Shaina Wood

Meet Shaina Wood. Many of you may know her as Miss Shaina, your local dance teacher! Shaina has been dancing since she can remember, but started taking her hobby a bit more seriously at 13 years old. Since then, she has worked part-time then eventually became a full-time teacher at OnStage Dance Studio in Stratford. Her passion for dance has remained at the forefront of her time as a student and teacher and she considers herself one of the lucky ones - she gets to do what she loves for work and she gets to share that love with people in her community. 

Her greatest dance related accomplishment has been becoming a role-model for young dancers. She recalls looking up to her previous dance teachers who had an impact on her development growing up. She is now that role model for so many young girls and boys. She is clear about one thing - she has never taught dance with the sole purpose of making someone a professional dancer. She teaches dance to create complex human-beings, who at the end of their dance career, can become young adults who live a motivated and productive life. She draws on evidence that shows that dance education promotes motor skills, social skills, decision-making, and time management. Further, dance boosts self esteem self awareness and expression, relieves stress and anxiety, provides a sense of accomplishment and tolerance. 

When asked what piece of advice she’d give her younger self, she reflects on the things she used to worry about most.

“The curl of your hair doesn’t matter - don’t change it. The shape of body is beautiful - don’t worry about it. Your personality is invigorating - don’t diminish it. The things that are important now will be forgotten - don’t dwell on it. Being confident in who you are is important. Keep learning, keep loving and be happy, always.”