Style and Philosophy

My style of choreography and teaching is equally informed by the great dance teachers and mentors I've worked with as well as my background in theatre and performance studies.

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The best gift I experience as a dance teacher is to witness each student's process of building body confidence, taking ownership of their technique, and developing their own style.

Tap Dance

Like most rural Midwest kids of my generation, my tap identity started with musical theatre-style tap. As I have lived and studied all over the United States, my style of performing, choreographing, and teaching tap continues to evolve with increasing emphasis on Rhythm Tap technique and history. Using music theory as a point of departure, I teach students of all levels to improvise, so they can dance as themselves, before learning how to take on someone else's choreography.

Jazz Dance

The term "jazz dance" is interpreted in a variety of ways in education, the entertainment industry, and private sector studios. In my teaching, I emphasize early American social dance as it has evolved from West African dance as the foundation of this style.

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In college and private studio settings, I also work with adjacent styles and subgenres such as musical theatre, pop dance, lyrical jazz, contemporary jazz, and open styles.

Ballet Fundamentals

While Ballet is not absolutely the foundation of all dance styles (see my comments above on Jazz), dancers and actors can benefit from a study of the fundamentals of Ballet history and technique as well as the work of great current-day performers and choreographers.

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I most enjoy teaching beginning ballet to adults who are looking for ways to better understand their bodies and build confidence. My somatic approach emphasizes injury prevention and understanding of the dancer's own potential.