Meet Mia Nelson | Dance Teacher & Dance Team Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mia Nelson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Since the beginning of my life, I have always been surrounded by artistic creators and mentors. I could not see my life without dance. it has been there for me through the best of times, and the worst of times. The people I surrounded myself around really helped shape me into the person I am today. When I was about to graduate from high school, I started to think about what I wanted to do as my career. I couldn’t see myself working a regular office job. I saw myself teaching and helping others grow, and also teaching them how to express themselves through movement.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been dancing ever since the age of 2 years old. I grew up at Oceanside Dance Academy, and ended up calling it my second home for 15 years. When I got to the age where I was about to attend high school, I wanted to become part of more groups outside of my studio. I went to El Camino High School where I was in the dance program (Dance 3), The El Camino Dance Company (ECDC), and the Varsity Cheer Team. Once I graduated from high school, I attended Arizona State University where graduated in 2020 and received my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance. I decided to move back home after college to teach at local dance studios, and then that’s when I received the coaching opportunity for the El Camino POMcats.

The POMcats were created around the time that I graduated high school. So when I took over the coaching position for the POMcats, I wanted to go through a whole rebranding of the team to make it more my own. I wanted to take what I learned from my dance background, as well as what I learned while studying in Arizona, and implement new rules, traditions, and performances that our team would do. I wanted my dancers to really get the feel of what it would be like if they were to join a college dance team. However, my ultimate goal for this team was for my dancers to absolutely enjoy every second while being a POMcat.

The first year was a little difficult, it was definitely a learning year for me as it was my first year ever coaching a dance team. However, I I learned so much in that year which helped me so much going into my 2nd year as the POMcat coach. Our 2nd year was definitely our year where we were being recognized by our school. We were asked to perform at games, pep rallies, and other events. It was the first year our team made it to finals at USA Dance Nationals and placed 2nd in the nation. It was also the year where we brought back home a 1st place winning trophy for our extra small routine.

Ever since that win, it has made my POMcats eager and hungry for another win. They push themselves and their teammates to be the best they can be. The recognition that they received that year helped them realize that they are capable of anything if they work hard and are 100% committed ti themselves and their teammates. The bond that this team has is amazing, and that is what makes me so happy and blessed to say that I am the coach for these hardworking dancers.

I am now going into my 4th year as coach, and I honestly don’t see my life without my POMcats. I love this team, they bring me so much joy. This job reminds me as to why I love dance, and our community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have had a lot of family and friends come visit me in my hometown, and whenever they come, I always take them to certain places that I grew up doing. I would first off take them to Beach Break Cafe for the most amazing breakfast, and I would for sure make them try their coffee cake. After, we would have day at the Oceanside harbor beach where we would relax and take a dip in the ocean. Before we head home, we would then take a cruise down the Oceanside Strand, where I would roll all the windows down and blast music.For the evening, I would definitely take them to my favorite place to eat, Best Pizza, where we could have food and drinks. Following dinner, I would take them to Pour house for some drinks and to listen to the live band playing that night.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to a couple of people who have helped me get to where I am today.

I would first off like to thank my mom and my sister for coming to every dance event that I had growing up, and for my mom being a single parent doing whatever she needed to do to keep me dancing.

I would like to thank Angelica Wilson, my dancer teacher, for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and for allowing me to call my dance studio my second home.

I would like to thank my high school dance teacher, Mandy Langen, for giving me the opportunity to become a teachers assistant for her my senior year in high school. That class helped me realize that teaching dance is what I wanted to do for my career.

Lastly, I would like to thank my POMcats. I love this team with my whole heart. They bring a smile to my face every day, and I love spending time with all of them. They make my job so easy, and I’m so proud to see how far our team has come over the years.

Website: https://www.ecpomcats.com

Instagram: @ecpomcats

Facebook: El Camino High School POMcats

Other: Tik Tok: @ecpomcats

Image Credits
Headshot of Coach Mia and POMcats 2024-2025 Team Picture Photographed by Devina Lopez (Instagram- @devinalopezphoto)