Meet michelle latimer | Dance teacher/ choreographer/ Artistic Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with michelle latimer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi michelle, what makes you happy? Why?
What makes me truly happy is helping my dancers to recognize their true potential, and that doesn’t necessarily mean their potential as it relates to dance. Often, to me, it means to fully embrace their ability to achieve whatever they want, and to know that they have true agency over their life and their choices. To know that they can have an impact and will have an impact if they can embrace their authenticity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I teach dance, and own my own dance studio. I am entering season 30 and I’m grateful and excited for all that is ahead, as we expand into a new location with more space. I think what sets my program apart from others is the sense of community and family that you feel when you are a part of our dance program. We truly are a family of artists, my instructors are all talented and diverse in their styles.so we bring a well rounded curriculum and a full artistic education for our young students. It has not always been easy, but I have relished the journey. I have learned to overcome challenges by accepting them as opportunities for growth and digging in. The lessons I have learned are that when you invest in someone, you will never regret it. And with that said, you cannot look back with regret on that decision.
, I have always said that dance has been the vehicle that carries me through my life, and it’s been a journey filled with love and encouragement. I consider my students and alumni to be extended family, and the enjoyment I get from all of those lifelong relationships is amazing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmm…this is hard, as Denver is an amazing city with so many awesome spots. But, I think I would make sure we had a night at Red Rocks taking in a great summer concert. We would need to hit my favorite spots for dining, Tavernetta, The Mercantile, Osteria Marco, Stella Trattoria in the Highlands, Pizza Republica in Landmark. We would definitely need to visit the Denver Art Museum and Wash Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to every dance educator, teacher, director that has dedicated their life to inspiring young artists and encouraged them to live their passion. I specifically want to recognize all my teachers, coaches and family members who believed in me from the beginning and saw my potential, they gave me the confidence to achieve my goals. Huge thanks the people who shaped me, gave me my first exposure to dance and leadership… my Mom, my Dad, my grandparents, Patti Cluck, Diane Caputo, and Kathy Hill.

Website: Michellelatimer dance.com

Instagram: Michellelatimerdance

Image Credits
@Jumpdance