Alumna Teaches Healthy Body Image Alongside Dance Steps

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Tobey McCutcheon

After suffering through anorexia and bulimia in high school, Tobey McCutcheon wanted to pursue a career that allowed her to help young girls with their health and fitness goals — while also addressing low self-esteem and poor body image.

She majored in community health education and was one of the last University of Arkansas students to earn a minor in dance. In her senior year at the U of A, an internship experience helped her discover that certain careers wouldn't be as hands-on as she'd like. And the volume of paperwork was daunting.

She panicked.

Then she took steps that led to a 20-year career. McCutcheon, who had been taking dance classes since she was three years old, decided to open her own studio. She hoped that being the owner and instructor at her own place would make it easier to help young dancers avoid the heartache of an eating disorder.

She opened Rhythm & Shoes in 1995, a few months after graduating from the U of A. She continued her dance education through conventions in Arkansas, Missouri and New York. "My time at the U of A gave me the confidence to pursue the field further," she said.

After two years, McCutcheon's studio in Tontitown was so busy that she had to expand. The hours were long. "You prepare for classes most of your day because you're teaching pre-school age to advanced students," she said. "The preparation is totally different."

Competitions ate up whole weekends. And the paperwork was unavoidable.

However, McCutcheon adored her students, their parents, and the studio's dance teachers. She was delighted to be a positive influence on a new generation of dancers.

"Dance is important for kids. You are obviously teaching them movement, but that's just the tool you're using," she said. "They are learning a skill that takes time, perseverance and practice. They are learning that they can overcome obstacles through hard work, but no one else can do it for them. This instills confidence in all areas of their lives."

In 2015, McCutcheon decided to sell Rhythm & Shoes to one of her dance teachers. She's still in the studio, though. "I am, by nature, a work horse," she said. "I still teach a lot, every evening from 4 to 8:45-ish. I've taught tap and jazz in the past, but I only teach tap and Zumba these days. Tap is my love and Zumba is my fun."

Seeing her former students become dance teachers themselves is rewarding. McCutcheon is confident that her life lessons will continue to be taught alongside the dance moves.

This story is the latest in a series called the Dean's Spotlight, featuring outstanding students in the College of Education and Health Professions. Visit COEHP's online magazine, the Colleague for more news from the six units that make up the College. Visit the Health, Human Performance and Recreation page for more information on COEHP's health promotion programs.