At Sawyer we have the privilege of working with hundreds of inspiring educators around the country. Whether they teach virtual classes or in-person activities, the curricula always foster enriching atmospheres for children of all ages to discover their love of learning. We got the opportunity to chat with Liza Brody, the founder of HYPE Dance Community, which offers high energy dance lessons in NYC & Brooklyn, to learn more about how she started her business and how Sawyer helps her business grow.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! I’d love to hear a bit more about you and why you started your business.
It was March of 2020 and I had recently left my corporate job at Verizon. I was just getting back into dancing, something that has always brought me a lot of joy. So when the pandemic hit, I was determined to spread the magic of dance to kids of all levels and abilities. In a matter of weeks, I started a virtual dance company and HYPE Dance Community was born! We offered private and small group dance lessons over Zoom for kids (and adults!) as well as birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and corporate events. Since 2020 we have been able to offer hundreds of dance classes, parties, and events throughout NY, NJ, and PA!
Can you describe an inspiring moment you’ve had as an educator?
HYPE Dance teaches an after school program at PS8 and we provide each dancer with a notebook. The entries of first-third graders have been heartwarming. One student wrote “The teachers are so uplifting and fun and they let us dance how we feel without any judgment. I love my teachers and dance club so much!” These journal entries have inspired me every day since!
What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching children?
Seeing the confidence that dance instills into children and the smiles on their faces. That is what it is all about!
What’s one time a child surprised you and made your day?
One of our first grade dancers said she was nervous and uncomfortable going in the middle of our “HYPE freestyle circle,” but after a few classes she volunteered to be first and broke out into the most amazing moves I had ever seen!
On a similar note, what’s the funniest thing a child has done in your class?
We gave out headbands that said “HYPE” on them to wear at our week long dance camp in Margate and at the end of the week, one of the dancers asked why we had all been wearing headbands that said “Happy Birthday”
Why is after school/extracurricular enrichment and camp so important for children?
These programs allow children to explore a new hobby, learn the importance of teamwork, foster new relationships, instill confidence, and most importantly have fun!
How do you think children can discover their passions when they’re not in school or your programs?
Having a playdate, taking a walk through the park, doing a DIY arts & crafts project, reading in the library, or just putting on some music and having an at-home dance party!
