 Jan Vandehey, Adjunct Lecturer, has been teaching dance for 25 years. When asked how she began teaching, she said that it was something that she fell into. Vandehey enjoys dancing, singing, decorating her house for every holiday and taking her dog, Bailey [Click to enlarge]
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How did you get into teaching?
I started as a student and I loved it. My teacher lost her voice and came into class and tried to teach. I remembered everything, and said all the steps for her. She asked me to teach. I went to school for a year through LBCC [Linn Benton Community College]. I was at the right place at the right time.
Why should students take your class?
Because they are going to have a GREAT time. They'll love it so much that they'll never leave. It is important to exercise. To find that program that makes you want to exercise and just feel good. My program will.
Why do you love to dance?
It just makes the spirit feel good. Music just warms the soul, no matter what you like. When you listen to something that you love, it just makes you feel so good.
Do you have a signature move?
I love every move I do. I put in my complete heart and soul. I give 100 percent to my students; I have such a love and passion for what I do. I feel so blessed to be paid for what I do and stay in shape.
What do you love to dance to?
Clay Aiken! Everyone who knows me knows that I love Clay Aiken. He is the best!
Why is Clay Aiken the best?
He just impresses me with his warmth and love for children who he works with. He has set up a fund to send autistic children to camp. He has worked with UNICEF. He does wonderful things for people. His voice, to me, is a gift from God. He loves what he does, and he is wonderful. I can't say enough. Everyone should love Clay!
Who is your idol?
I don't really have an idol, but it is important for people to look up to people. My husband is my best friend. I have a deep faith in God, I love my family. I hope that I live what I speak so-you just gotta be who are. Be the best person you can be. Have a warm heart toward others.
Have you ever met Richard Simmons?
No. As a person, I think that there is a lot of warmth and love in him. He would be fun to meet. I'd rather meet Clay. [Laughs] I think he does a lot of good. I think he is really is able to open up, to people who are larger, and he is able to make them feel comfortable and to get them to love to work out and not be intimidated. Ninety-nine percent of his people are larger in his videos; he allows people to exercise safely. I rented one of his videos to watch. I love the way he is with people. When they have done things with him, he seems so caring and loving. That he is very loving toward people. He has such empathy for people.
Can you help me make my own sunshine?
No. You have to finds that love from within. It starts out that energy. It comes from your toes to your heart-find that happiness. Like I said to my class on Wednesday, I could tell that they were so tired-and I said, "What made you happy today? What made you smile and feel good?" When you are down, think about what makes you happy. You have to make your own happiness. It's hard for people. A lot of times when people haven't had happy lives, to have to say what makes you happy, when they start feeling that, it changes.
Do you have any advice for people?
I have so many things I always say to people. To learn to be their own best friend, that when they look in the mirror their best friend is looking back, when you like who you are you can give love to others, you have to love and respect yourself. I taught my dance team at Albany that when you gossip you don't like yourself. You need to have a loving heart. It doesn't matter what you wear, as long as you have a loving heart, that is all that is important.
