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Advance the art of dance

 

For me, an education in dance is the opportunity for advancement within a multifaceted art form—physically, intellectually and creatively. I strive to facilitate excellence in dance through the development of technique combined with the exploration of what a physically based art form can communicate while cultivating the investigation of how it is created and presented. Dance encompasses a wide range of movement vocabularies. I work to create class material that keeps the student’s needs at the forefront. By reflecting current trends in dance today, combined with more traditional classwork, I aim to prepare them for the future while honoring the past. I strive to remain flexible with and responsive to students. I set high expectations while nurturing a joy in the process of learning so that fear of failure does not hinder the chance for growth. The learning process is wonderfully messy—but given the time to engage, process and respond, the new information transforms into personal knowledge. The material is challenging, not overwhelming. I look forward to witnessing students advancing in their physical skills, challenging their intellect and creating their own vision for the art of dance with excellence and veracity.

 

Incite active learning

 

My focus is on the practice and improvement of an anatomically sound technique while simultaneously allowing space for the individual creative voice. These two elements should be cultivated together. I encourage students to become active learners and offer opportunity to problem solve, analyze a given task and apply what they have learned to a personal level of fulfillment. I also work to create an environment that encourages each student to cherish his or her time in the studio. The studio is a safe place for play, breakthroughs of all shapes and sizes, and for growth. It is a place for mutual respect. I challenge students to put ideas and concepts to the test and develop a critically thinking mind. It is a place where I put ego aside, and with a collaborative spirit, encourage students to share ideas with the people in the room, to bring their diversity and background knowledge of all things dance and non-dance to the table. I certainly do not have all the answers. But I am always seeking new information and excited when the opportunity to learn happens alongside students. It is my responsibility to patiently guide and facilitate this learning community to reach its fullest potential.

 

 

Connect body and mind

 

Whether I am teaching technique, composition, history, partnering or improvisation, the classroom becomes a laboratory for discovery of mind, body and spirit. When students discover how to interpret movement in their bodies, they find meaning in the dance. I hope to allow students to develop a sense of self within the group, whether in the classroom or in a larger context. A clear but fluid identity within dance offers the opportunity to find a personal connection between what they are doing and what they are saying. Fully educated dancers will honor their art form through the improvement of their technique, love what it provides them both intellectually and creatively, and willingly accept the love that dance gives to them in return.