Meet David Mares | Dance Teacher

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

Hi David, what is the most important factor behind your success?
To me, it’s all about people and how you can connect and interact with them. Whether it’s being a dance teacher or being in any type of leadership role, investing in the people around you is key. Whether that’s investing in their development or simply asking them the question of “what can I do to help you?”.

If someone is coming to my dance class, they are there for a reason and not all for the same reason. Flexing that situational leadership quality has helped me connect with people to where they feel valued and heard. They’re not just a “number” so to speak. With this, it builds trust and therefore the support will go both ways translating into success for not just myself but for all.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am big on helping others in general and that intention alone is what sets me apart from others. As a teacher or coach of any kind, you have to be selfless. I push my students to reach their fullest potential. “Can’t” is considered a bad word in my class. You don’t say it. I believe in you and it’s my job to help you see that can reach your best with the mental tools and knowledge I provide in my class. It goes back to investing in people. Being in tune with my students has truly helped me gain credibility and success in my career today.

I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is you can’t please everybody. You are not going to be everyone’s “cup of tea”. I like to compare it to music. Not every person is going to like the same song. Everyone has different tastes and preferences. My leadership and teaching style might not fit with everyone and that is okay. I still see beauty in that. If I am not to your preference, at least I was able to help you narrow down what you don’t want in your journey. That in itself helps you get one step closer to where you are trying to get to.

What I want people to know about me is I always lead with love in my intentions. Even if I am pushing you or challenging you in anyway, I promise it all comes from a place of love and support.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If it’s a week long trip, we are hopping in the car and taking a mini road trip around the state. We would start by heading straight for the mountains, spend a day or two there, go on some hikes, visit one of my favorite spots the Breckenridge Ale House & Pizza for Pizza and Beer. Grab a coffee at a local coffee shop before we hit the road back into the city.
Catch a Rockies or Nuggets game depending on the season. Plus we’ve gotta dance, obviously! So a night out dancing is a must!
Hit up the Alamo Drafthouse for a Dinner/Movie experience, hike the manitou incline, check out the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and cap it off with a meal at my families local Mexican Restaurant in Pueblo, the Mill Stop Cafe!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh my goodness, I have been so fortunate to have so many influences in my life that has catered to my career.

The first that comes to mind is a no brainer and that is Sarah Shaw VanDyke. This woman took a chance on some teenager years ago who just wanted to dance and make an influence on kids lives just as she did. Without her and the platform she provided me to teach in her established dance studio, I would be nowhere near where I am today in my career. I owe everything to her.

This sounds corny but I mean it from the bottom of my heart, I owe a ton of gratitude to every single student I have ever had the privilege of sharing my knowledge with. If you are reading this and you’ve stepped foot into my class, THANK YOU!

Instagram: @dmares90

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/davidfmares

Facebook: facebook.com/dfmares

Youtube: youtube.com/dayday1314