So, you want to know a little more about me? Let’s jump right in. My name is Nadine Harrell.
My love for dance started from a very early age. I grew up surrounded by music and loved to move my body to the rhythm. My mother taught me the twist and the like as we listened to music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Mostly, I had a tendency to freestyle solo.
It was my mother who introduced me to dancing in cooperation with others. When I was a teenager, she signed my family up for Square Dancing. I went … reluctantly. It was no surprise to her when the dances became something I looked forward to each week. Nor did it shock her when I advanced quickly in the lessons and became what is called an “Angel” in the Square Dance world. In other words, I helped the newer students learn the patterns.
When circumstances shifted me away from Square Dancing, I was told about Argentine Tango lessons in my area. I was hooked and Argentine Tango became the love of my dance life. Again, I found I couldn’t get enough had wanted to learn as much as possible, asking instructors for little nuggets of wisdom, tips, or even sneak peaks at more advanced steps.
It was a couple of years later when it was suggested that, since I loved dance so much, I might want to think about becoming an instructor myself.
After some searching, I found Arizona Ballroom Dance Teachers Academy. Again, I rose through the ranks learning everything I could from more advanced dancers. In two years of intense study, I obtained my certification after learning how to follow, lead, and teach over ten dances under the ballroom heading, including (but not limited to): Waltz, Tango (smooth), Rumba, Cha-Cha, Salsa, Nightclub 2-Step, and East Coast Swing.
During that time, I also learned to view dance as a reflection of life and the relationships that comprise it. That view was only strengthened as I progressed from student to junior instructor to independent instructor.
In my time as an instructor I have: choreographed dances for my own showcases, and taught technique to a youth class to prepare for solo dance competition, as well as the standard group classes, and private lessons. I get to enjoy my students’ faces lighting up as they grasp dance concepts and gain a sense of accomplishment with each new pattern. My goals as a Dance Instructor are to bring people together, help build relationships, and spread happiness.
Head on over to my Lessons page to choose a journey. I look forward to being your guide.