Reflections of Dance Teachers

We were able to talk with two former PSOD dance teachers to hear about their experience teaching at Prairie School of Dance! Both of these women were and are extremely influential in building the studio’s technique and passion for moving.

Miss ANNIE MYHRE CHESTERFIELD ~ the very first PSOD teacher!

1. How many years did you teach at PSOD?
I think it was 7-8 years.

2. How do you remember the physical studio space?
I remember it being a beautiful space with a lot of natural light. When I first started the space was carpet. We would take out big pieces of wood for tap class.

3. What made PSOD different than any other studio/school that you taught at?
The focus was put on individual students and we as teachers were encouraged to find the strengths of each dancer. Also, the fact that the environment was supportive, wholesome, and non-competitive.

4. What is one of your most hilarious or beautiful memories?
It was always so fun after the recital hanging out at Sarah’s house; Everyone was so excited from the show. And, meeting and getting to know Christa. We always had a good time together making each other laugh.

5. What is something that you learned from Sarah Quie?
Honestly, Sarah taught me a lot. I feel like she has had a huge influence in my life. She took me under her wing when I was 18 and helped to mold me into a good dance teacher. But more importantly, she saw potential in me and brought out my best traits.

6. What have been other highlights of your dance career/training? I know you danced with Danny’s JazzDance, right?
Dancing with Danny was my absolute dream job!

7. If you had one piece of advice to our teachers or students?
I would tell them to soak up as much info, expertise, life lessons from Sarah! I would also say that you have made a good choice to take class or teach at PSOD because I feel like it was always true to what dance is.

Miss ALLISON DOUGHTY MARQUESEN
9 years and still counting…

1. How many years did you teach at PSOD?
2005-2013…. 9 years, and still returning each year as a guest!

2. What was your first impression of Sarah Quie & PSOD? When I met Sarah for my interview, we sat in the overlook studio. Sarah was so energetic and warm, and was a direct reflection of the beautiful sunshine that was beaming through the windows on to the studio floor. I immediately felt so warm and welcome by the space and its enigmatic director. I’m so glad she hired me!

3. What made PSOD different than any other studio/school that you taught at?
Studying Dance inherently builds character, discipline, self-worth, and appreciation for our amazing physical vessels. Psod goes above and beyond any other studio I’ve ever encountered to foster and nurture these virtues. At Psod, the staff (lead by Sarah’s initiative) gives a lot of thought and effort to every single individual in a class to make sure they are lifted up and made to feel special.

4. What is one of your most hilarious and/or beautiful memories?
One of my favorite parts about being a teacher is watching students grow in to their potential. As they advance as a dancer, they are also becoming more of who they are as a person. It’s very fun to see what students do post graduation, and to see how their dancing helped them to find themselves.

5. What is something that you learned from Sarah Quie?
I learned from Sarah the significance of telling people how much you appreciate them. As one of her staff, I always felt so valued. Her appreciation of my contributions to Psod were always known to me, and it made me love working for her even more. She not only lifts up her students, she lifts up her staff too. It makes for an amazing work environment.

6. What was your favorite dance that you choreographed? why?
There are a few that I’ve really loved but one that stands out is “Remember when it rained” performed by ballet 6 (at the time, the highest level.) Everything from the costumes to the music to the dancer’s incredible commitment to the piece made it very special. I was very proud of those dancers each time they performed.

7. What have been other highlights of your dance career/training?
I’ve been fortunate to teach, study and perform in many places in the US. I feel lucky to have been raised a very versatile dancer, and thus have had the opportunity to dance everything from principal ballet roles to musical theater revue. I was also blessed with the experience of teaching and choreographing for the Chiang Mai Ballet for 8 months. It was an incredible experience to be in such a different culture, and not be able to speak the language of the students, but to have the common language of dance. I was honored by the US Consulate for a piece of choreography I created on those dancers – an experience I will always treasure!

8. If you had one piece of advice to share with our teachers or students, what would it be?
Allow yourself to learn from each experience you have in your life – both in and out of the studio. Doors open to us for a reason, and while they may not always seem right at the time, our experiences help shape us and teach us about ourselves.