DA: When did you first begin to dance?
I started ribbon dancing in someones basement when I was 3 years old. I was perfectly happy until Kindergarten when my best friend wore her recital costume to school. Ribbon dancing was no longer good enough, I needed a sparkly costume too! My mom quickly took me to the studio and signed me up for a jazz class. I wanted to dance to fast music! From that point on I was hooked. Over time, I added in as many classes as my parents would allow-tap, ballet technique, hip-hop,and lyrical. I also competed on my studio’s competition team.
DA: When did you first begin teach?
I think I was always a dance teacher. I was always organizing my younger brother and cousins into performing at family events. Saving all of my recital costumes came in handy :) When I was 14 I worked as a counselor in training at a summer camp at the dance activity. Here I choreographed dances for young campers, as well as dances for counselors to perform at camp events. Once I got to dance in the ring for jello wrestling! I then joined my high school cheerleading team (there was no dance team) where I choreographed all the half-time routines.
DA: What styles of dance are you trained in?
I’m trained in jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical and ballet technique.
DA: What is your favorite aspect of teaching dance in the classroom?
I love seeing my students overcome challenges, dance related or not, and accomplish their goals. It’s great seeing them perform at the end of the year recital showcasing everything they have learned.
DA: What do you hope your students take away from your class?
The most important thing to me is that they have fun! I want dance to be something that they enjoy doing and share their passion for it with others. I’d also like them to take away a nice posture and overall poise. There is something to be said about a kid who takes dance classes. I hope my students walk and stand proudly wherever they are and can show that they are confident in their skills and abilities as an individual.
