.

9. Do you still take dance classes and where?

I currently don’t as I have a pretty busy schedule however in the future I would love to get back into dance somehow.

10. What are you hopes and dreams for the future as a dance teacher?

I just hope I can give guidance and support to the little dancers who are starting off their dance journey. Wishing that after every class they can come out with a smile on their face or saying they learnt something new.

11. What do you love most about the JOKSOD community?

I grew up in the JOKSOD studio and it’s the positive energy and friendly faces that radiate through the school that I love most. Everyone has a special love for dance and you can really see that through the teaching and dancing.

12. Where do you look for inspiration for choreography?

I use past and personal experiences in dance for inspiration. I may look back to when I was younger in ballet class and the things my teachers were teaching me. Also taking inspiration from fellow teachers that I've observed over the years on how to engage with younger students through choreography.

13. What is your favourite dance you’ve ever choreographed and why?

When in high school I completed VCE VET Dance, I collaboratively choreographed a group dance for myself and fellow peers. I really enjoyed choreographing that piece because we all worked together really well to create a dance that we were all super proud of.

14, What is your favourite theatre show?

Aladdin is definitely my favourite. I got the opportunity to see it twice and I thought it was amazing. The costumes, props, choreography, music, lighting, stage production, everything was so professional and enjoyable.

15. If you were not a dance teacher what would you be doing instead?

I would probably still pursue my career as either a Kindergarten teacher or Primary teacher. But either way I would still be in the teaching field some way.