About
I've always had a drive to teach and share what I know with those that are interested at any skill level! Whether you just want to be more flexible or are aiming to hone your skills, I'm happy to help!
I've been dancing all my life, learning ballet, modern, and contemporary dance along with many other dance forms. I have a bachelor's degree in dance from the Univeristy of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and also used the fundamentals of ballet as part of my kinesiology master's thesis during university.
My approach to dance and movement keeps the health of your body in mind - with a background in kinesiology, I can cater lessons to your specific needs. Whether you're new to the craft and want to explore a new hobby, want to give private lessons for a child dreaming of pursuing dance professionally, or an expert looking to make your movement more efficient and meaningful, I'm excited to meet you and work with you on your goals!
Please feel free to reach out to me if you'd like to chat!
Highlights
Reviews
Johane L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
With any new student, I like to get a baseline of the reasons you've decided to reach out to me, what you'd like the outcomes of the lessons to be, and how I can best guide you! My goal is to help you get where you want to be - and if you're not sure what that is, help you figure that out too!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BFA in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I also hold a Masters in Kinesiology and have been dancing for as long as I can remember! I danced competitively in ballet and dance competitions, like the Youth America Grad Prix, when I was younger. Since then, I have focused more on collaborative works which have been performed in New York and New Zealand.
How did you get started teaching?
I first started teaching dance in highschool as a part-time instructor. I taught ballet, stretching, and strengthening classes to people ages 3 to adult. Since then, I've taught master classes, taught choreography, and continued to learn more about teaching both children and adults during my college education.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with many different kinds of students. If you're unsure if dance is right for you, I encourage you to give it a shot! If you are interested in dancing or adopting more movement into your life, I'm happy to help regardless of your background. If you have movement limitations, I'd love to hear from you as well! For more information about my background, I've worked with people with multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy in the past.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently taught a semester-long class at a university in dance to students with limited background in the art. This was so much fun for me and the students! They offered me excellent feedback about the course, letting me know that they not only felt stronger, but more confident. They were pleased to have been in my class and said it left a positive impact on them. This was a very heartwarming experience for me and has certainly fueled my desire to continue teaching!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
When it comes to movement, learning is very personal! Finding a teacher that you get along with and suits your needs is definitely a factor in determining what kind of progress you'll make and the takeaways from the interactions you'll have. Please keep in mind that all are welcome here! I'm open to any students that are interested in working with me, and if you change your mind after a lesson or two with me, I encourage you to find another instructor that fits more what you're looking for! I'd be delighted to be your instructor, but most of all, I want you to find the change you want in your life regardless of who your teacher is!