Hello my name is Gracie Patterson I graduated from George Ranch High School in 2023 and am currently a senior at the University of St. Thomas, where I study Criminology. After graduation, I plan to attend law school and pursue a career in law. I am part of the Dance Program at Iron Cross, where I have been teaching for the past three years. I am a Hip Hop and Jazz Instructor and work with both recreational dancers and our Company girls, helping students develop their technique while encouraging them to have fun, build confidence, and enjoy their dance experience. I have been teaching dance for nearly three years and dancing for almost eight years. My dance journey began at George Ranch High School, where I was a member of the Varsity Lariettes Drill Team. I continued dancing in college as a member of the University of St. Thomas dance team. My Iron Cross story is especially meaningful because I was once a student here before becoming an instructor. I took both jazz and ballet classes at Iron Cross, and I now have the opportunity to teach and give back to the community that helped me grow as a dancer. Throughout my dance career, I have gained experience in many different styles and genres of dance, including hip hop, jazz, ballet, and more. I have experience with both recreational and competitive dance, as well as choreography. One of my favorite experiences was competing at NDA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, where college dance teams from across the country come together to compete. What I enjoy most about my role is working with students who genuinely love to dance. I especially value building meaningful relationships with my students and creating an environment where they feel comfortable being themselves, talking to me about anything, and knowing they have someone who supports them. Watching them grow in confidence and develop as dancers is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. Fun fact: Outside of Iron Cross, I am currently interning at a law office and working alongside a lawyer to gain valuable experience as I prepare for my future career in law!