Anastasia Koot

Anastasia has been teaching dance since 2003. During this time, she has taught hundreds of students, from toddlers to adults. She has taught both beginners and advanced dancers, and several of her former students are now prominent young dance teachers or choreographers in the Estonian dance scene. Her students have been very successful in Estonian dance competitions in the categories of group dances, solos and improvisation. Anastasia has a broad background in dance styles, but she mainly teaches jazz: lyrical, contemporary, Broadway, show and Latin jazz. Anastasia is a Level 7 Dance Specialist and as of this summer, an accredited Youth Life Coach with the Youth Coaching Institute.

What is important to Anastasia when teaching dance?

’When teaching dance to primary school children, it is important for me to maintain a balance between the purposeful acquisition of dance skills and supporting the children's natural freedom and creativity. My methodology focuses on teaching skills through a playful approach. Another vital focus is to train children and young people to develop a positive outlook and a growth mindset. As a youth mental resilience and well-being coach, I have a variety of good techniques for doing this.

My goal is that the children, parents and teachers feel that their expectations are being met. It makes me happy when there is a nice synergy between all of us, which feeds us with positive energy throughout the whole academic year.’