Arts Directory

About

Artist Bio

Gail A. Glover has trained and taught dance nationally and internationally. During her six years of training at the Dance Theater of Harlem (NYC) Summer Program, her talent was recognized and she was encouraged to train more intensively. She trained daily at the Columbia City Ballet under the tutelage of Anne Brodie, Adolf-Fina Suarez, Naomi Calvert, and Anne Richardson. She performed in classical ballets including “Swan Lake”, “Giselle”, and “The Nutcracker”, dancing special roles in “Cinderella” and the summer youth company. From the age of nine (9) her DTH teachers included Arthur Mitchel, Karol Shook, Tanaquil LaClerq, Sheila Rohan, and Carol Sumner.

Ms. Glover pursued her dance degree at Point Park College (PA) and the Univ. of SC-Columbia. In NYC Gail also trained under the direct tutelage of Madame Gabriella Darvash. In NJ Gail taught at the Garden State Ballet School and throughout the tri-state area (NY, NJ, and CT). She taught internationally in Singapore, St. Thomas USVI, Jamaica, and Belize. In 1997 she took the opportunity to travel to Russia with the People-to-People delegation of dance educators and gained valuable teaching experience and knowledge. In 1998, upon the invitation from the Minister of Culture in Nassau, Bahamas, she was invited to create and direct the eight-week summer dance program that was presented to government officials, including the Bahamian Governor-General.

Gail founded, and directed, the Ly-Ben Dance Theatre in Irvington, N. J., and Columbia, S. C. for 25 years. Teaching over 20,000 students, which included her outreach program, “Movement for Tots”, where she was able to expose her students to professional teachers including Lisa Attles (DTH), Savion Glover, African drummer Baba Olutunji, and many more, recognizing the importance of exposing children of color to artists of color.

Gail has been an Artist in Residence since 2002 with the S. C. Arts Commission and travels all over the state of SC exposing students to the cultural, social, economic, and historical components of myriad dance techniques and genres. She continues to teach nationally and internationally.

Gail is a licensed minister of liturgical dance and is highly regarded in the dance ministry community, hosting workshops and conferences and teaching on the biblical and technical requirements of dance used in liturgy. In 2011 she founded the “Order My Steps” online liturgical and Ballet technique courses, which train and license dancers in liturgical dance.

Currently, Gail is the founder of the Ly-Ben Dance Alliance with the Dancing towards Diversity Initiative which desires to bring dance to the underserved through the Community Dance Project and L.L.E.A.P. – Living Legends Educating and Performing and the Ubuntu Dance Festival.

Ms. Glover is an author and has published five children’s books, four dance ministry books, and a poetry book. Gail is a motivational speaker, and life and business coach, trained in mediation, loves to read, write, and garden, is an avid lifelong learner, and loves to travel.

Artist Statement

Dance has always been more than just an art form to me; it is a profound expression of my core values—freedom, integrity, balance, and authenticity. These values guide not only my movements but also my journey through life, shaping who I am as both a teacher and a person. From a young age, I found freedom in dance, an unspoken language that allowed me to express my deepest emotions and thoughts without constraints. This sense of liberation extends beyond the studio, influencing how I navigate the world with an open heart and mind. Through dance, I embrace the freedom to explore, create, and connect, fostering a spirit of lifelong learning that continuously fuels my passion and growth. Integrity is the foundation of my artistic practice. I believe in being true to myself and my values, both in life and in my work. Every movement I perform is a reflection of my inner truth, an authentic expression of who I am.
Balance is essential in both dance and life. As a dancer, I strive to achieve harmony in my movements, balancing strength and grace, effort, and ease. In life, I seek equilibrium between my personal and professional aspirations, ensuring that each complements and enhances the other. This pursuit of balance enables me to approach challenges with a centered and grounded mindset, maintaining focus and clarity.

Authenticity is at the heart of my artistic approach. I believe in the power of being true to oneself and others.

My teaching aims to address themes of identity, self-expression, and the human experience, and explore the nuances and complexities that define us. Through dance, I aim to inspire others to embrace their unique selves and to find their own voice.

As a lifelong learner, I am constantly evolving, seeking knowledge and experiences that enrich my craft. I love sharing my gifts with others, whether through teaching, mentoring, or performing. Empowering others to be and do their best is a driving force in my life. I believe in the power of dance to uplift, inspire, and create positive change.

In my artistic work, I address themes such as self-discovery, empowerment, and social justice. Through choreography and performance, I highlight issues that resonate with me and my community, using dance as a platform for dialogue and reflection. By doing so, I hope to create a space where people can connect, empathize, and find inspiration to make a difference.

My journey in dance and life is guided by the core values of freedom, integrity, balance, and authenticity. As a lifelong learner, I am committed to sharing my gifts and empowering others to achieve their best. Through excellence with love, I strive to create art that is not only technically proficient but also deeply meaningful and impactful.

Teaching Artistry Details

Teaching Artist Statement

For over 53 years, I have dedicated my life to using dance education as a tool to empower individuals and create a more inclusive, equitable, and joyous world. My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in fostering an environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just principles but lived experiences. I believe dance is a universal language that unites people, builds character and instills a profound sense of discipline, creativity, and community.

At the heart of my teaching is the principle of *Ubuntu*, which emphasizes that “I am because we are.” This interconnectedness guides my approach, encouraging students, young and old, to see themselves as integral parts of a greater whole. My programs offer classical ballet, African dance, jazz/hip hop, tap, and creative movement, ensuring students experience both technical excellence and cultural awareness.

Through the Ly-Ben Dance Alliance, (a nonprofit I founded in 1989), and the South Carolina Arts Commission, I have been privileged to teach over 50,000 students, many of whom have become successful professionals and leaders in their fields. They often attribute their success to the encouragement, discipline, and foundational principles they developed under my guidance. My teaching focuses on developing dance techniques and nurturing self-esteem, self-confidence, critical thinking, and a global mindset.

I believe dance education is a powerful tool for cultivating resilience, teamwork, and joy. Whether through inclusive events like the Ubuntu Dance Festival or daily interactions with students, I strive to inspire individuals to reach beyond their perceived limitations and embrace their unique potential.

As I prepare to expand the programs at the Ly-Ben Summer Arts and Academics Camp and grow programs like Living Legends Educating and Performing (L.L.E.A.P.), the Community Dance Program, the Community Dance Concert, and the SC Jewel Awards, my goal remains the same: to inspire students through dance, instill lifelong skills, and contribute to a world where every individual can achieve their full potential.

Description of Offerings

I offer dynamic teaching artistry programs exploring African Dance, the Harlem Renaissance, Motown, and other dance genres, blending movement with a deep dive into the cultural, economic, and social impact of dance in each era. Through engaging residencies, I illuminate how dance shaped and reflected the times, fostering understanding, creativity, and appreciation for its power in history and culture. I teach throughout the State of South Carolina in rural and urban school settings, primarily elementary through high school, including higher education and private organizations. All classes can be delivered virtually, offering the same engaging and educational experience in an online format. With over a decade of experience teaching virtually since 2011, I continue to provide dynamic online classes for children and adults, fostering creativity, movement, and cultural appreciation through accessible platforms. Technical and educational classes are offered successfully virtually.

Experienced with the following age groups

• Preschool (3-5 years)
• Kindergarten-2nd Grade
• 3rd-5th Grade
• 6th-8th Grade
• 9th-12th Grade
• Higher Education
• Adults
• Creative Aging (Adults 60+)
• Early Learners (0-2 years)

Materials Provided to Schools or Organizations by Teaching Artist

As part of my residency, I provide comprehensive materials, including detailed lesson plans, post-visit materials, and engaging activities like word searches and crosswords. I incorporate cultural items such as traditional instruments, textiles, and artifacts to deepen the learning experience. Time permitting, I also include videos to showcase historical and contemporary dance styles, further highlighting the social, cultural, and economic impact of dance for a well-rounded and immersive educational journey.

Physical and Technical Requirements of a School or Organization

For my residencies, schools or organizations must provide a clear, clean space suitable for movement and dance activities. While optional, access to a Smart Board or Promethean Board is preferred for enhancing visual and interactive elements. If the residency includes the musical component of African dance, additional drums or percussion instruments should be available to fully engage the cultural experience. All other residencies would require access to a Bluetooth speaker. Additionally, an assistant must remain in the class to support the session and ensure a smooth and productive experience for all participants.