Life & Work with Bianca Caryl

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Caryl.

Hi Bianca, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started dance lessons in elementary school at local studios. In high school, I added competitive Latin Ballroom Dance to my studies and tried out for the Corona del Sol High School Pom Line. I made the Pom Line and eventually became a captain my senior year while also actively participating in dance classes at school and studio. I loved every minute of gameday, performing with the marching band and being involved with my school sports teams.

Upon high school graduation, I was debating if I should study interior design or become an English or social studies teacher. My parents (an Arizona State University Spanish professor and an attorney for Arizona Public Service) encouraged me to attend ASU as a Dance Major. I didn’t realize that was a viable option until they suggested it. Looking back I am incredibly thankful that my parents had the wisdom to allow me to pursue my passion as a legitimate degree and career choice.

That was a pivotal moment that helped define the trajectory of my life. The ASU Herberger College of Fine Arts and School of Dance (as it was known then) was an incredible experience in the early 1990’s. Instead of doing jazz, hip hop, or ballroom, as I had done previously, I was now training in ballet, modern, music theory, kinesiology, choreography and more. It was challenging but amazing all at the same time. Live musicians accompanied all our classes, which seemed like a complete luxury compared to the cassette tapes and records I grew up with!

Having the opportunity to perform in Galvin Playhouse and Gammage Auditorium were the highlights of my dance career at that time. I graduated with honors from ASU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance and a minor in American History. I was also named the Outstanding Dance Graduate of my class.

After college, I worked several jobs teaching dance, substitute teaching in the Tempe Union High School District and started coaching the Pom Line at my high school alma mater. I also co-owned a dance studio in Mesa, Dance Arts Academy, for a few years before deciding to go back to school to pursue my teaching certificate and Master’s Degree in Secondary Education. While I was on that track, a friend I met through substitute teaching asked me if I was ready to teach in a more permanent position at Desert Vista High School.

She asked me this question a couple of years in a row before I was ready to consider it. I finally agreed to interview for the job in 1999. That proved to be the best career decision of my life. I taught dance at Desert Vista for 21 years and was part of producing sold out shows, five state championship titles, several regional UDA titles, an appearance in the Super Bowl Halftime show starring Katy Perry and received two Teacher of the Year awards. I worked with the most amazing students, staff and administration at Desert Vista, but at some point I was ready for a different kind of challenge.

Through my experience with the outstanding dance students at Desert Vista, I became familiar with the Dance Team/Spirit Squad at Arizona State.  Several of my former students had tried out and made that team. Eventually, I felt that coaching at the collegiate level would be a good next step in my career. When the position became available in 2017, I applied, interviewed, and got the job as the Head Dance Coach and Spirit Squad Coordinator at ASU. I am now into my 5th season and loving every minute that I have the opportunity to support Sun Devil Athletics.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work in the field of dance for my entire adult life, however there have definitely been some challenges as with any career. Some of the challenges have to do with debunking stereotypes and pushing through self-doubt. When I tell people what I do for a living the usual response is “oh that’s fun” or “that’s so cute”, but what teachers and coaches do is hard work and not always fun or cute. There are challenges with having to wear so many hats as a mentor, coach, counselor, nurse, seamstress, choreographer, master-scheduler, mediator, and pseudo-parent. Often times it is hard to explain how much work goes in behind the scenes.

The audience only sees the finished product, which has been perfected over hours, days, weeks, and sometimes months of practice. It is a dancer’s job to make the performance appear effortless but the hard work that is put into the performance is what defines 90% of our day to day. The performance is really just 10% of what you do as a dancer or coach. I am not where I am today because I was the most technical, well-trained, or talented dancer. I am doing what I still love today because I chose to never give up through years of blood, sweat, and tears.

That’s one of the reasons why my favorite saying is “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Whatever you choose to pursue, do not give up. The people with the most staying power, grit and resilience cross the finish line to reap the most benefits in the end.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I would label my current work status as “freelance dance teacher and coach”. When I am not on the sidelines or practice field at ASU, I am doing volunteer work with the National Dance Coaches Association as the Director of Inclusion and Engagement. I recently received my certification as a dance fitness instructor and teach several classes a week (Dance Fusion, Hip Hop, and Zumba) at Mountainside Fitness.

Lastly, I am doing some freelance work as a guest choreographer in the Tempe Union High School District. I have also been asked to serve as a guest speaker for events such as the AIA Spirit and Dance Coaches Conference and judge local dance auditions and competitions.

In all of my various roles, I believe I am known for being down-to-earth, relatable, encouraging, and positive. I strive to approach my work with an educator mindset. My favorite thing about what I do is fostering leadership and life skills among my students.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is when my students and I form strong bonds over the course of time. I love having current or former students reach out for career or life advice. I’ve tried to develop continued alumni engagement with our programs and enjoy following former students’ personal and professional lives develop as they mature. Some of my favorite former students have become lifelong friends. There is nothing more rewarding to a teacher than knowing you meant something in the life of a student.

Contact Info:

• Email: bcaryl5678@gmail.com
• Instagram: @zumbocaryl
• Facebook: /bianca.zumbocaryl