About
Having been a professional ballet dancer for 10 years and a dance educator for over 15 years. My experience and training offer a unique perspective for private clients. Although ballet is a huge focus of my career, I have performed multiple styles at all 3 companies I have been a part of. I grew up training in Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, and Tap. I have danced professionally with Nevada Ballet Theater, Teatrul Balet du Sibiu; Romania, and Portland Ballet of Maine. My education includes a BFA in dance from Point Park University. I am a graduate of Portland Ballet School's pre-professional program and have attended summer intensives at American Ballet Theatre, Festival Ballet of Providence, Point Park University, and Boston Conservatory. I am an ABT® Certified teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. I am also a certified Pilates Academy International instructor and have previously coached high school and college Field Hockey. My areas of expertise include Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, dance for gymnasts, wedding dances, and choreography.
What brings me the most joy in working with private students/clients wether it is on choreography or lessons is to see them grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. It is my goal to create well rounded, kind, intelligent dancers who can work in an efficient, intelligent, safe and professional manner.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Depending on what the client is looking for I use the first lesson to assess the clients abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Then work from there to lead them to the goals they are hoping to reach.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Professional Dancer at Nevada Ballet Theater 2016-present. Professional Dancer at Portland Ballet Company of Maine 2009-2013 & 2014-2015. Professional Dancer at Teatrul Balet de Sibiu, Romania 2013-2014. ABT® Certified teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Certified mat Pilates Academy International Instructor. BFA, magna cum laude, Point Park University; Ballet concentration 2009. Festival Ballet of Providence Summer Program 2009. American Ballet Theatre's Collegiate Summer Program 2008 and 2009. Point Park University 2006-2009 and International Summer Dance 2005. Portland Ballet's C.O.R.P.S. program 2005-2006, Syllabus 6 2005-2006, and Summer 2005-2009. Boston Conservatory's Summer Dance 2004.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Private Lessons no choreography included $70 per hour. Choreography is an additional cost of $100 per piece (includes music editing and costume advice.) Advisory Meetings are $40 per hour (This includes pointe shoe fittings, discussions on where and how to continue dance education, resume writing, and audition pictures. Videos for auditions will have the same price as private lessons and have an additional editing price if I am the one doing the recording).
How did you get started teaching?
For over 15 years I have been teaching dance to students from 3years to adult. Students and parents have started to come to me to request private lessons to help further their students education and or to set choreography. I have worked at several studios with a variety of clientele including recreational, competition, fitness, pre-professional, and professional. I have served as curriculum and program leader for both modern, ballet, and children's divisions at different institutions. I have been assistant principal of a professional ballet school. Rehearsal assistant to choreographers on professional companies. I have choreographed on students and professionals of all ages and abilities in multiple styles. I have advised students on college applications and summer intensive decisions.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all ages and abilities. From professional dancers looking for help improving their conditioning regiment to adults who have not danced before and students from age 3-18 at all stages in their dance education.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Experience and Education are equally important. There are dance teachers and there are dance educators who believe that good dance training is all about proper progression of students physically, mentally, and emotionally.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How would they go about getting you to your goals. What similar projects have they worked on recently.