Volunteer Spotlight

Linda is volunteering as a dance teacher at Adams. This is her third year of volunteering for CASP, after previously volunteering at Jefferson for two years. Linda currently serves as the Service Chair of Sooner Dance Company and brings other volunteers with her from the Company. We asked Linda a few questions about her volunteering experience at CASP, and this is what she said!

What do you do as a volunteer with CASP? 
      “I try to teach the kids different styles of dance from ballet to hip hop, while making sure that they have fun and let music move their bodies.” 

What made you want to initially volunteer with CASP?
      “I was introduced to CASP through another volunteer from Sooner Dance Company, who taught dance before me. The first time I came to assist her to see and interact with the kids, I knew that this was what I wanted to spend my time doing.”

What has made you want to return as a volunteer each year?
       “It is such a blessing to work with kids and see how much they enjoy dance. Dance has been a big part of my life and the fact that I can introduce such a beautiful art form to the kids and have them be more aware of it is worth continuing.” 

Do you have any special stories or memories to share about your volunteering experience?
      “After teaching the kids dance technique and moves, we usually play dancing games. What the kids really enjoy is freeze dance where you freeze in the position you are in when the music stops playing. I decided to mix it up a bit and had the kids sit on their bottoms when the music stopped playing with the last person to sit down to be considered out. The first time I ever played this game was at Jefferson Elementary. When the game was over and there was a winner, all the kids that were out got up and ran to the last person standing and gave him/her a huge hug. I had to say that was unexpected and the best feeling I could ever have as a teacher, seeing the kids care so much about one another like a family.”

What has been the most rewarding part of volunteering? 
      “The most rewarding part of volunteering is just being able and have the opportunity to work with kids, make an impact, and show that dance can be for everyone and anyone. Dance can express and say things that words can’t. The best part is at the end of the day where the kids tell and show me everything that they learned. Knowing that I have made an impact is such a blessing.” 

What are you going to school for and what do you want to do after you graduate? 
      “I am currently a business/pre-dental major minoring in biology and chemistry. After I graduate, I hope to go straight to dental school and eventuallyopen my own practice. However, my goal in life is to one day be a sole contributor to create, manage, and provide free dental programs in developing countries.” 

We are so lucky to have you at CASP, Linda! Thanks for all you do!

Below are a few photos from dance at Adams!