HCPSSStaff Focus: Haley Nachlas, Dance Teacher, Centennial High School
February 2nd, 2026
Centennial High School (CHS) dance teacher Haley Nachlas can sum up what she enjoys most about dance in one word: everything.
“I love learning about dance; I love training; I love performing; I love choreographing; I love teaching dance. Truly, I love everything about it,” she says.
Nachlas’ passion for dance dates back to her childhood.
“Early on in my life, I knew that dance was something I wanted to do. My mom supported my interest by putting me in as many dance classes as she could afford,” she recalls.
By the time she was in high school, dance played a dominant role in Nachlas’ life. She spent a chunk of each school day at the dance studio. Dance became her full-time focus in college, where she studied a combination of dance performance, choreography, and pedagogy.
In the years that followed, Nachlas’ passion for dance led her to pursue a variety of unique career opportunities, ranging from performing on a cruise ship and choreographing dances to dancing in ensembles to training dancers who have become NFL cheerleaders and Rockettes.
Throughout all of her experiences in dance, Nachlas says, one thing has always been clear to her: She was meant to teach. So, when the opportunity arose to do so in Howard County this past summer, she eagerly applied.
“There was so much about teaching dance in Howard County that appealed to me,” she recalls. “The dance curriculum here is fantastic. It is deeply rooted in dance history and is designed to provide a holistic dance education. I also saw teaching dance here as an opportunity for me to build an inclusive dance community, where all students have a safe place to be seen, heard, respected, and can gather tools to express themselves authentically.”
Nachlas has been focused on creating that safe place from day one at CHS, leading her students through a variety of activities designed to support and empower them in trying new things. She has also created what she calls a “culture of applause” by encouraging students to clap when a fellow student demonstrates something new. And she regularly reminds her students that “the product is the process.’”
“I really try to encourage my students to be comfortable being seen ‘in process,’ not just when they’ve mastered something,” Nachlas explains.
Although she is only half a year into teaching dance at CHS, Nachlas says her experience has been enjoyable, rewarding, and inspiring.
“The administrative team and staff at CHS have been so welcoming and the Fine Arts team here is inspiring. I enjoy the cohort of dance teachers [across the county] as well; collaborating with them is a joy,” she says. “I have also seen many dancers’ confidence grow just this year from ‘I don’t know if I will be able to get on stage and do this” to “I did it and I know now I am capable of more.’ I have seen this confidence from supported stage experience transfer directly to the classroom.”
“I am inspired by Howard County’s support of the arts and making dance accessible for all students, which aligns with my dreams and vision as an educator,” Nachlas adds.