Katrena Lewis Thomas works backstage at the Winter Fine Arts Concert. PHOTO BY KAJIRE FORD/EEVPA AT FINNEY
Dance teacher Katrena Lewis Thomas began her teaching career as a substitute in 1993 and became a certificated teacher four years later. She’s currently in her 28th year with DPSCD.
VOICE OF THE VILLE: Please describe your career path to becoming a dance educator.
THOMAS: Well, I like to think that it all started in high school. I started Modern Dance in the ninth grade, found that I had a love for it immediately and knew that dance and performing would be a part of my future. I decided to study English and dance in college. At the end of my senior year, I received a call from my high school All-City Dance Company instructor, who asked if I was interested in teaching dance after graduating. I said yes. She wanted me to take her place as the dance instructor at Osborn High School. She was promoted to Department Head of Physical Education. After interviewing with the principal, I got the job and have been with DPSCD ever since.
Who was your inspiration for pursuing a dance career?
THOMAS: I was greatly inspired by my high school dance instructor, Deborah Kirkland. She was a great educator who taught so much more than just dance. We had to study music theory, concert production, anatomy, hygiene, keep our grades up to be able to perform in the dance company and most of all, be a young lady at all times. Her love for teaching dance left an indelible mark on my life. We were really close like mother and daughter. She chose me to perform a solo in our concert my senior year. That is when I knew she saw something special in me. I always had a love for dance and could even see myself teaching it one day, just like her.
Ms. Kirkland taught at Kettering High School, which is where I attended for four years.
Please describe the dance classes that you currently teach.
THOMAS: I teach three different levels of dance here at EEV at Finney. They are beginner’s dance, intermediate dance, and advanced dance, which is also Dance Workshop that meets after school to train and learn choreography to be performed in school and citywide events.
What is your philosophy for exposing high school students to the arts?
THOMAS: I believe that all students should be exposed to new things through electives and extracurricular activities. The enriching experiences they encounter through these often reveal their natural talent and passion for the things they enjoy most. These experiences often lead them into their life’s purpose/career.
