The Emerson High School Majestics are set for another successful season, led by Amanda Burch, one of the two new dance directors welcomed this year. Her passion for dance, paired with a doughty background in dance and education, drives her plans for the Emerson Majestics dance program.

“I can’t see my life without dance in it,” said Burch.

Her enthusiasm for dance originates from a lively childhood and adult influences. 

“I’ve been dancing since I was like 3. I grew up in it,” said Burch. 

School only furthered her ardor, as she found inspiration in her middle and high school studio dance teachers.

“They taught me discipline and at the same time taught me how to love and have a passion for dance. They’re the ones that brought me to that idea that I can’t imagine my life without dance,” said Burch. “They are the ones who brought me to see that I have a future in it and I could be able to do what I love as a career.” 

Consequently, Burch obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Texas. After her education at UNT, Burch danced professionally, then began teaching dance in 2019. Entering her fifth year of teaching, she is delighted to coach the Majestics.

“I was a dance major in college, and then I continued dancing professionally after that. I always taught dance in school, but I’ve also taught history.” said Burch.

Following in the footsteps of her former teachers, Burch hopes to inspire her students to love dance while instilling crucial life skills such as empathy, discipline, and passion.

 “You gotta like what you’re doing. You gotta set yourself those goals. Someone can’t tell you what your goals should be, can’t tell you what you should strive for,” said Burch. “You need to be able to find that within, find your own motivation, and as a team you can collectively work towards one goal, but you have to have that internalized as well.”

The Majestics are elated for the new season, joined by new coaches and teammates. Burch’s focus for the program is set on improving prominence.

 “I want to increase our visibility, I want the Emerson Majestic name to be a known name in the community and in the dance community as well,” said Burch.