Teaching Philosphy

 

As an educator, I aim to cultivate an atmosphere of respect between myself and my students, between the students themselves, and above all, a respect for dance as an art form. Whether a student pursues a professional career or dances for pure enjoyment, I wish to nurture an appreciation for dance that he or she will carry forward into thier adult lives. I encourage a sound work ethic from each of my students and hold myself to the same standard as I continue to pursue excellence as a dance educator.

 

My classes are centered on an understanding of the anatomy of the human body and its alignment. My students’ safety is my first priority as I strive to help them obtain a clear understanding of the body and how it functions through methods of training that promote longevity and prevent injury. I teach ballet technique that includes ideas from multiple training curriculums instead of just one particular method; I believe that versatility is one of the most valuable characteristics of a well-trained dancer.

 

My teaching is rooted in a desire for my students to reach their fullest potential as both learners and dancers, and I work to create an environment that allows for self-exploration and risk taking. My role as an educator is to facilitate a class that engages many learning styles and intelligences, as it is my belief that no two students are alike. Individualized feedback is a key component of my teaching, but I also value group feedback that challenges my students to self-assess and take ownership of their own progress. Above all, I build classes that challenge my students both technically and artistically while supporting the growth of their individual goals.

 

Classes Offered:

Classical Ballet

Pointe

Variations

Modern

Jazz

Conditioning for Dance

Smart Barre®

The Ballet Burn®