After leaving behind private dance academies to come teach at public school, new dance instructor David Ramos has been in for a major adjustment. Switching from teaching young adults ready to enter dancing careers to teaching high schoolers juggling multiple other classes, his change in environment has been drastic. However, with a full background in studying and performing many dance styles, Ramos is no stranger to the art. 

“I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and I started dancing with Latin dances such as ballroom and salsa,” Ramos said. “I traveled up and down the east coast performing mostly Latin dance. Then I got into folkloric dance and modern dance and ballet later in life.”

Though he is new to the public school teaching scene, Ramos has plenty of previous teaching experience under his belt. Having taught at Latin dance schools, contemporary dance academies and even an institution of dance and film, he has had much time in the practice of giving dance instruction. 

“Skyra Film and Dance Academy was my last teaching position,” Ramos said. “Well, actually I’m still teaching class there in the evenings. But this is my first time teaching in a public school.”

In addition to his rich history in dance, Ramos has impressed students from the get-go with his teaching methods. With an encouraging attitude that still leaves room for constructive criticism, he helps students improve while also building them up.

“He is very supportive of all of us,” sophomore Aundrea Soto said. “He recognizes when we do well but still pushes us.”

Ramos also brings a positive impact on his students by providing a peppy, vibrant energy to all activities, helping them feel rewarded and appreciated. 

“I love his energy,” senior Veronica Ingannamorte said. “I remember in the stands at the Evans home game, while the band was playing their stand tunes, Mr. Ramos learned one of our dances and started doing it with us. His vibe and energy just made the 16-hour day worth it.”

After switching between a myriad of different environments throughout his career in dance, Ramos has learned that the core principles of the art are present no matter who is doing it or where it is taking place. With his new position as a dance teacher in a public school, he feels that he is doing his part to introduce the joy of dance to younger people. 

“I love participating in the arts because it’s something positive to pass on to future generations,” Ramos said. “The arts are bigger than us, and I’ve learned that I need to put more into the arts than I could ever take out of them.”