Artist StatementI dance to speak without words, to reflect beauty, to encourage, and to inspire joy. My movement is inspired by emotion, stories, poetry, artwork, and everything around and inside us. I am a professional dancer, instructor, choreographer, curriculum writer, and teaching artist. When dancing and choreographing, I pull from my training in ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, hip hop, tap, cultural dances, and the infinite realm of creative movement. I teach how dance is a natural form of human expression that celebrates both our uniqueness and sameness, and how dance is an active tool for exploration and discovery that connects to any number of subjects.
Teaching Artist PhilosophyMy goal is to help students not only appreciate the simple joy of dance, but also create meaningful knowledge they can apply broadly, whether specifically curriculum related or more generalized, such as interest in physical activity or creative expression, or confidence in their ability to control their own learning. Social emotional learning (SEL) goes hand in hand with the dance processes of creating, performing, responding, and connecting. Regarding assessment, I especially value student self-reflection.
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I believe education should inspire learners to fully realize their capabilities of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which is facilitated by learning that is engaging and meaningful. Dance integration is a perfect conduit for this, as dance is a natural form of human expression, and an active tool for exploration and discovery that connects to any number of subjects!
What I Do
Since 2012, I have been creating and teaching dance residencies in schools and organizations around the state as a member of the Arkansas Arts Council's Arts in Education Roster. As a teaching artist, I have had the privilege to work as an independent contractor for Arkansas Learning Through the Arts, Wildwood Park for the Arts, the Museum of Discovery, Superior Success Learning Academy, Origins Curriculum, St. Theresa Catholic School, Central Arkansas Library System, and Arkansas A Plus.
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Originally from Jasper, AR, I currently live in Maumelle, AR with my husband, son, and daughter. I started dancing at the age of 10, and haven’t been able to stop since! I began dancing professionally in 2008, and teaching in 2009. I have worked in the field of education in a variety of settings (i.e., charter school, public schools, private school, dance studios, museum, learning center, library, nonprofit organizations), designing and delivering instruction for learners ages 3 and up with an emphasis on creativity and meaningful learning. |