Gina D'Antonio-Spears

I attribute my success to a strong commitment to continuous learning and the strategic relationships I’ve built throughout my career. I’ve never been afraid to seek out wisdom—whether that meant introducing myself to a seasoned dance educator at a professional development event early in my career, or connecting with mentors a decade later at specialized workshops. My eagerness to grow, take initiative, and expand my skillset has naturally led administrators and leaders to trust me with high-impact opportunities, like authoring grants and building new programs.

The best advice I’ve received comes from a famous sentiment by Martha Graham: 'There is a vitality, a life force, an energy that is translated through you into action... It is your business to keep the channel open.' As an educator and mentor, this reminds me that every student and teacher brings a unique perspective to the room. My job isn't to force anyone into a single mold, but to help them find and trust their own voice.

Build a network of mentors early, and never be afraid to ask for the seat at the table. In education and the arts, it’s easy to focus solely on the daily craft, but long-term impact comes from understanding the bigger picture—learning how to advocate for your program, articulate your value, and build sustainable communities. Seek out peers and leaders who challenge and support you, and remember that investing in your own professional growth is the best way to elevate those you teach.

The biggest challenge facing K–12 dance education today is protecting access for all students by strengthening how we prepare our teachers. Many states lack direct undergraduate pathways to K–12 dance certification, forcing talented dancers into high-cost master's programs or alternative tracks that don't fully prepare them for the unique dynamics of a public school classroom. When arts programs are on the chopping block, having well-prepared, highly effective educators is our strongest defense. By investing in accessible certification routes and strong peer mentorship, we can protect dance in our schools and ensure every student benefits from a comprehensive arts education.

My work and life are guided by a few non-negotiable principles:

• Family First: My family is my top priority, grounding everything I do.

• Sustainable Balance: Prioritizing self-care and work-life balance ensures I can bring my best energy to every room I enter. I am a work in progress for this one!

• Positive Collaboration: I thrive in optimistic, team-oriented environments and firmly choose cross-functional collaboration over working in isolation.

• Community & Mentorship: I deeply value surrounding myself with like-minded peers. Whether through receiving guidance or mentoring the next generation, strong professional networks make us all better educators and leaders.