Q&A with Sarah McQuarrie

Sarah McQuarrie comes from a background of performing, beginning when she was just six years old. today, she introduces students of different age groups to the joy of dance and movement through her work in schools.

Can you tell us about yourself personally? What are you passionate about, what were you doing before you launched Stomp?

I grew up in Adelaide, which is where I started dancing at a local dance studio when I was six years old. My parents initially enrolled me into ballet class to try and bring me out of my shell as I was quite shy as a child, so I can tell you first hand what dance can do for a child’s confidence. I also studied Dance at the centre for performing arts in South Australia prior to moving to Melbourne to further my teaching career. As much as I loved the feeling of being on stage, I always knew teaching was what I wanted to do.

What inspired the beginning of Stomp?

I wanted to create a program that would get kids excited about dance and movement. Something that was all inclusive, gender- neutral and a great experience for all students and teachers involved.

How important is movement to a student’s education?

So important! It gets them moving for a start. Dance involves a greater range of motion, coordination, strength and endurance than most other physical activities. It promotes social awareness, co-operation, communication, cognitive development, the list goes on... Dance makes kids happy and in a world with so much anxiety and depression, I feel that it brightens their day.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

The best part of my job is definitely watching the joy on the faces of the children dancing. There’s honestly nothing like watching a student dance their heart out, without a worry in the world, and just enjoying being present in the moment.

What kind of role do teachers play in Stomp’s programs?

Having teachers involved in Stomp lessons with their students makes an enormous difference. Not only do all the teachers have a great time, they set an excellent example for their students. Often we ask children to step outside of their comfort zone, and for their teachers to show them that they can also do that is essential. I can’t begin to tell you how much the children love it when their teacher gets up to dance with them, they get a chance to see another side to them. With so many expectations and pressures on teachers, it is so important for them to get up, move, have fun and support their emotional wellbeing too.