My teaching philosophy starts with the idea that the classroom is a microcosm of the community both a part and representation of it. I want to highlight that connection whenever possible. Students come into the classroom with unique perspectives, individual skills, and passionate goals. I agree with bell hooks, that teachers should use engaged pedagogy to focus on the students and build the curriculum from them. I see that students learn best when their experiences are valued, and their desires used to drive the direction of a course. Doing this requires knowing the students, asking them about their ideas, thoughts, and concerns. Dance is an aspect of student’s broader learning path that was started before I met them and will continue through their entire life. I am here to foster this specific aspect in the way they desire.
It is my job to be a facilitator of student learning not the sole source. This means avoiding exclusive use of command style, instead incorporating peer-to-peer teaching, self-reflection, and giving plenty of instances for the student to make choices and assert their autonomy. This is partnered with a strong classroom culture that incorporates positive peer pressure, sensitively gives concise group feedback, and employs the use of drafts to foster a growth mindset. I maintain the traditional format of technique classes while incorporating Project Based Learning concepts and The Critical Response Process Pioneered by Liz Lerman to achieve these goals.
My classroom should be a safe environment. I aim to pass on the value of nutrition, cross training, and mental health so the whole dancer will thrive. Students should always have easy access to guidance on these matters. In technical dance classes special attention will be given to ensure each student is engaged in safe physical practice that follows the most recent anatomical and kinesthetically sound principles for efficient movement. Modeling healthy behavior is essential when teaching students and I aim to show best practices in my actions.
My goal is to present challenges, both physical and mental, that stimulate growth but do not cause burn-out. I agree with Csikszentmihalyi that intrinsic motivation is key to pursuing difficult tasks and I attempt to offer difficult but doable endeavors so students can find their own moments of flow.
I want my students to pursue excellence and find joy in the process. I want them to be able to communicate with confidence and superior artistic expression. I want my students to see themselves as builders of society, not just members of it, and a force for change. I want my students to leave my classroom knowing I care about them and their education. More importantly, I want them to value themselves and their own unique strengths.
Scholarly Interests and Research Subjects PDF
Manifesto
Dance is an intangible source of joy, ambition, and enlightenment in my life. Teaching, choreographing, and performing are exhilarating. However, I am not satisfied with perpetuating the status quo. As such I have created goals that articulate specific actions I will take to make the world of dance better for those around me.
While teaching I will…
Present inspirational opportunities that others can seize.
Extend access to ballet, modern, and contemporary dance to an advanced technical level without toxic standards of perfection.
Foster students’ unique voices in all styles.
Encourage and positively reinforce to build up the developing dancer.
Give feedback with positive phrasing so students know what to do rather than avoid.
Make dance approachable for any student.
While choreographing I will…
Emphasise the importance of empathy to improve our connections to each other.
Offer both familiar and fresh movement.
Choose dancers with diverse bodies and experiences.
Make projects that that represent my authentic voice and that of the performers .
Include my interests of sewing and designing costumes.
Utilize technology to expand my artistic expression.
While performing I will…
Participate in work that I connect to on both an artistic and aesthetic level.
Connect to my fellow dancers, be part of the group.
Present myself in a professional but approachable manner.
Diversify the styles I am experienced in.
Try all manner of dance from every corner of the globe and community.
Expand my body’s physical capacity by improvising and experimenting regularly.
While dancing I will…
Build relationships with artists whose skills are different from my own.
Find the good in every work I see.
Tear down repressive systems.
Build up the disadvantaged.
While dancing I will… Jump Roll Bare all
While dancing I will… Live