Shelia Sangster, Pineapple Dance Studios | "My love for dance gets stronger and stronger"

#IDANCEBECAUSE my love for it keeps getting stronger

Shelia // Jazz Dance Teacher, Pineapple Dance Studios @sheilasangster

I started formal dance training at 24, which is late in dance years. I grew up in Quebec, and there weren’t many classes available when I was younger. It wasn’t until I moved to London that I could take open classes.

As an adult, I really had to work at my flexibility and strength. Having that experience gives me an advantage when working with dancers who started later, because I know how it feels.

I’ve learnt that your body can do just about anything at any age; you just have to work at it.

My classes are open to everyone, from beginner to advanced. One student is in her 60s and has been coming to my classes for over 30 years!

I love that she might find herself dancing next to a 10 year old. My students are from all backgrounds and ethnicities; in the dance studio, they are all equal.

My love for dance has strengthened over the years. When I first started dancing, I constantly compared myself to other students who had been training for years.

As I’ve got older, the ego has shifted and passion has taken over. I don’t feel like I have anything to prove anymore.