Teaching

While my "first language" in dance is classical ballet and pointe, I have taught jazz, contemporary, modern, tap, acro, and Pilates. I grew up in a Cecchetti Ballet environment and am familiar with this very structured style, but am also comfortable teaching more fusion ballet classes that incorporate elements from a wide range of schools (Vaganova, Balanchine, RAD, Bournonville), especially for older students with a strong technical foundation. I enjoy designing courses that are athletic, technically challenging, and have room for individuality. 

I have taught almost every age range when it comes to dance. From Baby Ballerinas (3 years old) to adults aged 70+, I pride myself on developing lessons that are tailored to the demographics of my students. I carefully design my classes with intention and carefully consider the needs, attention-spans, goals, and physical abilities of my students.

I have also designed and taught residencies at local schools where we use creative movement to explore the world around us, express ourselves, and get to know our wonderful bodies.  

I believe that dance should be accessible for anyone who wants to move, grow, and have fun. As a teacher, it is my job to marry technique and artistry so that my students have a foundation of skills that they can use to express themselves. I emphasize discipline more in certain styles such as codified ballet, but still find room for my students to experiment, play, and discover in the classroom.

​

With younger students, I tend to use a lot of props, creative movement games, and fun "challenges" to keep them engaged, respectful, and having a blast! The trick is to make dance dynamic and explorative for the kiddos, while still maintaining a structure that they can depend on each lesson.

​

I also believe that injury prevention is vital in every type of dance class and at every age, so anatomical alignment and dancing "smarter" is always at the forefront of my methodology. From university courses to years of private Physical Therapy, my understanding of the body and safe movement comes from personal experience and expert mentorship. 

In addition to traditional dance instruction, I have also been a part of designing special dance events such as an interactive fieldtrip for local schools, children's story times, and ballet tea parties. From teaching children the art of storytelling to helping them connect with dance from an early age, my experience designing interactive community performances has helped me connect with countless children, adults, and community members. Interested in designing a program? Let's talk!

For references or to follow up regarding my teaching experience, please do not hesitate to contact the following professionals:

​​

Whitney Morden, Alliance Academy of Dance, Pocatello, Idaho

info@allianceacademyofdance.com

​

Tammy Dyke-Compton, University of Arizona School of Dance

dykecompton@arizona.edu

​

Nina Tishkevich, Music and Dance Academy Tucson

nina.tishkevich@maoft.com