Teaching Philosophy

 

          As a teacher it is my duty to build a creative, healthy, and motivated dancer. My philosophy is best summed up by a quote from Jenn Johnson, “behind every dancer that believes in themselves is a teacher that believed in them first.” Every student deserves to be seen and appreciated for the hard work they are doing. As a teacher of young artist, I commit to being a vessel and source of inspiration and motivation for my students, their cheerleader, their voice.

          

           I believe that creativity lives in everyone. It is dance in the educational setting that brings this out in young people. When students are given the freedom and a platform to express themselves their potential is limitless. Dance in the schools can guide students to unleash their creativity. Creative minds are better problem solvers, more attentive, and are better in group settings. These skills are essential in dance where performing and crafting moving artist are the central motives. Dancers are innate problem solvers. We are primed to not cave in when a transition does not go as planned, or the group has creative differences. Because of this, movers are innovative and resourceful. I teach my students these very principles. When strange problems arise, creative solutions come into play. Students are not given the opportunity to get out of their chair to move and groove, they become lethargic and the attention span is close to nonexistent. By integrated learning, crafting a lesson that involves an academic subject with a movement-based idea, students are able to transform their energy into a new opportunity to learn.

         

          It is no mystery that movement makes people stronger and healthier. Dance is an activity that strengthens the student from the inside out. In an office, employees can take a walk to the water fountain when they feel groggy, but students are not given the same opportunity in the classroom. Movement helps students fuel their brain with endorphins, release anxious energy, and wake up the memory centers in their brains. I take the time in the classroom to let students figure out problems as well as help navigate them through their struggles. I show students the influence a strong dancing brain can have on everyday life. It is because my students are creative thinkers and have a healthy brain that they can make educated choices inside and out of the classroom.

     

         As a student myself, I was over-looked and unmotivated because my teachers did not see me as a person, dancer, artist, or performer. I take this unfortunate mistake within my education and make it my goal to actively notice every student. I do this in ways that are specific to each student because all students receive feedback differently; in the shy students, a simple look of encouragement. In the leaders, I make them a subject for demonstration. Every student is different, and it is my job to encourage the differences and celebrate their variances.

           

        Over-all, dance has the power to change lives and make students more well-rounded individuals. Education needs to be movement based to craft creative, healthy, motivated students. The importance and impact of dance is a list miles long, but it can and will always be in the students favor to be given these opportunities that allow for growth and knowledge.