Annabel Timm Research Paper

After dancing over thirteen years at Annabel Timm’s School of Ballet, I was given the opportunity to help teach a hip-hop class for kids in elementary school. Every Wednesday night, I would meet fifteen little girls at the studio and teach them a new dance to perform in front of their parents. After only a few lessons, each girl became such an important part in my life. During class I would answer their questions about technique and different fundamentals of dance, but when class was over I answered questions about their homework and talked them through all of their problems pertaining home and school. I realized I wasn’t just a dance assistant to them, but I was a mentor.
Suddenly, a surge of responsibility hit me; these girls looked up to

me. I had never had a little sister before—or any younger relatives for that matter—and was not used to being responsible for anyone but myself. Nevertheless, I eventually realized that I didn’t have to be perfect to be a good influence on my students.
This experience transformed me into the person I am today because having thirty little eyes on me at all times really encouraged me to be the person I wanted these girls to become. When I danced in front of the class and peered back into the mirror, I saw them intently scrutinizing each movement in attempt to perform exactly as I did. Just as they copied me in class, I learned they copied my actions in their everyday life. These girls taught me that there is always someone in need of a healthy influence. In the future, I would love to continue acting as a role model for the nation’s youth to ensure every child has the chance to follow a good example.