ABOUT ME

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🌸Who I Am

Hello, I’m Zoraya — a ballet teacher, lifelong dancer, and storyteller at heart.

Ballet has been part of my life since I was four years old. While many children dream of becoming prima ballerinas, I had a different vision. After my very first class, I announced to my parents that I was going to be a ballet teacher. They smiled, thinking it was just another childhood whim. But years later, I’m still here, teaching ballet and loving every moment of it.

I began teaching straight out of high school. Though, I still get mistaken for a high school kid due to looking younger, which sometimes made parents wonder if I was old enough to be in charge, but my passion and commitment quickly earned their trust. Teaching ballet isn’t just my job — it’s my calling. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

🩰My Teaching Journey

For me, ballet is about joy. Technique and discipline matter, of course, but I believe the most important thing is that students enjoy themselves. There’s no point in perfect pliés if the students are miserable. A happy dancer is a confident dancer, and that’s the kind of environment I strive to create in my studio.

My students, ranging from ages 4 to 16, are the heartbeat of my studio. They inspire me daily with their energy, honesty, and sometimes hilarious antics. Many of the stories I share here come directly from them — moments that sound too unbelievable to be true but are very real. This blog is my way of preserving those memories and inviting others to laugh, reflect, and enjoy the unique world of ballet teaching.

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💕Favorite Student Moment

My students often have moments that make all the stress, repetition and crying worth it. One of my favorite moments involve my hand tremor. I’ve had a hand tremor most of my life. It’s not harmful, but it does make certain tasks — like pinning skirts or opening jars — a little tricky with my hands shaking and weak. 

One day, while helping a new student, they asked why I was shaking so much. Before I could answer, the rest of the class chimed in with a cheerful, matter‑of‑fact chorus: “She always shake.” Their innocence and acceptance turned what could have been an awkward moment into one of my favorites. The students never make fun of it, and although concerned they accept it and offer help where they can. It reminded me that children see things simply, without judgment, and that makes me feel less self‑conscious about my tremor.

Although this probably isn't the best moment I could have shared, it is one that affects me as a human being, not just as their teacher. The frustration that comes with not being able to pin a skirt without stabbing myself or not being able to open a jar of bobby pins is now dissipated by my student's acknowledgement of this part of me. So, it will always have a place in my heart.

Of course, not every moment with my students is so heavy. Sometimes, they remind me that joy can be just as powerful as empathy. Of course, balance is everything in ballet… except when my students decided to balance marshmallows on their heads instead of practicing pliés. Laughter can be just as important as discipline.

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💫Hobbies and Dreams

Beyond the studio, I’m an introvert with a love for quiet hobbies—too many hobbies, actually. Books are my greatest weakness — I collect them faster than I can read them. Music is another passion; I taught myself guitar a simply because I couldn’t bear to see the instrument gathering dust. Painting and sketching bring me peace, while sculpting… well, let’s just say we didn’t get along. And don't get me started on crocheting, I'll never stop talking.

I dream of one day living in a cozy cottage in the countryside, surrounded by art, books, and music, with a little dance studio in town. For now, I live in a lively suburb, balancing my teaching, hobbies, and the occasional adventures with my extroverted family.

The arts have always been my safe place, and ballet is the one I love sharing most. If you’re curious about ballet, whether you’re a dancer or simply someone who wants to know more, I’d be delighted to answer questions. Ballet is for everyone, and I believe it should be loved by anyone who wants to experience it.

✨Blog Goals

Like I said, this blog is my way of preserving the memories my students leave me with. Sharing them with people who can relate and share their own stories or people who just want a little laugh at children silliness. 

Welcome to my blog — I hope you find joy, laughter, and maybe even a bit of inspiration here.

Visuals created with the help of AI tools.