Educational Arts

Discuss your goals for dance classes. What are you hoping to learn, experience or accomplish? What kind of experience do you have, and what previous skills can we build on? Do you have any physical challenges that might make certain movements more difficult? Once goals for lessons are established and agreed upon, we would make a mutual plan to move foward with lessons. 

• Certified public-school teaching licenses in UT, WY, WA and AZ (K-8). MA in Education (USU). Classical ballet and modern dance education at Cornish College of the Arts and Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle.

• Founded and directed dance studio of 550+ students (aged 3-adult) for the last decade

• Academy provided classes in preschool dance, ballet, tap, acro, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, Broadway, strength & conditioning, worship, and competition team classes

• Managed staff of 16 (instructors and office personnel)

• Composed and produced original music pieces for dance performances

• Provided dance photography and videography for events, recitals, competitions and performances

• Coached consistently diamond level award-winning dance teams (Dupree Dance, Spotlight, etc.)

• Created stellar reputation for industry excellence, superior technical training, advanced levels of artistry and a positive, inclusive learning environment for all 

• Designed, planned and produced large-scale spring recitals for upwards of 3000 guests

• Maintained high levels of community involvement, service projects, charity work and public education

dependent on time required, class size etc.

Since I first began my career as an educator, I have been passionate in my commitment to four ideals: developing drive and maximizing individual student performance; inspiring students’ interest in community; empowering others to reach their highest potential; and instilling a sense of self-worth among all learners.

All ages: preschool (2) to senior citizens (70+). I have a certification as a special education teacher which allows me to work well with special needs students. I have taught dance and adaptive PE classes for special needs dancers in the public schools, and I also currently teach for a behavioral health program that only services students with emotional disturbances. Many of my students have been placed somewhere on the autism spectrum, from high-functioning to non-verbal. I love working with all students!

My 4-6th grade acro class learned a new stunt in class on Wednesday night and they were SO excited! Just beaming and jumping up and down to "try it again." I love seeing the sense of wonder and accomplishment that comes when a dancer finally masters a dance step they had not previously been able to execute. Those lightbulb moments of learning are priceless.

Ask a lot of questions and read any reviews you can find online. Other people will always give you the most honest feedback. Make sure payment expectations and agreements are clear upfront. Check to ensure the teacher has an adequate professional training to make sure they are competent to educate students in the history, language, background, and vocabulary of each dance genre they instruct. Watch videos of their choreography and check for both good artistry and quality technicality. 

Why are you interested in dance? How long have you been wanting to try this kind of a class? 

What are your goals for your dance classes - what are you  hoping to learn or accomplish?

How much time would you like to devote to meeting these goals each week? Is this a long-term or short-term goal? 

Do you think the teacher you are considering can help you meet those goals in healthy, happy and educational way?