The Philosophy

Teaching

I teach youth and adults to spread joy and help them reclaim their bodies. I value providing the class with an inclusive and accepting environment–the dancers should not only feel comfortable as dancers but as people in the classroom. I intend to accomplish this by using kind, constructive language instead of negative and restrictive language like “don’t do ___’’, "fix that", etc. Instead of solely calling students out on what they are doing wrong, I intend to honor what they are doing right and to bring their awareness to ways to improve their technique via constructive feedback. In addition, the differing values and backgrounds of students need to be considered.  This may involve acknowledging global or national events even if it’s just in a ritual at the end or beginning of a class.  I believe community in a dance classroom should be emphasized. The class should foster a positive environment for the collaboration and appreciation of other dancers.  A teacher must value the students as a group, but also as individuals.