Cowboy Boardwalk
About
I am very enthusiastic and fun. I started teaching people after my first week in martial arts in junior high and I've loved sharing knowledge ever since.
For the first lesson, I like to meet up before the lesson to get an idea of goals and skills, then I customize the lesson to the student. This way we can work efficiently and maximize your time and money. You definitely will work, move, and have fun in a positive environment.
I love seeing people succeed. I love helping people to do things they never thought they could do before and showing students that dance isn't as hard as we think it is. I love figuring out new ways to make dance concepts relatable. Like teaching a waltz step by thinking of sweeping a broom.
Highlights
Payment methods
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
A chat to see where their skill level is, what their goals are, and how they expect me to help. Then we talk about the 'story' of the dance and what we do and do not want to do.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied martial arts for a good chunk of my life before I discovered dance in college. I trained for two years at Houston Ballet. After that, I studied acting/dance/performing with Broadway legends like Chet Walker, Anne Reinking, Ben Vereen, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Gregory Hines. Gregory Hines said if he could put money on anybody, he would put it on me. And my mentor, Eugene "Luigi" Louis Facciuto, danced with Fred Astaire and was mentored by Gene Kelly.
After 15 years of singing and dancing in NYC, I am finishing my undergrad in the CUNY School for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies pursuing a degree in the Business of Dance Production with the goal of developing dance shows for the Broadway stage.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My rates vary depending on what is needed. $75/hr for private lessons is average. I coach acting, give on-going acting classes, choreograph wedding dances, or make up a dance for a special occasion.
How did you get started teaching?
When I was training in martial arts, I taught little kids and was very good at it. When I was in college, I excelled at dance and was asked to sub in classes when the prof was out.
Since I've been in New York City, it seems that people want me to teach them and are exctied for me to share my knowledge and enthusiasm.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with beginners all the way up to legends like Liza Minelli and Valerie Harper. I work with Broadway professionals and people who dance for fun.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My company produced two staged readings of a new musical where I was the lead producer and we were picked up by a commercial producer to hopefully get it to Broadway.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
You should find someone who you connect with, who can give constructive notes with out making you feel stupid or being talked down to. Some one who makes learning fun, but also keeps you on task.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are my goals?
How dedicated am I?
How long do I want to do this?
What do I need?