Jiya Gangwar

Demonstrating for younger classes and being a Teacher Assistant Since she was young, Jiya has given back to her community at Marin Dance Theatre by being a demonstrator for the Young Dancer Division classes, showing combinations to the class but also mentoring the younger dancers and forming lasting relationships. She continues to give back as a teacher assistant, going beyond the role of a demonstrator to help teach class and aid in classroom management.

Outreach Finally, Jiya has given back to the community at large through outreach performances, where she visits nursing homes in her community alongside her peers. They perform excerpts from their show and then converse with their audience, bringing life into these spaces and connecting across generations.

Teddy Bear Tea Party One key part of Jiya’s work at MDT has been the Teddy Bear Tea Party, an annual gathering for the youngest students of the school. At this gathering, she volunteers to be the Teddy Bear, wearing the costume and taking photos and performing dances for the students. (We have pictures of her in the Teddy Bear costume we can use for this.)

Young Dancer Division Year End Show Another key part of her volunteer work has been the Young Dancer Division Year End Show, where she helps by dressing the students and helping them feel prepared for some of their first performances. She has even taken part in the show, performing a solo for the students and their parents, inspiring them to continue to pursue their dreams of ballet.