DA: When did you first begin dance?
I started taking ballet classes at age three. After seeing how much I loved to perform my parents then signed me up for classes of all styles. By the age of seven I was a member of a dance troupe that attended regional and national competitions and shows and found myself passionate about the arts. As the years past on I then started training in New York City where I pursued my education in dance while teaching dance classes in New Jersey at local dance schools, as well as elementary, middle, and high schools.
DA: When did you first begin to teach?
I first began teaching at the age of 16 where I did mainly student teaching and choreography for cheer-leading teams. After a local competition I was then approached by a studio owner, choreographer, and judge who offered me a teaching position at her facility where I later found myself creating my own pieces for shows and competitions in jazz, lyrical, and funk, which is now known as hip hop.
DA: Which styles of dance are you trained in?
I am trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, modern, hip hop, and contemporary. I still attend workshops and classes to extend my education in dance for styles change every so often. Most recently I have been taking ballroom and Zumba and I am pursuing my certifications to teach these as well.
DA: What is your favorite aspect of teaching dance in the class room?
Year to year I love watching each and every dancer old a new develop greater strenghts with the confidence in themselves to push to be all they can be -not only as dancers, but in everyday life. Watching their improvement week to week lets me know they are focused, putting the effort in, and eager to learn.
DA: What do you hope your students take away from your class?
Three things -technique, confidence, and fun. Lets face it, not every student wants to be a professional dancer. However some do. Although technique and the discipline of dance are important, it is also important for each student to feel confident with themselves as well as enjoy the class and have fun. Hearing and watching a student leave with a smile feeling accomplished and telling their friend to come try a class lets me know not only is each student learning but then had fun doing it.
DA: What is your thought on competitions in the dance world?
Many people miss-understand the concept of a competition. Yes there are very competitive schools and programs out their as well as reality shows on T.V. But in all honesty competition is not all about who’s the best or who can kick the highest, it’s about diversity and drive as well as the choreography and music selections. At competition students are being judged on their performance overall, NOT who’s in their division. As a choreographer and former competition dancer I do not want my students to feel its all about winning. For me competition is about taking all your hard work doing what you love to do experiencing the thrill of being on stage as well as seeing all the other amazing talents out there, and listening to the critiques of the judges to better yourself as a dancer and person. The main purpose of competition is building confidence and experiencing a fun atmosphere while knowing there is always someone out there who is better, yet you have the confidence to be the best you can be. I guarantee you will be noticed more for you efforts then you would for concentrating on winning each time. None of my students are ever told to win, but to try their best, for that’s going to get you further in life!
