We were lucky to catch up with Kristy Greenway-August recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kristy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Ever since I was a little kid, my parents did all that they could to expose me to the arts. I took dance classes since I was 3 years old. When I told my mom that I wanted to major in Dance in college she was 100% supportive, even though she was afraid of how I would make a living. Back when I was dancing it was not as popular as it is now so having a career in dance meant it was going to be rough. My mom never once doubted my choice to major in dance. Instead she drove me around to auditions and waited patiently in the car to see how it turned out. My mom sacrificed a lot to help me follow my dream. At times there wasn’t enough money for food, but I had my dance lessons. I am so grateful that she made those sacrifices because it shaped the person I am today. She always said to do what makes me happy and I have passed that on to my children, who are both following their dreams in musical theater, and to my students. I tell them to find something they love and are passionate about and get someone to pay you for doing it!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Kristy Greenway-August and I am a dance teacher at Eastlake High School, in the Sweetwater Union High School District. I attended the University of Arizona, where I received my BFA in Dance. My love for dance led me to teaching. There is no greater joy than to share my love and passion for dance with students, which is how I got into teaching. I wanted all students to have the same dance opportunities that I had growing up, however to provide the same education as a dance studio at a public school. At Eastlake we have a diverse dance program ranging from Eastlake Dance Company, Eastlake All-Female and All-Male hip hop group, and a Tahitian Dance Company. I try to provide as many learning opportunities in the real world of dance so that students know that it is an avenue for them to explore as a career. I provide Master Classes with professionals working in the industry as well as foster leadership from my own students. Many of the dancers at Eastlake have gone on to professional careers in dance. I truly want my students to leave high school with a love and appreciation for the Arts. Over the years, the dance program has blossomed into more than I could have ever imagined. My greatest accomplishments over the years would be that we were part of “America’s Got Talent”, watching my students thrive in their dance careers, and most recently I have been awarded “Teacher of the Year”. However, the biggest achievement over my 25 years of teaching is watching the growth of all the students. Each student is different and unique, but watching them blossom in confidence and discipline is worth it every day.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think the biggest misconception is that the Arts are “fluff” in our educational system. That we are playing and not learning important skills. I have to completely disagree. These artists build important life skills such as; dependability, independence, confidence, self-discipline, creativity, and determination, to name a few. Who would not want those qualities in an employee or teammate? Students learn empathy through the Arts and learn to connect with others in deep and meaningful ways. The Arts keep us connected to each other and allow for ways to express individuality. Not to mention that the Arts also provide support for other areas in academics. Each artist has their own journey that is unique and shapes the way they contribute to their own artistry. It is a ton of hard work and dedication!!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing for me as an artist is watching what you created come to life through others. When I choreograph a dance and see the final performance, there is no greater reward. Watching the confidence of my dancers on stage with something that we created together is so fulfilling. I also love to see the dancers take what I have taught them and create their own dances. This is pure joy for me to see them share their artistic voice. Sharing the love and passion for dance to others is the most rewarding aspect of teaching.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/eastlakedanceco?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Other: Our alumni Instagram Page: https://instagram.com/eastlakedanceco_alumni?iashid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=