Remember Why You Started: Reconnecting to Your “Why” as an Instructor

Every instructor has a story — a moment that sparked something inside and led them to teach. Over time, it’s easy to lose sight of that “why” as life fills with playlists, programming, and packed schedules. But revisiting where you came from isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about reconnecting with the part of yourself that made you fall in love with this work in the first place — the part that helps you show up with authenticity and heart.

For me, it all started with dance. From the first time I moved to music, I felt at ease — like I could fully be myself. In my twenties, I got to live that joy as part of a boy band, but when that chapter ended, I felt a real void. I missed the freedom and connection that came with movement. Then I found a dance fitness class, led by an instructor whose energy was so genuine and uplifting that it sparked something in me. It made me wonder what it would be like to give others that same feeling — and that’s where my journey as an instructor truly began.

That’s why I believe remembering why you started is so important. It’s not just about the past — it’s about staying connected to what makes you come alive. Your first spark, that class that shifted something inside you, is your anchor. When you lead from that place, your presence becomes more real, your energy more grounded, and your connection to your students more genuine.

Whenever I start to feel a little lost or disconnected, I think back to that moment — the feeling of joy, freedom, and belonging that first drew me to teaching. Remembering where you came from helps you teach with the same heart that got you started. And sometimes, that simple act of remembering is all it takes to reconnect — not just to your class, but to yourself.