We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tasheena Chavez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tasheena below.

Hi Tasheena, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

As a dance educator with 18 years of experience, including 8 years in the public high school system, there are several key changes I believe would better prepare students for fulfilling lives and careers.

First, I would implement more interest-based learning. Allowing students to explore subjects and activities they are passionate about fosters engagement, creativity, and intrinsic motivation. For example, in my dance classes, I’ve seen students who struggled academically find a sense of purpose and confidence through movement and expression. This engagement spills over into their academic performance and overall well-being.

Second, I advocate for changing the school week to a four-day schedule. A shorter week can reduce student burnout, provide additional time for rest and extracurricular activities, and offer opportunities for students to engage in community service or internships. These experiences are invaluable for personal growth and career readiness. During my time teaching, I noticed that students who participated in weekend dance workshops and community performances came back to school more energized and focused.

Third, we must resist the urge to manipulate the grading system to ensure students pass. True education should be about learning and growth, not just about meeting arbitrary benchmarks. It’s important to maintain high standards while also providing the support students need to achieve them. I recall a student who, despite initially failing my class, ultimately excelled after receiving tailored support and encouragement. This student’s success story underscores the importance of perseverance and genuine achievement over superficial grade inflation.

Finally, we should not place undue pressure on students to attend college if that is not their desired path. Education should adapt to the changing world, recognizing the value of hands-on life experiences and vocational training. I remember a student who, despite societal expectations, chose to pursue a career in dance right after high school. She is now a successful choreographer and performer, illustrating that non-traditional paths can lead to fulfilling and prosperous careers.

These changes would create a more supportive, engaging, and realistic education system that truly prepares students for the diverse opportunities life has to offer.

Tasheena, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Absolutely! My name is Tasheena Chavez, and I am a passionate dance educator and social media manager based in Los Angeles. With 18 years of experience in dance education, including 8 years in the public high school system, I have dedicated my life to guiding individuals towards authenticity and personal growth through movement. Additionally, I have recently expanded my expertise into the realm of social media management, merging my love for creativity and communication into one fulfilling career.

Journey into Dance and Social Media:

My journey in dance began when I moved from Arizona to Los Angeles in 2011 to pursue my BFA in Dance Theatre from AMDA Performing Arts College. This move allowed me to immerse myself in the vibrant dance community of LA, leading to opportunities to work as Assistant Choreographer for renowned productions like FOX TV’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine, NBC’s Parks and Rec, and Nickelodeon’s AwesomenessTV. My choreography has also been featured in productions such as Mary Zimmerman’s Secret In The Wings and Coeurage Ensemble’s 2022 production of RENT.

Transitioning into social media management was a natural extension of my desire to connect with and inspire others. I founded Medina Digital Management to help organizations enhance their online presence and engage meaningfully with their audiences. My work with education institutions, for instance, focuses on boosting their social media strategy to increase school awareness and support their recruitment efforts.

Services and Creative Works:

In dance, I offer accessible wellness courses such as Intuitive Dance Movement, which are trauma-informed and designed to foster personal expression and healing. I also provide choreography and performance services, drawing from my extensive background in the industry.

Through Medina Digital Management, I offer comprehensive social media packages tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. These services include social media strategy development, content creation, management, paid advertising management (particularly on Instagram), performance tracking, and community engagement. I aim to solve the challenges of digital presence and audience engagement, helping clients build strong, authentic connections with their followers.

What Sets Me Apart:

What sets me apart in both fields is my holistic and personalized approach. As a dance educator, I focus on the emotional and psychological well-being of my students, integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into my classes to create a supportive and empowering environment. As a social media manager, I prioritize authenticity and meaningful engagement over mere numbers, ensuring that each client’s unique voice is heard and appreciated.

Proud Moments and Key Messages:

One of my proudest moments was seeing my choreography featured in a major production like RENT. It was a testament to the hard work and passion I pour into my craft. Another highlight has been the positive impact I’ve had on students and clients, guiding them towards their own successes and witnessing their growth and achievements.

For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that my work is driven by a deep commitment to authenticity, growth, and connection. Whether through dance or social media, my goal is to inspire and empower individuals and organizations to express their true selves and achieve their fullest potential.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my work. I look forward to the opportunity to connect and collaborate with you!

Have you ever had to pivot?

Becoming a new mom at the beginning of this year has significantly influenced my career path and led me to pivot towards social media management to achieve a better work-life balance. This transition was both a personal and professional shift, prompted by my desire to be present for my child while continuing to pursue my passion for creativity and communication.

Before this change, I had spent 18 years as a dance educator, including 8 years in the public high school system. My life revolved around teaching dance, choreographing for various productions, and engaging with students on a daily basis. However, the demands of teaching and performing began to clash with my new role as a mother, and I realized I needed a career that offered more flexibility. Despite this shift, I continue to teach part-time and offer my services at various dance and wellness events, staying connected to my roots in dance education.

Social media management emerged as the perfect solution. I had already been involved in social media through my dance projects and had gained experience in content creation and community engagement. I decided to leverage these skills by founding Medina Digital Management, a company dedicated to helping organizations enhance their online presence.

This pivot has allowed me to maintain a fulfilling career while being an attentive and present mother. It has also broadened my professional horizons, enabling me to combine my expertise in dance with my passion for digital communication. By managing social media accounts, creating engaging content, and developing strategies for various clients, I have found a new way to make a positive impact while enjoying the flexibility that my family life requires.

Overall, this shift has been a rewarding journey of growth and adaptation, demonstrating that it is possible to balance personal and professional aspirations with the right approach and mindset.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Absolutely! Several resources have significantly shaped my management and entrepreneurial thinking, especially as I’ve transitioned into social media management while continuing my journey as a dance educator.

One book that has profoundly influenced me is “The Courage to Teach” by Parker J. Palmer. This book delves into the heart and soul of teaching, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and integrity in education. Palmer’s insights have been instrumental in my approach to both teaching dance and managing social media, reminding me to stay true to my values and foster genuine connections with my students and clients.

In addition to this book, I have found immense inspiration and practical advice from podcasts. Gary Vee’s podcasts are a staple for me. His no-nonsense approach to entrepreneurship, marketing, and social media management has provided me with actionable strategies and a mindset geared towards hustle and perseverance. Gary’s emphasis on providing value and engaging authentically with audiences has been a guiding principle in my work with Medina Digital Management.

Another influential podcast is “Freelance Friday” by Latasha James. As a fellow social media manager, Latasha shares her experiences, challenges, and successes in the industry. Her insights into freelancing, client management, and business growth have been incredibly valuable as I navigate the complexities of running my own social media management business. Latasha’s journey and practical tips have helped me refine my services, improve client relationships, and stay motivated as an entrepreneur.

These resources have collectively impacted my philosophy and approach, blending the principles of authenticity, value-driven engagement, and continuous learning. They have empowered me to manage my career pivot effectively, balancing my roles as a new mom, part-time dance teacher, and social media manager.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tasheenamedina.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasheenamedinachavez/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ tasheena-medina-chavez

Image Credits

Twinflame Photography