Ages: 3-adult

Levels: beginners through advanced/competitive

Class Sizes: 1-on-1 to large festival workshops with 100+ dancers

Genres: contemporary, lyrical, jazz, technique, musical theater, leaps and turns, ballet, pointe, tap

I teach because I love it. It sounds simple but it really is that simple. Teaching dance is my thing. Devising different analogies for complex mind-body concepts, finding new music for next season’s routines, brainstorming themes/stories to tell on stage, thinking of new ways I can help my students get over a hurdle–this is just my default state of being. And it all brings me true joy…even in those tougher moments.

Witnessing students have an ‘ah-ha’ moment, watching someone cross the bridge to the other side, seeing a dancer finally get it, or watching students grow not only as dancers but as people–this is special, this is a gift. We get to play a role in creating the next generation of performers and arts supporters. We get to preserve and innovate our art form as we pass it on to others. We get to create a space for dancers at any stage in their learning to be themselves, to feel safe to explore, and to be surrounded by others who love it the way they do. We get to make art, connect with people, be endlessly creative, problem-solve, and most importantly we get to have an impact.

Every student has different challenges to overcome – be it mental or physical – and different strengths to lean into. I strive to identify those challenges and strengths while balancing constructive feedback with praise. While I may implement some tough love from time to time, and while it’s been said I sometimes have high expectations, I’m not a fear-driven teacher or a person who says do this because I say so.

I’ve found teaching from a place of logic and sharing the why behind the feedback I give to be incredibly successful approaches. If students understand why we do things from a technical perspective or from a body-safety perspective, or how it connects to other ‘tricks’, or if they understand that we do it a certain way because it just logically makes sense, this can increase their buy-in to the process. It can also help develop their problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, ability to connect the dots and be a smart dancer.

I’m a big believer that energy in the room impacts everyone’s experience. I also believe that energy and tone is set from the top. So, while I can’t always control how the room feels, I can work to ensure my energy is what it should be. I strive to demonstrate that I am engaged, that I am enthusiastic, that I want to be there, that I want to help, and that I have your best interests in mind. I try to make sure everyone is participating in a way that feels right to them and is appropriate for the space. Sometimes this is easier said than done, but that’s the ultimate goal.

Time is my most precious resource. I always want more time with my students–time to fix, time to clean, time to drill, time to break down concepts. Knowing I always want more time, I come prepared. Lesson plans, checklists for rehearsals, pre-set choreography, playlists all prepped in advance so I can make the most of my time in the studio.

As much as I love teaching and I take what I do seriously, I don’t take myself too seriously and I try to be human with my students. I try to use relatable, funny analogies and anecdotes, I may mock myself for my stylish costumes and hairstyles when I was their age, or share stories of my husband’s attempts to help me with prop fabrication and burning his hand the first time he used hot glue (true story!!). This can help build rapport and trust between us and even between them.

My sweet spot for instruction: I am versatile but tend to be particularly successful with grades 4-12, advanced beginners and intermediate level dancers that are interested in doing more. I gravitate to students that demonstrate passion and love, regardless of their technical level. If they show me a glimmer of interest and enthusiasm I’m all in.

My sweet spot for choreography: I am a storyteller. I am a theme builder. I like to do things I haven’t seen before. I like to use props to push the story along. I know the magic can be in the details. I love group routines and productions. But above all else, I like to make things that are memorable, things that make an audience so silent you can hear the dancers breathing.