Before I Was an Instructor, I Was a Dancer.
I often think about the little girl who walked into her first ballet class at three years old, completely unaware of just how much of her life she was about to spend standing at a barre. What began with tiny ballet slippers and creative movement classes quickly became something much bigger. I fell in love with the music, the movement, the traditions, and the seemingly endless possibilities of ballet. There was something magical about an art form that could be so disciplined and so expressive all at once. I didn’t know where dance would take me, but I knew I wanted to keep dancing.
As I grew older, so did my ambitions. Years of classical training eventually led to a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a professional performance career, bringing with them remarkable teachers, extraordinary artists, unforgettable experiences, and more than a few hard-earned lessons. I discovered the incredible satisfaction of working toward something that once seemed impossible, but I also experienced environments where the joy of dancing could get lost somewhere between the expectations and the criticism. It’s a strange thing to love something so deeply and occasionally struggle to remember why.
Today, I bring all of those experiences into my work as an educator. The remarkable teachers who inspired me, the difficult experiences that challenged me, and the unexpected turns that changed my plans have all influenced the way I approach the classroom. I believe in the discipline of classical training, the importance of thoughtful instruction, and the extraordinary things dancers can accomplish when they’re challenged with purpose and given the tools to succeed. Above all, I hope my students find precision, artistry, and confidence through their exploration and education in classical dance.
