Sandraplaza
About
I love working with students one on one as I can customize the lessons according to the student's goals and experience.
I am very thorough and place great emphasis on technique, form, breathing and endurance. I treat everyone the same regardless what level they are and teach from the ground up as I always make sure there is a solid foundation in place.
I bring 25 yrs of experience and am certified in all desciplines. I have been teaching in private academies and higher academia and have had a diverse student body of all ages( 9-50 yrs) Beginners to Advanced students. My group classes were often very large and it seemed challenging to help every single student.This will be my way of doing that, addressing each individuals needs.
Communication and getting it into your body is key.
Seing how my directions are being received and making progress. I am very result driven and enjoy seing students ask questions, developing a focus, more body awareness and getting it !
Highlights
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
1) Determining the goal and a timeline ( 12 weeks is a good start)
2) making a schedule according to availability
3) Payment plan
4) sticking to a written agreement
5) Executing the plan
6) Every 12 weeks evaluating and adjusting
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BA in Dance & Acting
Teacher Certification in Dance, Pilates, Yoga and Barre
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Price is negotiable according to availability and frequency of lessons. Usually I do 12 week packages.
Single lessons are possible but priced higher.
How did you get started teaching?
While I was performing directors and choreographers kept putting me in charge for rehearsals and auditions, so I had lots of experience assisting for projects. Since I am very versatile and trained in various disciplines, I soon realized that I often knew more about technique in Ballet, Jazz Dance, Contemporary and Ballroom dancing than the people who were in charge and I started feeling the need to share my knowledge.
I got my first job teaching dance on the TV show "Passions" where I had to teach Galen Gering, one of the principals on the show, a long Tango routine. After that I worked on other shows like "Friends" and through feature films I eventually discovered I should be teaching. I started teaching at numerous prestigious Performing Arts School, Conservatories and Academies. During that time, I noticed that some of the talent out here was also phisically in bad shape and so I started all of my certifications in Pilates, Barre and Yoga. Apart from my classes at those schools, I also created a personal business for myself, working at high-end hotels and private homes giving private lessons. It's been a fun time as I can split my time between Entertainers, College students and adults who just want to learn.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with a variety of students. I have taught kids 7-18, college age 18-30 and 30-55 yr olds.
I have worked with beginners as well as advanced professionals for film and TV projects, competitions and performances.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I) A whole group of international students at the certification program in Ballet and Jazz Dance at AMDA wrote me some very touching "Thank You " cards. I was very proud as they did an amzing job performing my choreography at their end performance.
II) One of my private students got a Disney TV show thanks to the dance and movement reel we put together. We worked on it for 6 months and filmed at the end.
III) I lead a non-profit program that brought ball room dancing into public schools as part of their PHysical Education, teaching kids the basics of Etiquette, Foxtrott, Merengue, Rumba, Polka, Waltz and Tango. I got some very touching Thank You cards there, too at the end competition each semester.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look at the resume !
Remember you are only going to get out what you put in!
Put into it a 100% focus and attention!
Do the program with all the lessons then reavelute and discuss.
Commit to the lessons, follow the instructions and comply with the teacher's standards. Be great full for being able to learn!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Read my bio and description of classes a few times, its all there and then if there are any questions, feel free to ask.
Don't ask me to respond if you want me to teach Hip Hop, when I don't teach that. I will just assume you didn't read my page thoroughly.
Discuss injuries, concerns in the beginning and then just surrender and commit!