Miss Teresa's Ballet Boutique
Take a look at our store! All proceeds go toward the ballet program's productions.
My Story
A Dancer Against Cancer
Teresa Anderson’s ballet programs have touched hundreds of students in the Chicago area over the past 35 years. Three generations of girls and young women, and their parents and grandparents, know “Miss Teresa” as a teacher who brings out the best in each student and instills life lessons: the value of hard work, of doing one’s best, of believing in yourself, and supporting each other.
When Teresa was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, her students, former students, and their families joined with others to return the love. Out of this outpouring of support, a spontaneous campaign arose. Dancers, friends, and family sent cards, drawings, bracelets, and t-shirts. It got Miss Teresa thinking about the power of community, and the power of dance. She saw an opportunity to raise awareness and mobilize new generations of girls and young women in fighting this disease. A Dancer Against Cancer was born. Each purchase of apparel from this line helps build this community of awareness and directly supports Miss Teresa's ballet program.
I Love My Life
Here are some of her words she shared right after diagnosis, which she still holds on to what she learned through this time of her life: Of course at times I am scared; intimidated by the daunting road ahead. But I take joy in so many things. I thank God every day for my family and students. I love teaching and I love my life. I teach my students that if you educate yourself, help others, and work hard, you can do things you think you can’t. You can overcome things you fear. Now they help me remember that. This is a mutual teaching moment. I constantly encourage my girls to help each other in practice and performance, to value themselves and others. We can help each other dance through any storm.
Hold Your Position: Teresa’s Teaching
Master the fundamentals. Polish your technique. Learn each step and put them together. Flow. Listen to the music. When the curtain goes up, open your heart and perform with joy and generosity. Finish. Hold your position until the curtain goes down.
She has been teaching ballet since she was 16. With rigor, high expectations, and love, Miss Teresa works to develop each student’s full potential. She elicits sharp technique, encourages physical health, and nurtures in her students a gentle strength of character.
Many of her top students audition into prestigious dance programs and productions around the Chicago area. Her biennial Winterdance production brings the community together and draws hundreds of parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends to the performances. But she regards success in different terms. “I want them to be good dancers, but, more importantly, to be confident and comfortable in who they are, to give their best, and to love, support, and encourage each other.” In other words, to be good dancers and good people.
Products
If an exact product match is unavailable, it will be replaced by a product of similar quality, color, and material to avoid any order delays.
