Teaching Philosophy
As a dance educator, I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where every person is respected and valued. To cultivate a positive learning environment, I prioritize active listening and open communication with my students. I value their input and perspectives, and I encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas with me and with each other. I believe that dance is for everyone, and that every student comes into the classroom with unique experiences, perspectives, and talents, which can enrich the learning experience for everyone. It is my responsibility to create an environment where each student feels seen, heard, and supported, and where their individual identities and backgrounds are celebrated. I make it a point to learn and use each student’s preferred name and pronouns, and I encourage them to share any additional information about their identities and backgrounds that they feel comfortable sharing.
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I recognize that every person has their own journey, and I am committed to providing opportunities for growth and learning that are tailored to each student's needs and aspirations. I seek out new resources and materials that can help me better understand and appreciate the different types of learners I have in my classroom. I also introduce my students to guest teachers and inform them of opportunities in the area and beyond that could enhance their dance knowledge. My goal is to foster a community of learners who are empowered to express themselves through movement, and who leave my classroom with a greater appreciation for the diversity of human experience.
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I prioritize providing proper technical training in a healthy and loving environment. I believe that a strong technical foundation is essential for dancers to reach their full potential, but I also recognize the importance of creating a positive and supportive atmosphere. I believe in treating students as human beings first and dancers second. Learning how students receive feedback is very important to me so that I can provide corrections in a way that will help students grow instead of diminish. I aim to foster a love of dance in my students, while also helping them develop the skills they need to succeed in any dance-related pursuit. I help them make short term and long term goals with doable action items to help them achieve those goals. I also encourage journaling and reflection after class so that they can continue growing and learning as a person and as a dancer.
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In my teaching, I use real-life experiences to help students connect with the material and learn more deeply.
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Ultimately, my goal as a dance teacher is to empower my students to pursue their dreams and achieve their personal goals. I plan times to meet with my students to talk about their goals, big and small, and how I can assist them and support them. Through assessments in class, and open communication, we can work together to see what actionable steps can be taken to accomplish what they would like to accomplish. Whether they aspire to become professional dancers or simply want to have a safe and supportive space to move, I am committed to supporting them every step of the way.
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