As a dancer, actor, choreographer, and educator, I approach my classes with a positive energy, a passionate integrity, and an open curiosity. I provide an atmosphere that is disciplined, but at the same time allows students to experiment, question, and feel comfortable taking risks in order to communicate their fullest expression through movement. I encourage active learning, personal inquiry, experimentation, and critical thinking as tools for artistic growth. I believe that dance can stimulate both intellectually and physically. I teach to inspire, to connect, to communicate, to share my knowledge, and to express my joy of dancing. 

Aspirations/Goals/Objectives: 

As a teacher I encourage my students to develop a strong technical foundation, an appreciation for the art form, and a deep appreciation for their unique artistic expression. To reach these goals I will incorporate the following methods into my classes: a technical and strength-based warm-up that each student will commit to memory, an educated and informed process that each dancer may use to take with them to their artistic endeavors (other studios, auditions, jobs, etc.), and exercises that will be based in creative improvisation and collaboration. Students will gain an understanding of the Music Theatre Jazz repertoire and will be able to recognize and demonstrate elements fundamental to Music Theatre Jazz dance (i.e., body placement, strength, flexibility, coordination, sequencing, rhythm, style) and various styles of Music Theatre Jazz presented as influenced by the many great jazz dancers/choreographers (e.g., Jack Cole, Bob Fosse, Luigi, Gus Giordano, Jerome Robbins, Katherine Dunham, Matt Mattox, Gwen Verdon, Josephine Baker, Gene Kelly, Twyla Tharp, Lynn Simonson, Michael Jackson, et.al.). In addition to this, students will understand and develop a working vocabulary and movement repertoire in the Music Theatre Jazz dance terminology and technique. Students will develop a stylistic approach to Music Theatre Jazz dance and an appreciation for the history and future of this dance form as a technique and performance art. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the historic influences of the many styles of Jazz on the evolution of dance and present their research on prominent Jazz dancers/choreographers in written, didactic, and choreographic demonstration. 

Interaction with Students: 

“Form, ease, beauty, and a sense of the whole” (Michael Chekov). 

I am passionate about the artistic growth of each individual student and artist. Using a combination of these four principles, I will approach each student differently depending on their individual needs for growth. 

Assessment: 

I will assess student understanding by monthly assessments on specific technical exercises as well as accuracy, strength, and artistry shown in the execution of the material that is taught in class.  

Conclusion: 

In accessing the progress of each student and individual artist, I look forward to learning, growing, and improving my teaching abilities as I strengthen each student’s technique, knowledge, discipline, artistry, body, and mindset.