My Teaching Philosophy
My approach as a dance educator for over 25 years is to help students see the best in themselves and push them outside their comfort zone, in class, in rehearsal and during performances. Teaching in a way that helps students to understand that though their best changes and fluctuates everyday, as long as they are focused and determined they will improve over time, instills a belief in themselves that they can do whatever they put their minds to. I also teach them that dance is both an individual and community art fostering camaraderie, team effort and self development.
I create a safe space for students to be themselves, try new things and learn to listen to their bodies. You can only strive to be your best when you are able to listen to when your body tells you your limits and your growth. My background in anatomy allows me to teach students the anatomical execution of the different dance techniques on their own individual bodies and I believe that saves students from injury and self comparison.
Training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-hop, Horton, Graham, West African, Precision Jazz, Musical Theater and Contemporary, teaching recreational to professional ages 2 - 70 years old, and working professionally in commercial, concert and theater dance has given me a broad and in-depth knowledge of the dance industry. It is my passion to teach dancers how to use their gift in dance to succeed artistically, academically and professionally in life no matter their dreams and goals. Just as athletes use their sports to get ahead in life, dancers can use their art to do the same.
