The next instructor we’d like to present is Beth Miranda. Beth, who grew up in Vancouver, Washington, is teaching tumbling at both Newberg and McMinnville studios this summer and the upcoming school year. Beth has studied, competed, and performed in all areas of dance and gymnastics. Most recently she was a member of the nationally ranked University of Cincinnati dance team where she placed 2nd in the hip hop and pom divisions. Beth also had the privilege of representing our country as a member of Team USA Dance at the World Dance Championships. She helped the team win a gold and silver medal in hip hop and pom. We are thrilled to have Beth join the CVDA family!
Chehalem Valley Dance Academy: So what have you been doing since you graduated from high school?
Beth Miranda: Well, I attended the University of Cincinnati my freshman year and competed on the dance team, which was great. But Cincinnati was too far away and I missed everyone here. So I transferred to the University of Portland and just finished my sophomore year. I’m majoring in organizational communication with a minor in business.
Dance World Championships 2013 Gold Winners (Beth bottom left)
CVDA: What do you love about teaching at CVDA?
BM: Kristen’s (Stoller’s) emphasis on “dance skills are life skills” – I love that. The kids are respectful and want each other to succeed. It’s a great, encouraging atmosphere. Feels like a family.
CVDA: Your focus is tumbling. What characteristics help dancers to be successful in tumbling?
BM: Confidence! You have to be willing to try. Dancers are very aware of their bodies but you have to be fearless and go into each trick without hesitancy. The minute they go upside down (in a tumbling move) they lose that sense of control over their body. That’s what makes tumbling hard.
Beth, age 13, competing in the platinum competition at DEA Nationals
CVDA: What’s your choreography background?
BM: I choreographed recital pieces at Independent Dance Project in Milwaukie (Oregon.) I also created half-time routines for football and basketball games at the University of Cincinnati. I’m so excited to choreograph Newberg PC’s tumbling routine during choreography week in August. They’ll perform it at competitions for the 2014-25 season. The theme is “Animals” and it’s 100% original. My boyfriend does music production and he helped me remix and edit the music.
CVDA: Tell us about your family.
BM: I’m a triplet! My sister, Kate is enrolled in the nursing program at University of Portland. She rides horses. My brother John goes to Whitman College and climbs mountains.
Beth and Triplet Sister Kate
CVDA: Starbucks or Dutch Bros.?
BM: Neither – I hate coffee. My favorite drink is an Arizona Arnold Palmer.
CVDA: When you’re not teaching, tumbling, or studying, what do you love to do?
BM: Sleep! I’m a night owl. It’s really hard for me to get up before 9:00 am. I also love bowling. I’m so bad, but it’s so fun!
Beth far right second row with her University of Cincinnati Hip Hop Dance Team 2013
CVDA: Anything else we should know about you?
BM: I love animals. Growing up we had two dogs, two cats, a horse (that has since died) and I used to train seeing eye dogs for the blind. Someday I hope to go on an African safari.