I See a Future for Everyone With Out a Crystal Ball

I couldn't be a teacher if I didn't have hope for each student's future. I believe with diligence, curiosity, and time, every one I teach will have a solid future...maybe in the dance industry, maybe not. I believe each individual should have their choice of professions and not be limited to what others dream for them. Every profession requires what dance training brings out: discipline, diligence, attention to detail. All jobs will be more enjoyable with the emotional resiliency, creativity, and manners that are mastered with long-term dance training. Life will be healthier with the good posture, active life-style, and rigor that a dance education instills.

It is my happy task to be sure that each student will have the nature and skills to be employable in the dance industry should they reach for it. Whether a dance photographer, journalist, therapist, designer, manager, teacher or performer, introducing my students to these vocations in the dance world expands their dreams. Why take such a serious approach? Because dance is no less important than math, science, or language. Few students become mathematicians, scientists or language scholars, yet, society highly regards their pursuit for the intrinsic value in life. Regrettably most experiences in the arts are relegated to 'enriching' rather than fundamental. It's purpose has been lost and a child that is superficially educated in any area has less of a chance to fulfill his / her potential.

I am never discouraged if a student aims for a profession unrelated to their study of dance, nor do I teach them any differently than the one shooting for a career in dance. Similarly, I do not get overly excited when a student announces their dream to work in the dance industry. 1) students change their goals all the time. 2) dance training is really training for any profession. I remain undaunted in my pursuit to give students a full and well-rounded education in dance. I am happy that a student has an aspiration that motivates them. Studying dance fits into any future plan.

Teaching How to Dance is Different From Teaching How to Be a Dancer

Teaching how to dance is similar to teaching how to speak a foreign language. There is vocabulary, punctuation, and intonation to master. There is style, expression, and meaning to convey. There is form and order; but teaching how to be a dancer involves immersing students in the culture of artistic demeanor as well, including: independent discipline, balanced with trusting camaraderie, and creative collaboration. The ability to dance and being a dancer are vastly different.