Snapshot: Woodbury’s Miss Minnesota Up For Dance Teacher Award

She’s . Now Mary Swenson could be adding another award to her mantle.

The 23-year-old from Woodbury is one of 10 finalists for the Masquerade Dance Company’s national Dance Educator of the Year. People can vote for her in an online ballot through Oct. 12.

Parents at the nominated Swenson for the award, which she said reflects her joy in working with the young dancers.

“They just know that I have a special relationship with them, and not just as students,” she said.

The winner of the dance teacher award gets two tickets for a cruise.

“But it’s not about that. I was just elated to be nominated,” Swenson said. “I’m super excited about it."

Swenson said her role models as a youngster were her dance teachers, and her seven years at the Woodbury Dance Center (where she also took classes) have been fun.

“It’s a blast,” she said. “It’s hard work but extremely rewarding.”

Swenson said she has grown as a teacher over the years and now feels more confident and comfortable working with kids “from 18 months to 18 years old.”

“I know what works,” she said.

One of the biggest challenges as a dance teacher is simply getting her students to believe in themselves—especially when she’s tough on them.

“It’s not because I don’t like you—it’s because I really like you and I want you to be your best,” Swenson said.