Fundamental to my approach is the cultivation of a supportive and collaborative learning community. I strive to create a space where students feel empowered to take risks, make discoveries, and authenticate themselves. Through open dialogue and mutual respect, I encourage students to engage critically with dance as performers and thinkers. Humor, connection, ambition, enthusiasm, and perseverance are all characteristics of my teaching in the classroom. 

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I hold students to high standards, firmly believing that these expectations, combined with my unwavering confidence in them, empower students to reach their objectives. With enthusiasm and a supportive demeanor, I capitalize on their strengths while offering individual praise and targeted constructive feedback to aid their growth in areas needing development. Within a constructive learning framework, dancers thrive through a blend of nurturing guidance and rigorous training, embracing both physical and intellectual challenges as opportunities for growth.

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Central to my teaching practice is the integration of interdisciplinary perspectives. I draw from my diverse dance training in various styles and knowledge of historical contexts and theoretical frameworks to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the art form. Whether exploring classical techniques, contemporary improvisation, or traditional cultural dances, I emphasize the interconnectedness of movement, culture, and society. One of my goals in the classroom is to broaden students' understanding of dance beyond what they see on screens and stages. I advocate for a perspective that embraces dance in everyday life, in outdoor settings through site-specific explorations, or in new culturally significant experiences that may not have been utilized in the past.  

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As a movement educator, I guide students in honing their proprioception and spatial awareness, helping them understand the intricate movements of their skeletons in various contexts. By cultivating this awareness of their kinespheres and the interplay of positive and negative spaces, students can evolve into more fully dimensional dancers. With a firm belief in experiential learning, my classroom thrives on dynamic, hands-on activities. In a composition class, this translates to prioritizing creation over critique, with analysis taking a supportive role in direct engagement with the material. In movement classes, language serves as a bridge to embodied knowledge, prompting students to explore ideas physically. Embracing the notion that failure is integral to growth, students are urged to experiment freely. Successful concepts are then assimilated into their knowledge through reflection, practice, discussion, creative expression, and writing.

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In addition to technical proficiency, I strongly emphasize creativity and artistic exploration. I encourage students to push beyond their comfort zones, experiment with movement vocabulary, and develop their unique artistic voices. Through improvisational exercises, choreographic assignments, and collaborative projects, students learn to harness their creative potential and communicate meaningfully through movement.

I am committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity in all its forms. I actively seek perspectives and experiences that reflect the rich tapestry of human identity. I strive to create opportunities for students to engage with dance as a vehicle for cultural exchange and social justice. By acknowledging and honoring the unique backgrounds and experiences of each individual, I aim to create a space where all students feel seen, heard, and valued.

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Teachers wield significant influence on society by driving change through education, bearing a weighty responsibility, especially amid the injustices and inequalities prevalent in the American education system. Similarly, artists are tasked with stirring the senses, igniting contemplation, challenging norms, and unsettling the established order. Consequently, it falls upon teaching artists to thoughtfully examine the approach, techniques, and purpose of education, striving to foster a more equitable and just world through their teaching endeavors.

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In my role as a teacher, I am committed to ongoing growth as both an artist and an educator. Every day, I draw inspiration and insights from my students, colleagues, and fellow members of the creative community. To excel in my teaching, I prioritize maintaining my physical practice and actively pursue further professional and educational avenues to refine my skills. In essence, my dedication to being a perpetual student serves to enhance my effectiveness as a teacher.

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My goal as a dance educator is to empower students to become thoughtful, skilled, and socially conscious artists. By providing a rigorous yet nurturing learning environment, I aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive as dancers, scholars, and citizens of the world. Together, we embark on a journey of discovery, creativity, and self-expression, dancing towards a more just and compassionate society.