Classes

Private and semi-private ballet and contemporary lessons are available in person and via zoom for ages nine and up. Pre-recorded, follow along ballet classes are available for students 4 and up. Please fill out the form below for more information on classes and rates.

Teaching Statement

Why dance?

Getting into the physical body, moving and shaking, running and jumping, rolling and rocking, brings mental clarity. Moving is meditation. Connecting to the body is a magical experience that creates an energized state. 

Okay but why dance specifically?  

There is a unique attention to detail and analysis of movement in dance spaces. We feel our anatomy from within, paying attention to its sensations in response to movement. Head to tail connection, the diagonal body, the spirals of the spine, the rotation of ball and socket joints. In exploring the alignment of the body and the firing of muscles, we dive into the body, and become grounded in our physical selves. 

Feeling connected to your body is powerful, for me it’s the root of confidence. We all deserve to  feel comfortable and confident in our bodies. 

How will you facilitate an environment that supports confidence in the physical self?

Intentional, empowering dialogue in dance spaces directly supports this endeavor. 

Let us steer away from a culture that has normalized the shaming of our bodies. Let us steer away from use of the mirror, constant self policing, an idealized “correct” body, and striving for  unrealistic, often dangerous bodily ideals. Let us make dance spaces, places where we can feel good about ourselves and our bodies, rather than being hyper critical of our physical selves. 

We must foster judgement-free dance spaces, so we are able to move our bodies in ways that make us feel good. Yes, dancing can feel good. Dance class should be as fun as it is challenging, rigorous, and disciplined.

Finally, we must talk about consent. We are entitled to agency over our bodies. We have the right to consent to what our bodies are about to do or endure, even in contact improvisation, partnering or body work. Touch, even with the kindest intentions can be harmful if you are not up to receiving it. Let us encourage each other to opt in and out of touch.

When we feel safe and unashamed, we can focus on bridging the body and mind. We can be dancing intellectuals, who hold a plethora of bodily knowledge. We can open up an avenue to creative expression.