Returning to Her First Love: Meet Rejoice Teacher Amber Givens

Amber Givens’ journey with dance has come full circle. From her years as a student at School of Nashville Ballet to her current work as a pediatric speech pathologist and beloved Rejoice teacher, Amber’s story is one of creativity, dedication, and finding joy in sharing her gifts with others. Along the way, she has found meaningful ways to blend her love for movement, her professional calling, and her passion for inspiring the next generation of dancers.

Coming Home to Dance  

“Being a part of Rejoice has allowed me to return to my love of dance,” Amber said. “I absolutely love having the opportunity to inspire individual expression through dance.”

Her path back to ballet wasn’t straightforward. Missing that feeling of moving and how much she loved it, she returned to dance and started to take adult classes on and off. 

While she was reconnecting with this first love, she caught up with Shabaz Ujima, director of Shackled Feet, a contemporary dance company in Nashville. They knew each other from School of Nashville Ballet. Soon she was performing with his company and it was Shabaz that encouraged Amber to consider teaching. “Initially, I was uncertain due to my recent return to dance, but his gentle encouragement didn’t allow room for that to take root. So, here I am, and grateful!”

Growing Smith Springs

Amber was the first teacher at Rejoice’s Smith Springs location and played a major role in building the program there.

“Teaching in such a beautiful studio as Smith Springs I feel lends to the excitement of movement for my young students,” she said. “The windows on either side have proven to be the best advertisement for aspiring students and curious parents who peek in on the fun!”

For Amber, Smith Springs is more than just a teaching location. “The Smith Springs community center is truly a community staple. It is conveniently accessible to families who live nearby but also inviting for families that may be visiting just for our classes.”

Lessons Ballet Taught

Amber began training at School of Nashville Ballet in elementary school, continuing through high school. While ballet, modern, and jazz were her primary focus, she also remembers the joy of trying flamenco, character, and even hip-hop classes along the way.

When reflecting on those years, Amber says ballet taught her fortitude.

 “As a young dancer, there were moments that challenged my ambition, my fears and even my self-image. I’ve since realized being a dancer is much more than executing technique. It's more about leaning into what motivates your spirit to move and make life beautiful. Show up with grace, lead with love, and be patient with those learning what you think you’ve mastered, as it will be needed in return.”

During her time at School of Nashville Ballet, Amber was cast as Clara in Nashville’s Nutcracker—becoming the second African-American dancer to perform the role. Performing as Clara is a coveted, one-of-a-kind experience for a developing dancer. It provides a unique opportunity for a youth cast member to be featured throughout the entire production. The role of Clara gives a student unprecedented access to the professional dancers and one on one time with the artistic staff. More than anything, though, Amber remembers the community and traditions that made the experience special.

“Every year I remember having the absolute best fun with my sister and my friends—from auditions and rehearsals to mirror decorating and the huge cast parties. My mom always made the Nutcracker season feel special for us, as she gifted my sister and I with either a brown-skinned ballerina ornament or Nutcracker at the end of every season!”

Speech Pathology and Dance

Amber’s professional life outside Rejoice centers on her work as a pediatric speech pathologist. Though she chose the field with “little research,” her passion grew quickly. “I soon realized there was a whole world of lives that had been changed by this field from birth to adulthood. I am constantly inspired by my patients to learn and provide the best care.”

The tools she uses in speech pathology have directly informed her teaching at Rejoice. “During class I often rely on integrated learning methods by having students SAY (ballet terms), SHOW (instructor demonstration), and DO (model the movement).” Amber has seen significant results integrating this into all her age groups and particularly with her children's division classes.

What She Hopes to Leave with  Students

At the heart of Amber’s teaching is a simple but powerful hope.

“I hope every student I’ve been so fortunate to teach truly understands just how deserving they are of being heard and seen for who they truly are. I hope they trust themselves to do hard things and remain diligent with things of ease.” 

We love sharing the stories of our talented teachers with our community, and Amber is a beautiful example of how our faculty embody the mission of Rejoice both in the studio and beyond.