Teaching Philosophy

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​        As an artist, dance maker, teacher, performer, and human, I believe dance within a classroom or studio space should be approached with a sense of inquisition, integrity, and encouragement. I believe that teachers and mentors hold the responsibility for creating a space for open communication and new ideas, lending itself to creative and imaginative thinkers. Students leave my classes encouraged to walk through life with open minds and confident hearts. Especially in the current dance world, students should be encouraged to adapt and collaborate with each other as artists and people, taking the who, what, where, why, and how into account and presenting themselves as they are, inclusive of all walks of life, perspective, and purpose.

 

        Applying structure to my ballet classes, my students base their technique and terminology with definitive progress. Transitioning to modern and contemporary styles, I lean on the Laban movement analysis to provide specific tools for students to explore improvisational and choreographic abilities. With jazz, musical theatre, and tap styles, students modify set combinations of movement to increase their skill progressions as they continue through the course. 

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        As an analytical thinker, I see that there is a sense of individuality with movement, therefore, taking processing, problem-solving, and exploration into account. I welcome that we as people may take different modes for progress with the hope that we will all reach the end goal together. With this in mind, I incorporate many teaching methods including visual, audible, and tangible tools. I personally learn by visuals and imagery, which creates many avenues to encourage the students’ use of imagination.

 

        I continue to have a passion for learning and adapting, to facilitate current knowledge for myself and my students. My experience within the professional performing arts has been everchanging, motivating me to look onward and keep an open mind to new and exciting things, while also educating about the past and the history of each dance style with appreciation of its rooted cultures.

 

        My philosophy of teaching prioritizes a safe environment where students feel free to explore their own capabilities, connections with their peers, and take risks. While incorporating terminology, history, communication, and awareness, we are developing in technique, expression, and curiosity to take with us outside of the classroom and into our communities.