Thank a Dance Teacher Day 2025: A Tribute to Susan McGreevy-Nichols
A high school freshman walks into his 3rd period dance class. Nestled between algebra and world history, 鈥淚ntroduction to Dance鈥� was the only available elective by the time it was his turn to register. He鈥檚 a little nervous, a little shy, maybe even a little embarrassed to be there. He鈥檚 seen dance on TV, but doesn鈥檛 really know what to expect from a dance class.听
A five year old waits impatiently in the dance studio lobby. She is finally old enough to take her first ballet class. Wearing a pink leotard and skirt, her hair neatly tied back in a bun, she is practically bouncing up and down with excitement. Last year, her grandparents took her to see a production of The Nutcracker, and she鈥檚 been eagerly waiting for her turn to dance ever since.听
A college senior stands shyly at the door of the dance studio on campus. Their parents could never afford dance classes, and their school district didn鈥檛 have dance as part of the curriculum. They鈥檝e seen the non-major dance classes listed in their college鈥檚 course catalog, but couldn鈥檛 work up the courage to enroll in one until now.听
Though they might not realize it, each of these students is on the brink of a life changing experience. The knowledge and skills they gain through their dance classes will impact them through the rest of their lives. It will help them develop self-awareness, creativity, communication and collaboration skills, leadership, and confidence. It has the potential to influence their academic performance, peer relationships, overall sense of wellness, and even career choices. Their dance experiences will be transformative 鈥� and they will all start with one thing in common: a dance teacher.听
We know that dance education has the power to change the world, one student at a time. And we know that a great portion of that power exists because of the dedicated, passionate individuals who teach dance. Why are we so confident in this knowledge? Because we have seen it in action, time and time again. We have seen it in our own dance students, heard it in the countless stories shared by other dance educators, and read about it in both qualitative and qualitative research. Everything points to one fact: dance education is transformative - and it all starts with a dance teacher!聽
The National Dance Education Organization hosts 鈥淭hank A Dance Teacher Day鈥� in recognition of this transformative impact of dance education and the teachers who make it possible. This year, as we celebrate dance teachers around the world, we are also highlighting the amazing work of one extraordinary dance teacher. As part of Thank a Dance Teacher Day 2025, we are honoring Susan McGreevy-Nichols (pictured left alongside NDEO staff), NDEO鈥檚 Executive Director and Chief Executive Operator, who will retire this summer. In addition to her work with NDEO, Sue had a long and impactful career as a dance educator. As a teacher at Roger Williams Middle School in Providence, Rhode Island from 1974-2002, Sue founded and developed that institution鈥檚 nationally renowned middle school dance program. Her work at RWMS impacted thousands of students throughout the years.听
Augusto Dougal, M.Ed., M.S.Ed., is one of those students. Augusto was a student in the dance program at Roger Williams Middle School, graduating in 1994. An accomplished dancer and educator himself, he shared the following reflection on the impact that Sue had on his life:聽
鈥淔rom the moment I joined the Roger Williams Middle School dance program in sixth grade at the age of 11, I looked up to Sue with deep admiration. Her passion, guidance, and unwavering commitment to the arts inspired me then鈥攁nd continue to do so today. It was through that very program that my love for dance was ignited, eventually leading me to pursue and earn a Master鈥檚 degree in Dance Education from Temple University. Because of her influence, dance has remained a constant force in my life. Whether as a performer, choreographer, or arts advocate, I have always carried the lessons I first learned under Sue鈥檚 direction. As I now prepare to enter my doctoral studies at Northeastern University in the fall of 2025, I remain committed to advocating for the transformative power of the arts in education and beyond.听
Sue鈥檚 dedication to dance education has not only touched countless lives but has been a foundational pillar in my own academic and professional journey. Thank you, Sue, for being such a remarkable mentor and role model. Your legacy will continue to inspire future generations鈥攋ust as it has inspired me.鈥澛�
Most dance educators will never know the lasting impact of the teaching.They may never realize how they helped transform the life of that student hovering timidly in the entryway of the dance studio. They won鈥檛 know how that first dance class changes things for the nervous high schooler, the excited 5 year old, or the shy college senior that walks into their classes. They might never hear from successful former students like Augusto, who is now using the passion ignited by their dance teacher to fuel a fulfilling and impactful career of his own.听
If you were once that student, or are a parent or caregiver of that student, we encourage you to participate in Thank a Dance Teacher Day this year. If a dance teacher like Sue changed your life, take a moment to show your appreciation on May 1, 2025. You can learn more about Thank a Dance Teacher Day by . and find fun ways to express your gratitude to your dance teacher here: Click Here to View Blog Post
If you believe in making a difference for the next generation of dance teachers, we encourage you to consider making a donation to NDEO鈥檚 #DanceEducationForAll Fund: . Donations support our Professional Development Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for continuing education classes that help teachers better serve their students and advance their careers.
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The 鈥淒ance Education鈥� blog is brought to you by The National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), a thriving non-profit membership organization that supports YOU as a dance educator! NDEO works with and for dance educators of all backgrounds and in every setting and genre. We work for equitable and accessible dance education for all through advocacy, research, and support for the dance educators who are making a difference for their students. As a membership organization, we rely on dance educators like YOU to join us in this important work! When you become a member of NDEO, you align yourself with our vision of dance education for all. We invite you to become a part of our vibrant community that offers support, resources, advocacy, and research you need to make a difference for yourself and make an impact on our field. Now more than ever, we need to come together to celebrate and share the dynamic, affirming, community-building, transformative power of dance. Join the movement - click here to become a member of NDEO today!