Why Study with Me?
1. I'm a Fun Teacher
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Although I'm teaching a difficult art form, I make it fun for all ages and levels. The youngest dancers use props such as scarves, bean bags and hula hoops after they've learned basic steps and stretches. We also use a lot of imagination while we dance.
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The Beginner levels will get to play dance games or free dance in every class.
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Intermediate/Advanced levels will learn new choreography and sometimes get to use class time to choreograph something by themselves or with a group.
I realize I'm not training everyone to become a professional dancer. Some students will go on to become teachers themselves, others will become choreographers, some will never dance again. But all students will take away great knowledge with them into whatever career they pursue.
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2. My classes are affordable
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I realize dance classes are expensive. My private lessons are only $60 per hour and group lessons are $10 per hour. I do not charge extra fees. $0 for registration and no recital costumes or recital fees. My classes don't require a huge commitment either. You may drop in to try them at any time. Just let me know you are coming beforehand so I know to expect you.
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3. I teach my students that the brain is the most important body part involved in dance. All body types are accepted in my classes.
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Dancers will be taught to believe in themselves. You cannot achieve any goal without first believing it can be done. Most of us are capable of accomplishing more than we give ourselves credit for.
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4. I've received great training
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I studied on a full scholarship at The Joffrey Ballet School in New York after training at The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and Joni Messler Studio of Dance. I danced professionally for the Georgia Ballet for 7 years and I have been teaching for over 20 years. I still take classes and learn from master teachers. I've learned from great teachers such as Marie-Jeanne, Alberto Alonso, Patricia Wilde, Francesca Corkle, John Magnus, Gina and Janusz Mazon and Alexandre Proia.
As a mom of two, I've practiced years of patience and enjoy guiding my children to greatness. You can trust me to nurture the creative side in you or your child. Sign up for a class today!
Today's Dancer
Today's Dancer is smarter, more talented and working more. Dancers of yesterday did not have YouTube or so many other sources of inspiration. The arts in Atlanta have grown tremendously in the last 10 years. Our field is booming, yet, it's still hard to get paid decent money as a dancer. Why is that?
What can you do to help?
Etiquette for Teachers
I've recently heard some things that other dance teachers have been doing which I'm sure most parents and studio owners would disapprove of. As an educator, I feel I have the power to help shape this industry for the better, so I give you my 6 rules for teachers:
1. Show Up On Time
By on time, I mean at least 10 minutes early. Greet your co-workers, parents and students with a smile. Make them feel welcome and prepare yourself for your workday.
2. No Texting While Teaching
Unless the babysitter needs you or you have an emergency, your phone should not be a distraction to you during class time. Turn it on silent and only check it during breaks.
3. Don't Injure Your Students
Hopefully there aren't any teachers purposely hurting their students, but at least 3 of my colleagues have been at fault for causing injury to students this past year. Yes, we want to encourage our dancers to push themselves to acheive personal bests, but we must also understand the limitations of growing bodies. Study anatomy and teach ways to reduce injury and remind students to inform you if they are recovering from an ailment.
4. Plan Ahead Of Time
Your customers have paid lots of money to receive training from you and they aren't happy when 15 or more minutes are spent searching for the right music. Make sure you have a lesson plan each day and if you can't find the right music at the right moment, sometimes it may be better to count or sing.
5. End Class On Time
The next class is waiting to begin and is just as important as your current class. If you must run over by a few minutes occasionally, it is certainly understandable, but don't make it a habit. Remember that even if it is the last class of the night, your students have lives outside of the studio.
6. Watch What You Say
Many times we are unaware of how much our words or actions affect the emotions of our students. Something you say could unintentionally hurt a child (or adult) for the rest of his or her life. Keep a positive attitude and inspire your students to acheive their goals by encouraging all of them, not just your favorite ones.
Stage vs. Street
For every job you do, training is required. Whether you are a stage dancer or street dancer, you must work hard at perfecting your craft. I admire dancers who are self-trained, however, you must realize that being a dancer is like being a model. You are a body for the choreographer to create on, just like a model is a body for a clothing designer to create on. If you think you can remain successful in the dance world doing your own style and never learning someone else's, you have a short career ahead. We all learn from one another and must stay humble, listen and take class. Knowledge is power, never stop learning.