So far in our teacher spotlight series, we have heard all about Rachell and Peter van der Veek’s successful careers (and love story!), Chia-I’s amazing story of finding dance in adulthood, and Aila’s gracious attitude when it comes to her teaching. But that's not all the teachers we have here at UCan2! Next up is Mai Dahlberg, who is a delight both on and off the dance floor.
(Missed one of our earlier interviews? Read about Peter and Rachell’s dancing career by clicking here, or read about Chai-I and Aila’s teaching stories here!)

Mai Dahlberg
Where were you born?
Japan.
When did dance come into your life?
About 20 years ago, I was looking for something to spice up my life.
Who was the most influential person in your life?
My grandpa.
What is one fun fact about you?
I can party up!
What was the happiest time of your life?
When I became a mum.
What is your favourite genre or style of dancing?
Street Latin and Ballroom Latin American.
If you had never learned to dance, what do you think you’d be doing now?
I’d probably be a yoga or snowboard instructor.
What is one style of dance you wish you learned / could do better?
I have done pretty much everything I’ve wanted to try.
What was a time when you felt incredibly proud of your dancing career, as a dancer or as a teacher?
When I won the champion titles in NZ and Australia in solo and team categories for Salsa!
Why do you teach dancing? What do you get out of it?
It’s my passion. I love that it makes others happy as well as myself.
What is your favourite thing about UCan2 Dance Studio?
The lovely people and friendly environment that make it feel like home. The spacious studio is also great.
What is your passion, or a favourite hobby, outside of dancing?
Snowboarding, scuba diving, yoga and pilates.
One piece of advice for aspiring/ beginner dancers?
Get your basics down pat!
What do you value most and why?
Family.
What song are you most enjoying dancing to right now?
Anything Latin Jazz.
What’s the most misunderstood thing about being a dancer?
You can be yourself! Any height, any weight.
What’s your favourite quote about life (or dancing!)
Remain a lifelong student.

This past month has also been big for Mai. Examiner George Nicholls flew up from Wellington and examined 44 adults and children for their medal tests ranging from Elementary One Dance to New Vogue Oscar. Mai was one of these 44 dancers, sitting her New Vogue Oscar and doing spectacularly! This achievement makes her have triple Oscars in all three styles; Ballroom, Latin American and New Vogue. Mai also partnered many of these 44 dancers in their medals.
Getting to Oscar level in one style is a huge undertaking and long journey, so to have three is just incredible. We’re so proud of Mai and her dedication. It takes many hours of practice and training leading up to this exam.
She was partnered and choreographed by Jonny Williams, and their performance was loved by all. Congrats Mai and Jonny! (pictured below is Mai with Matt Hohaia, in a previous medal test where Mai was partnering Matt in one of his medal tests)

If you want to work with any of our amazing teachers, click here to book a lesson with them now or click here to sign up for one of our classes!