Creating Confidence Through Dance: A Conversation with Miss Nadine

At The Wellbeing Therapy Hut, we’re passionate about celebrating the people and communities helping young people build confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.

In this special Q&A, we spoke with Miss Nadine from Diddi Dance East Surrey and Banstead Academy of Performing Arts (BAPA) about the emotional impact of dance, supporting young performers and creating safe, inclusive spaces where students can thrive.

“Dance Became an Escape for Me”

What first inspired you to work in dance and then to teach?

“Dance first became an escape for me. A place where I could step away from the pressures of the real world and become whoever I wanted to be. It gave me freedom, confidence and a sense of belonging at times when I needed it most. As I grew through my own journey as a dancer, I naturally found myself supporting others who were struggling, encouraging them through difficult moments and celebrating their progress alongside them.

That process of helping others became just as rewarding as performing itself. Seeing someone grow in confidence, achieve something they didn’t think they could do, or simply leave class smiling inspired me to teach. I genuinely could not imagine doing anything else.

Dance shaped who I am, and being able to pass that feeling on to the next generation is something I value deeply.”

How would you describe the atmosphere you hope dancers feel when they walk in?

Miss Nadine believes every student should feel welcomed from the moment they arrive.

“I want every dancer who walks through the door to feel safe, welcomed and valued immediately, whether they are a youth or adult dancer. The studio should feel uplifting and friendly, but also focused and purposeful, a place where students know they can work hard while still feeling supported and nurtured.

I believe growth happens best when dancers feel comfortable enough to be themselves without fear of judgement.”

Respect, kindness and connection are central to the culture she creates within her classes.

“I also hope the studio becomes a place where genuine friendships are formed, because those connections are often just as important as the training itself, at any age.”

The Emotional Benefits of Dance

What do you think dance gives young people emotionally, beyond technique and performance?

For Miss Nadine, dance is about far more than choreography or exams.

“Beyond technique and performance, dance gives young people life skills that stay with them forever. It teaches resilience, patience and discipline. It gives them something positive to focus on and work towards, helping them build confidence and character over time.”

She also highlights the social and emotional development dance encourages.

“Students learn how to support one another, work as part of a team and understand that progress looks different for everyone. Perhaps most importantly, dance teaches young people not to give up. There will always be challenges, setbacks and moments of self-doubt, but learning how to persevere through those moments is incredibly valuable both inside and outside the studio.”

What are some of the biggest pressures dancers face today?

Like many young people, dancers are increasingly affected by comparison culture and unrealistic expectations online.

“Young dancers today face enormous pressure, particularly through social media and unrealistic expectations. Many constantly compare themselves to others, whether that’s appearance, ability, flexibility or achievements, and that can have a huge impact on self-worth and confidence.”

“There are still harmful stigmas surrounding what a dancer ‘should’ look like, and many young people feel pressure to fit into a certain image rather than embracing their individuality.”

Her message to students is simple but powerful:

“Every dancer has their own strengths, their own journey and their own timeline.”

How do you encourage students to stay confident during difficult moments?

“I always remind students that I’ve been through those difficult moments too. I’ve failed, doubted myself, picked myself back up and tried again. Setbacks are part of every journey, and growth rarely happens in a straight line.”

“You truly get out what you put in, and sometimes the greatest lessons come from the hardest moments.”

Above all, she wants every student to feel supported.

“My role is to support them, encourage them and help them find a way through challenges in a way that works for them individually. I want every student to know they are respected, cared for and never facing difficulties alone.”

What have your dancers taught you over the years about resilience and self-expression?

“My dancers teach me something new every single day. One of the most inspiring things to witness is the way they support one another, especially the older students encouraging younger dancers without ever being asked. The kindness, empathy and teamwork they show at classes, exams and community performances is incredibly special.”

At the same time, she recognises how difficult self-belief can be for many young people.

“Often they can celebrate everyone around them but find it difficult to acknowledge their own progress. That’s why building self-belief is such an important part of what we do.”

Making Every Student Feel Seen

How do you help students feel valued as individuals, not just performers?

Inclusivity and connection are at the heart of Miss Nadine’s teaching philosophy.

“I believe every student deserves equal opportunity, attention and encouragement. There is no favouritism. Every dancer matters, and every dancer deserves moments to shine.”

For her, the small interactions matter just as much as the performances.

“One of my favourite parts of every class is taking the register and looking each child in the eye to say hello. It may seem simple, but those small moments matter. I want every student to feel acknowledged, respected and genuinely seen for who they are as a person, not just as a performer.”

Dance and Mental Wellbeing

What conversations around mental health have become more common in the dance world recently?

“There is far more open conversation now about how positively dance impacts mental health, which I think is incredibly important. So many students talk about dance as the place where they feel happiest, freest and most themselves. It allows them to escape pressure, express emotions and release stress in a healthy way.”

Miss Nadine also highlights the important connection between physical movement, community and emotional wellbeing.

“Staying active, feeling part of a supportive community and having a creative outlet can make a huge difference to a young person’s emotional health.”

What qualities do you hope dancers carry with them long after they leave your program?

“More than anything, I hope they leave with confidence in themselves and belief in their own abilities.”

Miss Nadine hopes students leave her classes with resilience, kindness and empathy that extends far beyond the studio.

“I hope they remember the importance of supporting others, celebrating one another and building genuine friendships that last far beyond the studio. And above all, I hope they always know they have a place they can return to, somewhere they felt safe, supported and accepted exactly as they were.”

Advice for Parents Supporting Young Dancers

What advice would you give parents or teachers who want to better support young dancers emotionally?

“Supporting a young dancer means understanding that growth is a process. Young people are constantly changing, learning about themselves and navigating pressures both inside and outside of dance.”

Miss Nadine encourages adults to celebrate effort as much as achievement.

“Sometimes simply recognising how hard a child is trying can mean more than any trophy or result.”

She also believes balance and emotional support are essential.

“Young dancers need guidance, structure, compassion and reassurance, but they also need gentle encouragement to keep pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones. Most importantly, make sure they always know they are valued for who they are, not just for what they achieve.”

Final Thoughts

Through her work with Diddi Dance East Surrey and Banstead Academy of Performing Arts (BAPA), Miss Nadine is helping young people discover far more than dance technique. She is creating spaces where children and young adults feel supported, confident and emotionally safe, while learning resilience, friendship and self-belief along the way.