Arts Directory

About

Artist Bio

A life long dancer raised in a family of musicians and dancers/dance teachers, I have continued training and performing in both mastered and new genres. Dancing at UofSC with Susan Anderson and at Northwestern U and UNLV as well as at private studios in New York City, notably Luigi and American Dance Machine. I performed with USC Dance Co and Columbian Dance Theatre as well as with the Palmetto State Cloggers at the Grande Ole Opry and Worlds Fair. My dance troupe Walhalla Bavarian Dancers is in its 32nd year of performing statewide at Oktoberfests and International Festivals, and I am still performing.

After having taught at many studios, USC Continuing Ed and Clemson U Performing Arts Dept. I also directed my own studio for 12 years, my students winning competitions at the national level. As an author, I have published “Dance Integration 101 – Natural Connections for Easy Integration”, “Designing Dancers”, “If You Can Walk, You Can Dance- a Gentleman’s Fake Book for Social Dancing”, “Carolina Shag- the Spirit of Southern Social Dance” and in June 2024 “Stompin’ Through Time – Appalachian Clogging and Square Dancing in Oconee County, SC”.

I am currently promoting residencies in K-12 in both skill-based and creative-based dance, and mentoring classroom teachers and dance teachers in the possibilities in implementing Dance! I create custom choreography and teach a variety of dance genres. I am a state certified dance educator, holding DEA certification in teaching Beginning, intermediate, and advanced level of multiple genres of dance. I have a Masters from College of Charleston, MTLA, Masters of Teaching, Learning, and Advocacy.

Artist Statement

Coming from a Dance and Music family, I have always been aware of he connections between dance genres and music. I have always studied as many dance forms as I could, and believe that exposure to multiple genres and disciplines is best way for students to grow and explore. In skill-based dance, technical instruction and practice is all-important, while in creative-based dance, imagination rather than skill leads. Beginners need structure and after that, all students need to spread their wings. Performance should be a joy, what small child has not said “Watch me!” Every 2 year old, regardless of background, dances when they hear music… proof that dance is born in everyone, and EVERYONE CAN DANCE!

Teaching Artistry Details

Teaching Artist Statement

As a lifelong dancer from a dance family, I began teaching at age 15 and was professionally hired at age 17. Teaching comes naturally to me, as does my love of dance. Multi-age and technically diverse studio teaching prepared me to design residences in which all students can participate and soar and encourage effort in all. Teaching all ages my entire life gives me the ability to gauge skill levels and effort and make adjustments when needed. During skill-based lessons, Reflection, Correction, and Redirection is the norm. During creative-based lessons, focus, reflection, and constant revision is the norm. Success is obvious at the end of a series of lessons by observing the attitude and output of the students who have participated. I love exposing students and teachers alike to the unique offerings and skills in Dance and enabling teachers to integrate movement in their classrooms. My varied study and learning/performing/teaching experience in Dance means I can offer a connection to any discipline as well as connect to presentations and performances. I still perform myself and am active in many Dance communities.

Description of Offerings

Pre-K, K-12, and adult levels offered.

• Dance Art in all dance genres and social, folk, cultural and historical dances, such as but not limited to: Spanish and Latin, German/Austrian, Philippine/Asian/Hawaiian, Greek, Irish, West African, Appalachian Clogging and Square Dancing, Jazz age and 20th century dances, Reels, SC dances: the Charleston, the Big Apple, and the Carolina Shag, and more) as well as all the performing arts dance genres (Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Acrobatics and Ballroom)
• Dance Integration combining dance and creative movement with all (academic classroom, PE, Visual Art, Theatre and Music) subject areas and STEAM lessons.
• Creative Movement for arts sake as well as arts integration connecting to any subject.
• Custom Choreography as well as pre-set choreography.

I love instilling a joy of dance in students, and breaking down walls when it comes to beginners’ dance participation and performance. I also love working with intermediate and advanced students as they explore new genres and skills.

My residency topics are varied and usually include custom aspects for your program or initiative (STEM, Special Needs, YAR, etc.). Residencies can include various types of presentations or be simply learning-based. All residencies include support materials.

I work statewide.

I also provide Professional Development seminars in Dance/Movement Integration and Media Arts for schools/districts/teacher groups. custom designed for either beginning dance arts integration or growing their arts integration programs. Full day, Half day, and after school seminars available. I also offer virtual programs or residencies. Virtual residencies are always customized for the situation, and a participating teacher must be present to facilitate my directions and the participation of the students. With a BA in Media Arts, I am able to transmit lectures/PD or dance lessons via Google Classroom of Zoom. All virtual offerings are custom designed for the situation. I have worked with students and adults with disabilities. Residencies can be designed especially for disabled students or adults, or in some cases special needs students can be mainstreamed into a planned residency. I have lifelong experience teaching persons with disabilities in summer camps, dance studios, and in specialized residencies. Examples: sight-challenged, audially challenged, physically handicapped and others.

Experienced with the following age groups

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

Materials Provided to Schools or Organizations by Teaching Artist

• I provide many self-written documents for all my residencies. Documents are written to be read by teachers and students. Procedures, histories, glossaries, and information pertaining to the lessons and the dance genre are given. These are sent digitally, along with any pertinent links that will be used.

Physical and Technical Requirements of a School or Organization

• I require an open space and electrical hookup. It is always helpful if teachers follow or participate in the lesson. Teachers should prepare students with docs I send prior and let me know any concerns.