TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Throughout my professional life, I have pursued two passions: creating art and teaching. At any moment you’ll find me behind the camera as photographer, in front of the computer designing or retouching, or even crafting something with my hands. Along my artistic path, my immense passion for teaching grew. From painting instructor to dance teacher and children’s art history educator, I strive to create an environment where my students can explore their unique abilities and develop their personal styles. And I do everything I can to support them in their own artistic journeys since I’m passionate about sharing the “creative bug” with others.
ART
I received a BFA from California Polytechnic State University, where I took classes in ceramics, glass-blowing, painting, drawing, and graphic design. Since 2010, I have been working at various institutions based in both TAB and project-based learning. My passion is guiding clients through art-making in a manner that also provides the opportunity for them to make their own creative decisions.
DANCE
While at CPSU, I minored in dance and also performed and choreographed for the student-run spring dance show. Since 2005, I’ve been teaching dance in all styles. Tap, modern, and urban dance (hip-hop) are the forms I’m most passionate about, and I’ve developed a strong curriculum in these styles aimed at introducing students to the sub-genres and history as well as the foundations of each. I have worked with differing levels of dancers from ages 3 to adult, and from beginners to competition dancers and also have experience working in mixed-level groups.
Below you can view just a few examples of dances I’ve choreographed.
My Accountability Statement
Certified with Dance Education Equity Association
As a student and dance educator, I will do all in my power to uphold anti-racists, anti-othering and anti-abuse practices while fostering a community of care and compassion for people of all races, abilities, gender identities, gender expressions, LGBTQIA2+ identities and economic levels in order to meet individuals where they are.
-In my classroom, we will appreciate and not appropriate dances, acknowledging that we did not create this movement and recognizing those who did. I know that dance history is rich in culture and derives from diasporas from around the world. I will continue to self educate in the history of dance and share my learnings with others.
-I will continue to create a gender and LGBTQAI+ inclusive space by being open about gender pronouns and not creating unnecessary divisions based on gender identity or creative choices that could serve to reinforce heteronormativity.
-To the best of my ability, I will create spaces that are accessible to all students and I will continue to educate myself on ways that I can do more. I will also continue to advocate for others with different abilities/disabilities in the dance space.
-I will continue to encourage a safe consensual atmosphere that encourages the use of “no.” I will ensure that consent is engrained in the way that I teach and work in the world.
-I agree to honor myself, others, and the space we are in by encouraging an atmosphere of respect and understanding through discussion and practice.
-I will hold myself accountable, in compassion, when I make a mistake or cause harm. I will do better by following Mia Mingus’ stages of accountability: self-reflection, apology, repair and change.
-I will listen with an open heart and mind to both students and peers as I work to create safe spaces for dancers of all identities and experiences.