dancer || choreographer || collaborator
The role of a teacher in any learning environment involves proper care and responsibility. To this degree, a “good teacher” has the capability of using multiple teaching strategies for their classes, so that each student is able to fully understand the respective class. These strategies can include various forms of feedback, instruction, position in the room, and personal engagement. I am a teacher who uses imagery to assist the students in finding the intention of their movement. I commonly ask the students what they feel when they are executing material, allowing the students to find the underlying motive. My top priority as a teacher is for
photo by Eva Nys
students to leave class feeling safe and as though they have benefitted artistically, technically, and personally from each class.
A teacher must create a safe environment which allows students to express their concerns or questions, and follow through by being open to hearing the students’ concerns. To teach effectively, a teacher (and the students) must come into the space with an open mind and an open heart to maintain the artistry and bonding within the dance form. I aspire to build relationships with as many students as possible, hoping they find joy and empowerment within my classes. By remaining transparent with students, I am able to build a bond of trust, respect, and support. While building these relationships, I reassure students that I will happily continue to be a resource for them throughout their careers.
I intend to emphasize and encourage discoveries in students’ dance training. I invite students to explore, create, and find their individual voice as an artist. I enjoy creating an environment for performance artists to feel safe to learn, grow, and codify as they please. I want to share my love of movement within each individual process we exist in together and continuously learn from each other. I grew up in a dance studio which focused heavily on their philosophy “where dancers grow up,” in a loving, nurturing setting. While training there, I became increasingly passionate and driven to continue in my art form. I hope to assist dancers in finding and sustaining their passion for movement as my instructors did for me as a young artist.