Emma Milner

To find inspiration, she surrounds her desk with bright colors, thriller books, old movies and song lyrics. By working in a space that reflects her own interests, she develops ideas for choreography more naturally. 

The first melancholy chords of Adele’s “Hometown Glory” introduce Harker Dance Company’s last routine in Just Dance 2024, where lower, middle and upper school dance ensembles perform together. As the backdrop fades to a deep blue, the swirls and fans of the dancers’ dusty ombre dresses fill the stage and glow under an ethereal golden light. The dancers glide gracefully through the choreography, extending their arms and sweeping their legs in perfect unison. From backstage, Co-Director of HDC Jill Yager watches on with pride.

Through her thoughtful teaching, Yager creates a space where dancers feel free from any burdens, similar to the refuge dance has provided her throughout her life.

“Dance has always been my constant,” Yager said. “It’s always something I’ve been able to come back to, even though we’ve had a relationship with its ups and downs. Dance doesn’t always love you back. It’s a relationship that challenges me, supports me, allows me to grow. I’m still learning so much.”

Since discovering dance in a jazz and tap-focused studio at eight years old, Yager has dedicated almost her entire life to the art, whether it be through studying, performing or teaching. Before arriving at Harker two years ago, Yager taught dance at San Jose State University for 19 years. Eventually, her desire to support growing high school students led her to Harker.

“By the time people get to college, most people have an idea of who they are,” Yager said. “Whereas in high school, I can hopefully inspire and motivate, but most importantly, help all of you navigate as you’re figuring yourselves out, finding your voices and the direction that you want to go.”

Yager’s colleague, dance teacher Rachelle Haun, expressed her appreciation for Yager’s compassion towards all her students.

“She really cares about how other people are doing,” Haun said. “She brings treats on birthdays for HDC, which is really cool. She’s just a very thoughtful person and makes the people around her feel important.”

Yager strives to foster a welcoming environment where both dancers and non-dancers alike share their love for dance as an art form and a sport. While working with Yager during the 2023 Dance Production, HDC captain Yasmin Sudarsanam (12) noticed Yager’s confidence in her dancers’ abilities to express her choreography. 

“I was the only sophomore, and it was a really complex dance, but she made us all feel so at home and so welcome,” Yasmin said. “She would throw new stuff at us each week, and she really trusted us. I loved being in that dance, and it was definitely a highlight of my high school career.”

Yager dedicates much thought and time to choreographing each of her pieces to best showcase her dancers. To find inspiration, she surrounds her desk with bright colors, thriller books, old movies and song lyrics. By working in a space that reflects her own interests, she develops ideas for choreography more naturally. 

“I’m inspired by things that aren’t dance all the time,” Yager said. “When students do their art exhibits, I look at these amazing things that they’ve created and wonder what that would look like via movement.”

She shares those innovative choreography techniques with students and encourages them to find creativity in unlikely places, like a tree branch, in her Study of Dance class. Whether it be in HDC, after school dance or Study of Dance, Yager strives to imbue a love for movement in her students. 

“I want my students to feel supported,” Yager said. “I want them to feel challenged. They’re in it, they’re working not only their bodies, but their brains, having that connection. Ultimately, I hope they’re having fun and that they are being reminded why they like to dance.”