Teacher of the Month: Michelle Poston
Today, we are thrilled to introduce Michelle Poston, a seasoned belly dancer and teacher in Seattle WA, who has cultivated a unique blend of body awareness and performance techniques through her journey in the world of dance. In this interview, Michelle opens up about her beginnings, achievements, and the approach that shapes her teaching philosophy.
Starting Out in Dance
Michelle's introduction to belly dance was almost by chance. Like many, she was looking for a form of movement that resonated with her. “I knew I needed a movement exercise,” Michelle shares. “I wasn’t fond of the gym, and belly dance came along as a local class that fit into my schedule. It clicked for me.”
Her transition from hobbyist to professional was gradual. “I spent a few years performing for fun before I started pursuing gigs,” she recalls. “I began with guest dancer slots, taking whatever I could to build experience. Eventually, I found my way into restaurant performances in Seattle, which was a great stepping stone.”
Career Milestones
Michelle’s career is marked by both personal and professional achievements. She fondly remembers one of her most memorable moments: “Doing a Turkish drop in my 40s! That was a significant milestone for me, something I achieved through body awareness I developed from Feldenkrais training.”
Another defining moment was winning the title of Belly Dancer of the Year last year. For Michelle, success is also about understanding the business side of dance: “Becoming a gigging dancer meant learning about contracts, working with clients, and really understanding the business process. It’s not something you’re usually taught—it’s something you figure out along the way.”
Teaching and Sharing Knowledge
Michelle’s journey as a teacher began when she noticed gaps in the way body awareness was taught in dance. Her background in Feldenkrais Awareness through Movement, a practice that emphasizes understanding how the body moves, has become central to her teaching approach.
“I want my students to be more aware of how their bodies move,” Michelle explains. “When you understand your body’s mechanics, you can approach workshops and classes with a more open mind. It’s not just about replicating movements; it’s about knowing how your body can adapt those movements.”
Michelle offers a variety of coaching, from competition training to technique workshops. She recently started offering one-on-one coaching online, which has allowed her to reach students beyond her local area. “I come from a competition background, so I find setting goals really helpful,” she says. “Coaching allows me to guide others toward their goals, whether it’s for competitions or professional growth.”
Body Awareness in Dance
Michelle emphasizes the importance of body awareness in her floor work workshops, which she is about to launch in Seattle. “You need body awareness to do floor work well, so you don’t injure yourself,” she says. “It’s not just about rolling on the floor—it’s about understanding your movements.”
Her teaching style revolves around helping students discover their own body awareness. “I use a lot of visual metaphors in class because I’m a visual learner myself. For example, when teaching a shimmy, I might describe it as your hips moving like a washing machine or hanging loose. Different people learn in different ways, so I try to meet my students where they are.”
Balancing Performance and Teaching
As a professional performer and teacher, Michelle acknowledges the challenge of managing energy levels, especially when juggling multiple roles. “You have to plan ahead and be mindful of how much energy you have for each activity. Performing and teaching require different kinds of energy, and you need to be ready for both.”
Looking to the Future
When asked about her long-term goals, Michelle is open to wherever her dance journey leads. She plans to expand her online coaching and continue helping dancers who are ready to take the next step in their careers. “I love working with people who are motivated and just need that extra guidance,” she says.
Advice to Aspiring Dancers
For dancers looking to pursue a professional career, Michelle advises them to assess their local market and seek help when needed. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help or find a mentor,” she encourages. “It’s easier to have a guide than to bang your head against the wall trying to figure it out alone.”
A Journey Through Movement
From her initial discovery of the art to her current and future aspirations, Michelle's passion and dedication to the dance community shine through. Her journey reflects not only her commitment to personal growth but also her desire to inspire others. With each step, she embraces new challenges and opportunities, fostering a deeper connection to the art form and her fellow dancers. As Michelle continues to evolve and share her love for dance, her story serves as a reminder of the profound impact that movement and expression can have on our lives.
It was truly an honor to interview Michelle and gain insight into her dance journey and teaching philosophy. Her dedication to body awareness and fostering growth in her students shines through every aspect of her work. If you're inspired by Michelle’s approach and want to dive deeper into your own dance practice, be sure to visit her website for more information on classes and coaching. For those ready to elevate their floor work, you won’t want to miss her upcoming workshop—sign up here and take your dancing to the next level.
