About
I've been acting, singing and dancing for over 40 years and still love it. Prior to the pandemic I was performing up to 25 shows per month at various assisted living and memory care facilities throughout the region.
I hold a BFA (Bachelors of Fine Arts) in Communications and Theatre from Temple University (1980). I've been in various productions over the years, performed in television, on radio and stage for both large and small audiences. I helped write, edit and modeled dance in a book on the subject called Lance Laguna's Dance Dance Dance.
One of my fondest memories was when I was part of a touring road show and have taught acting, singing and ballroom dance to students from 8 to 102! Been written up in magazines and on facebook, just ask for the link or the article, like most performers I delight in sharing those.
Performing and teaching performance arts is how I've made a living for the last 40+ years - first in Philadelphia and for the last 21 years in the DMV. Seeing students realize that they can actually do something that they've only dreamt of is probably the best part of teaching for me.
Thank you for reading all of that! 😁
Seeing an being part of the joy when a student gets something for the first time.
I enjoy people and entertaining so lessons tend to be fun along with the work.
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Kate R.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First - discover the level they are at and why they want to learn. Listen as they describe what they've done in the past and what they wish to do.
Second - discuss and review the mechanics of the art. Dance, acting or singing each have their own structure. Listen to what doesn't work for them and help them discover what does
Third - teach basics and have the student feel a sense of accomplishment. This is important on so many levels. If you dislike doing something odds are you'll stop before getting good. Listen for how they are feeling and what they are doing.
Fourth - guide the student and correct mistakes. Help them through the inevitable "wall" that people hit. Listen to their concerns and help turn "can't" into "YES!".
Fifth - this step is actually part of all the above. Solve the puzzle of how they learn. Find 100 ways to say the same thing. Not everyone hears instructions in the same way and some need to internalize and visualize while others need the kinetic activity to understand it. My students all have taught me how to teach them.
Lastly - enjoy and celebrate their accomplishment.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelors Degree (BFA) in Communication and Theatre - concentration in performance.
For the past 21 years and until recently was part owner and instructor at ALL2DANCE.com studio in DC. Trained and taught at Arthur Murray in Philadelphia on Broad Street (many years ago). Took lessons from various teachers over the years including Giancarlo Frusonne.
Trained under various voice talents in Philadelphia including Jim Nettleton.
Vocal training: Mario Mira, Philadelphia pianist, singer and entertainer; Bob Bush pianist and former director of the LaSalle University musical theatre; Jerome Medly, pianist and part of the original Sky Lighters
Was part of the Philadelphia Boys Choir for 4 years
Plus I've been doing this forever!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Private lessons which are for up to 3 students for acting and singing and up to 2 students for dance.
Pricing is by the 60 minute hour - I do my prep time before your lesson and notes after - you don't pay for that.
The more lessons someone purchases at one time the less they pay per hour.
The initial lesson is $65 which can be applied to any of the below packages. Ask me about my first lesson guarantee
1 lesson is currently $65
3 lessons - currently $180
5 lessons - currently $290
10 lessons - currently $525
20 lessons - currently $950
Larger packages are available upon request as are annual contracts.
NOTE: Prices are subject to change without notice.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching to help put myself through college. Then discovered I enjoyed it almost as much as performing.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all backgrounds and ages. Taught blind students to dance. I've worked with stroke victims, after their physician's approval to help them regain function. Worked with Alzheimers patients to help slow the progress of the disease and to help bring more joy into their lives. Taught high school students. Worked with commercial companies to increase the effectiveness of their communication. Taught professional football and basketball players - some who were getting married and some who felt it would help their on performance on the field. Taught politicians of every party and worked with some in the west wing. I've worked with litigation attorneys to help improve their effectiveness in communicating with jurors.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was hired to perform at a holiday party for a senior living facility in Virginia. The topic was Holiday Music in Story Song and Dance. I wrote the show myself and performed for about 35 residents, staff and guests telling the stories behind holiday classics and dancing with each individual who wanted to - even those in wheelchairs. This was the third year in a row that I did that show there and each time it was different and delightful.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Free lessons are generally worth what you pay for. Instead of a sales pitch like a used car lot find a teacher whose background and methods agree with you. Not every teacher is a good match for every student. Many, including myself, will offer a one lesson money back guarantee - meaning that if you don't feel the instructor was right for you the teacher will refund your payment - just don't then ask for a second lesson!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about what you want from this.
Why you are doing it.
Are there any special needs to be addressed.
Availability for future lessons.