Spotlight Series: Bo Pang

At Palo Alto College, Bo Pang is more than a dance instructor—she’s a guiding light for PAC students. With a lifelong passion for dance, a rich career performing on international stages, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers, Bo brings a unique energy to her classes. Whether she’s teaching ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, or leading the Ballet Folklorico and Cheer clubs, Bo is on a mission. Her mission is to build a dance program that empowers students to express themselves, push their boundaries, and pursue their dreams.

Bo’s love for dance began when she was just three years old and has been the centerpiece of her life ever since. Encouraged by a perceptive teacher who saw her natural talent, Bo’s parents enrolled her in specialized training, setting the stage for a career that would take her from the dance studio to the world’s most esteemed stages.

Her dance journey took her from a specialized dance school to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts in Dance. She also holds a Bachelor’s in Ballet from the Beijing Dance Academy. At NYU, Bo honed her artistry and transitioned into the professional world as a dancer and dance instructor for students of all ages and abilities.

Although Bo’s performing career was full of exciting opportunities, she always felt drawn to teaching. “I knew that once my time as a dancer ended, I would dedicate myself fully to educating the next generation of dancers,” she reflects. Her years as a performer gave her a profound understanding of dance, and her transition into full-time teaching felt like a natural progression.

In 2021, when Bo and her family moved to San Antonio, she joined the fine arts faculty at Palo Alto College with a vision to build and expand the dance department. Through her time at Palo Alto, she has developed the department to include ballet, modern dance, and jazz, and she coaches both the Ballet Folklorico and Cheer clubs. Based on her extensive performance background, Bo is uniquely equipped to provide her students with a solid foundation in technique and artistry, whether just starting out or refining advanced skills.

Her approach to teaching goes beyond the steps and routines. Bo emphasizes a holistic philosophy that fosters growth, self-expression, and resilience. She believes that dance is for everyone, regardless of skill level. “Anyone of any age, ability, or background is welcome in my studio,” she says. Bo adapts her lessons to ensure that every student feels challenged yet capable, offering multiple difficulty levels for each choreography so that everyone is learning and feeling challenged.

“It’s a lot of work to create two versions of the same dance combinations, but if there is anything I can do to help my students, I am going to do it because it’s the right thing to do,” said Bo. 

Bo’s dedication to mentorship sets her apart. She believes in helping students discover their full potential—not just as dancers but as individuals. For Bo, seeing her students succeed, whether they land internships, pursue advanced degrees, or perform professionally, is the ultimate reward.

“I’m here to help my students build a strong foundation of dance technique,” Bo says. “From there, they can apply what they’ve learned to anything in life, whether advancing their dance education or pursuing the career of their dreams.”

A particularly proud moment for Bo was helping one such student pursue higher education in dance at a university on the East Coast. Stories like this are a testament to Bo’s unwavering commitment to her students’ success.

Her long-term vision for the dance department at PAC is clear: to establish it as the best in San Antonio. To build a place where students can hone their technical skills, find their artistic voices, and make meaningful connections to opportunities in the wider dance world.

“I want to build a dance program that mirrors the city’s growth and serves as a platform for students to showcase their creativity,” she says.

With Bo Pang at the helm, the future of dance at Palo Alto College is bright. Her deep experience as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer ensures that her students are not just learning steps—they are equipped with the tools they need to succeed, whether they pursue a career in dance or take their talents in a different direction.

In the words of Bo herself, “Dance is about more than just movement—it’s about self-expression, creativity, and resilience. My job is to help my students unlock those qualities and carry them forward into their lives.”