About Dani’s Lessons
Hello! I’m Dani and I’m glad you’re here. I’m excited to share my passion for teaching swimming as a life skill here in Collierville, TN. Dani’s Swim Lessons is an individualized, results-based, private swimming lesson program taught by yours truly based out of my home. I’ve been teaching lessons and coaching competitive swimming off and on for over 15 years now. Thank you for entrusting me with your child’s safety and love for the water (even if they don’t know they love it yet, and that’s an area we need to work on…). Below I’ll briefly describe my personal background and teaching style. If the information reflected here doesn’t answer all of your questions prior to booking a lesson please reach out to me via email at 901daniswim@gmail.com. Let’s get swimming!
I grew up in sunny Central California where swimming was the way of life to escape the heat. My weekends growing up were spent traveling all over the western states for elite age group swim meets. Having typically been the smallest for my age group it motivated me to train smarter and focus on technique! Technique and “feeling” the water via motor memory is how I learned through years of training with great coaches, and it’s a foundation for my teaching style. I keep a close eye to my swimmers “feel” of the water in the components of their stroke and I use tools, to include sculling and drills, for it all to come together in that “Aha” moment that is so fun to watch!
Whether your child is needing stroke work for competition or has yet to put their toe in the shallow end my focus is on their safety, success, and life-long confidence in the water.
A Note for Toddlers and New Swimmers:
The pool can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time just starting out. Since my focus is on safety and a lifelong relationship with the water, I do not force skills or push new swimmers into “surprises” at our lessons. The pace of my private lessons is to gently challenge your swimmer but to always communicate and make them feel safe when they try new skills. It’s not uncommon for the very first lesson to include a lot of sitting outside of the pool and talking, playing with water toys, singing songs, and playing games. Building their trust and confidence in the water pays off in the long run both with their personal safety and success in lessons.
Experience
Over the past several years I’ve had experience teaching the Swim America, YMCA, and Red Cross swim lesson programs. While I have experience with infant lessons, at this time I’ll be offering private and semi-private lessons for ages 2 and up. Check back often or send me an email for individualized coaching for competition and/or triathlon training, or if you would like to arrange for a parent-infant lesson. Some of my aquatic experience outside of teaching includes:
University of Washington Water Polo Club 2006-2010
Seattle Parks and Recreation Swim Instructor, Lifeguard, Water Aerobics Instructor, Pool Supervisor 2006-2012
Triathlon and Open Water Swim Competitor (a few below):
Alcatraz Escape from the Rock Duathlon - San Francisco, CA
Little Red Lighthouse 10k Open Water Swim - NYC
Fat Salmon 5k Open Water Swim - Seattle, WA
Seafair Sprint Triathlons - Seattle, WA
University of Washington Masters Swimming Coach 2008-2010
Seattle Parks and Recreation Summer Swim League Coach 2008-2010
Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructor 2016