This week we talk to Kym Degenhart, dance studio owner.
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My ideal weekend in Canberra starts on a Friday night teaching my favourite classes, tap and cabaret, at Bom Funk, followed by an Xbox Kinect dance party with friends at home. After a sleep in, I would choose somewhere in Canberra to visit and photograph – autumn at Gold Creek or spring around the lake are favourites. Then I attend a performance, workshop or rehearsal with my dance students. My ideal Sunday would be more relaxing and wouldn't involve all of the admin and marking that I usually have to do!
Dancing is my life! So many people told me it wasn't possible to make a career out of dance but I did and I get to live and breathe it every day! Being a professional dancer and teacher has allowed me to travel extensively and work in cities such as Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney and Canberra. It brings so much joy and has provided me with many wonderful opportunities, from performing as a can can dancer at the Moulin Rouge to a magician's assistant in Japan, and now being able to pass on my passion and experience to others is a dream come true.
The best part about teaching people to dance is seeing the joy on their faces when they "get it" or achieve a goal, no matter how big or small that goal is. Teaching allows me to encourage the love of dance and create opportunities for those who share this passion. It's about sharing emotions and experiences, as well as technique, to collaborate and create something meaningful. I am proud every time my students perform. I often watch with tears of joy knowing the hard work they have put in behind the scenes.
The biggest challenge in teaching people to dance is when they think they can't do something. Everyone can dance; you just have to be willing to give it a go.
The name of my studio Bom Funk came from our location in Jerraberra! We originally specialised in hip hop and funk but have since branched out to teach a broad range of styles, providing numerous performance opportunities for our students.