ABOUT THIS TEACHER

WHY “SHINE ON”?

Throughout my entire dance career, I had always been told that I was great dancer, but what made me great, and what made people want to watch me had nothing to do with technique. I was scolded by every teacher because of my “bad feet” and “bad turn out”, and so on, but despite all that, I found a way to succeed in dance. I had such a deep love for and connection to this form of art and expression, that when I danced, I felt like I was actually shining. My ability to tap into that main line of pure, unadulterated joy was what allowed me to connect to the audience, to my teachers, and to my fellow dancers. It didn’t matter that I couldn’t hyper-extend my legs, or perfectly point my foot every time. There was a big ol’ ray of light beaming right out of my chest, and it was so real that I could feel it.

WHY OPEN A DANCE STUDIO?

I want to take my experience as a student and lover of dance and movement, and pass along the lessons that I have learned, and the idea that being “perfect” is not what matters most in this life, and certainly not in dance. I want to create a place where people can come and feel challenged and excited about learning new things, work hard, and show focus and discipline, but at the same time, feel supported, safe, encouraged, and motivated by goals other than constant perfection.