About
I am a professional dancer and dance/fitness instructor with a background primarily in ballet, contemporary dance, yoga, conditioning and barre fitness. I have been working privately with students and group classes for 10+ years. I customize private lessons to suit the needs of each individual client to make a workout that you enjoy!
I love seeing my students progress and feel better in their bodies. Dance and fitness is for everybody, and I enjoy sharing my passion with others on their journies to a happier and healthier life.
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Vicki D.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I usually start with an email or phone conversation gathering basic information about what the client's needs are to see if we are a good match. After a time/date is set up, I would start the first session sitting down chatting a little about what the student hopes to gain from their session and then get to work! I primarily work out of peoples' homes, so the student would have to have a small cleared out area to work in and let me know if they have any sort of props (depending on the type of session we decide to do).
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
- BS in dance performance from Illinois State University
- studied dance in programs such as: Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, Joffrey Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Twyla Tharp, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane, Ballet Chicago
- certified barre instructor
- CPR/AED certified
- training in yoga and basic conditioning methods
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
1 Hour Sessions:
- $150/hr
- package for 3 sessions $400
- package for 10 sessions $1200
30 min Sessions:
- $80/hour
- package for 3 sessions $230
- package for 10 sessions $750
How did you get started teaching?
As a teenager, I started teaching as an assistant dance teacher in my youth ballet school and company. I would often sub classes and eventually started teaching my own classes.
In college, our program included dance pedagogy courses that trained us to teach a wide variety of students of all ages.
As a professional, I have worked at a wide variety of dance schools and conventions, yoga studios, fitness studios, corporate classes, and private clients.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students ages as young as 2 years old and as old as 80! I have also worked with all levels from very beginner (at all ages) to advanced levels of dance and fitness.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently taught at a dance conference in Memphis, TN and after one of my ballet classes a little girl told me that she loved ballet so much and I was one of her idols. I was speechless and so touched! I love being able to share my passions :)
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I always advise students to try out whatever they are interested in! If my background intrigues you, we might be a good match. I really enjoy helping people try different styles of movement to see if there is something in particular that makes them excited to move.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
- What are your goals? For your body? For gaining a new skill set?
- What body issues have you dealt with in the past? Injuries? Illness? Weight concerns?
- Do you have a space appropriate in your home to accomodate a dance or fitness lesson? If not, would you be interested in renting space to accomodate our lessons?
- How often are you able and wishing to accomodate exercise into your weekly routine?