MY DANCE CAREER
This is the kind of career that is hard to define in words. My list of classes, ages, and genres of dance that I have taught can't really begin to explain the depth to which I believe in my abilities as a dance instructor. My philosophy of teaching is one that emphasizes a challenging environment with an overarching sense of ease, comfort, and trust between my students and I. I adapt and mold my own self very well to the many personalities I have encountered as a dance instructor and always take on new challenges with care, consideration, and great enthusiasm.
Dance Training
- Center Stage Dance Studio (closed in 1987): 1986 - 1987
- Dance Center of Malden: 1988 – 1990
- Sandra's School of Dance: 1990 – 1994
- Cheryl Lomas School of Dance: 1992 – 1997
- Melrose Youth Ballet, 6 seasons: 1996 – 2002
- Center Stage Dance Studio (re-opened in 1997): 1997 - 2005
- Adult Tap Class with Jamie Larowitz-Sherman: 2004/2005
- Bi-Annual Teacher's Conventions: Dance Teacher's Club of Boston
- Open adult classes: Green Street Studios, Dance Complex: Cambridge, MA
Theatre Experience
Temple Beth Avodah: Carousel, 2006 – Choreographer
- Worked with a cast of 30 people, children - adults.
- Cast was primarily non-dancers. After studying original choreography, I worked to set simple steps for this production that held the integrity of original styles.
- Worked closely with Director on staging/costuming/production notes.
Teaching Experience (Active)
Center Stage Dance Studio, Melrose MA
2005 - 2006 Season (Current)
- Youth Ensemble, ages 10 - 12: Ballet, Tap, Jazz.
- Senior Ensemble: Advanced Tap.
- Intermediate Tap, 2+ years experience, Ages 10 - 12.
- Intermediate Ballet, 2+ years experience, Ages 8 - 10.
2000 - Present
- Beginner Teen Tap, Ages 14+.
- Hip-Hop, Ages 10-12.
- Intermediate Ballet, Ages 11-14.
- Intro to Jazz, Ages 7 - 9.
- Beginner Ballet & Tap, Ages 6-8.
- Kindercombo(Ballet and Tap).
- Creative Dance, Ages 3 & 4.
- Advaned Jazz & Ballet Center Stage Dance Ensemble.
The Dance Inn, Lexington MA
- Beginner & Intermediate Jazz Ages 12 - 14: 2005/2006
- Intermediate/Advanced Jazz (4 - 6 yr exp) Ages 14 - 17: 2005/2006
- Beginner Jazz Technique (0-1 yr exp) Ages 11-13: 2004/2005
- Intermediate Jazz Technique (2-3 yrs exp) Ages 14+: 2004/2005
- Beginner/Intermediate Tap, Ages 11 - 15: 2004/2005
Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, Newton MA
At the JCC I teach 4 classes per week, working with young children and introducing them to the technique of ballet. Though the approach is creatively based, children as young as 3 years old acquire knowledge, terminology and concepts to get them off to a great start!
- Baby Ballerinas: Age 3 & 4
- Prima Ballerinas: Age 4.5 - 5.5
Jump For Joy, Creative Movement
As the lead teacher for the Jump For Joy program, I have taken my skills as a dance instructor and applied them to a creative outlet in preschool classrooms around the Boston area.
- Created my own curriculum to implement in classrooms.
- Apply age appropriate motor skill development in to lesson plans.
- Use imaginative metaphors for movement-based learning.
- Teaching movement concepts: opposites, up, down, fast, slow, straight, bent, etc.
- Theatrical approach to movement: showing emotions without using the voice, facial expressions, body language.
- Obstacle courses: jumping, sliding, rolling, slithering, hopping, etc.
- Creating an energetic & fun atmosphere for kids to express themselves through movement.
Summer Dance Camp (at CSDS)
As the Director of the Summer Dance Camp program, I have designed a curriculum through which students receive intensive dance training, as well as a creative introduction to other art forms. Listed below are some of the alternative classes we offer each summer in addition to Ballet, Tap, and Jazz technique.
- Hip-Hop, Cardio-Funk, Lyrical
- English Folk Dance
- Afro-American Folk Songs
- Dance as a Culture
- History of Jazz, Tap, and Ballet
- Musical Theatre: Interpretitive choreography, vocal usage, symbolism
- Making your Own Dance Magazine
Qualifications
Dance Teacher's Club of Boston/American SocietyDance Education Training Course
- A 3-season training course in which students are introduced to professional teachers and choreographers.
- Goal-oriented training: teaching methods, terminology, music theory, teaching tools.
- Passed a written & performance exam in 4 disciplines of dance.
- Studied with: Diane Gudat (Tap), Tom Ralabate (Jazz), E. Laura Haussman (Ballet & Modern).
- Completed the course of study: August 2000.
Membership of DTCB/AS
Obtaining membership of such a great organization has brought me the opportunity to meet new teachers, and work twice a year with some of the best known teachers of the United States. DTCB holds a long history in the North East, and continues to live up to its standards by holding members to an agreement of active participation in meetings, which include business matters and lots of dancing.
- At age 19, applied and tested for membership of DTCB/AS.
- Written and verbal knowledge tests required for each discipline.
- "Teach-in" required for all disciplies: Technique and Execution.
- Passed the tests in all disciplies: Ballet, Tap, Jazz.
- Actively participate in bi-annual teacher's workshops and conventions.
- Network with a roster of 500+ teachers throughout the Northeast.
