Through anonymous nominations, voting from the community and an impressive reputation, our school’s dance team’s Hallie Hoy Pardo has won the Best Teacher Award from the annual Town of Wake Forest Best of the Best Awards, and our dance company won second place for Best Community Club.
Though Hoy Pardo is only in her fifth year teaching dance here, she is also a 2013 graduate.
“The teacher prior to me, Sherri Newhouse, helped me understand the importance of art and specifically dance in schools, and that’s when I knew I wanted to pursue dance education in public schools versus only private studio work. The fact that dance is accessible to so many through our school is amazing and so important,” Hoy Pardo said.
Her teaching and involvement has only helped the team further grow and improve.
“The number of dancers has multiplied to almost double since I first came to the school, and the number of dancers that continue through multiple different levels has also multiplied,” Hoy Pardo said. “I also believe that our presence in the school in different communities such as the Dance Team, musical performances and other collaborations has really shifted the narrative of what we do here in the basement of Wake Forest High School.”
Hoy Pardo has a strong method when it comes to teaching dance.
“The base of my teaching in general, as well as specific to dance, is to build relationships with my students and support dancers creating relationships with one another as well,” Hoy Pardo said. “These relationships and care help to foster an environment where dancers can create and express themselves to their full potential.”
All in all, Hoy Pardo is incredibly thankful for the awards given to her and the department.
“I appreciate and love that others have shown support of what I do through their votes,” Hoy Pardo said. “I am happy that these recognitions will help to advocate for the importance of dance in schools and help to grow our audiences even more throughout the semester, school year and future in the department.”
