At its core, dance is fun.

I think dancing is the closest thing we have to magic. So many people are so unaware of all the things their body can do for them and what they in turn can do for it. Our bodies are the only constant of this life, to be in deep conversation with it is, to me, essential for understanding oneself. Teaching is sort of my longest and truest lover. It is fulfilling to no end, I often leave class feeling more energized than I was an hour and a half before. I love seeing someone think about an exercise, see their wheels turning. I love seeing them start to get it. The slow progression from beginner, to grasping with certain concepts, to full release, to lifelong learner. Allowing someone to access the joy of movement is truly a gift. To move and be moved, connecting with oneself on a deeper level, trying new things, allowing yourself to fail, commitment to impossible tasks. I think dance builds character and kindness and wisdom unlike anything else I have ever known.

Humor is how I navigate the world around me and is very present in my teaching. I like to exist in the middle of taking things very seriously, but also finding that deeply funny. I like to make people laugh; I think of it as an opening. It makes people more comfortable trying something new. I make lots of mistakes and laugh at myself as I do so. I don’t see myself as the highest authority in the room. Even if I have the “most” knowledge of whatever form I am teaching, I really value all the knowledge people already hold as beings that exist inside of a body. At its core, dance is fun. I try to keep that spirit alive even with the most advanced students. 

I teach technique and phrase work and choreographic tools and improvisation and performance. I like to think I teach things beyond dance as well. Like that it is okay to be ridiculous or silly or crazy. I hope I teach people how to take risks and give themselves grace and be brave. How to be in community and be kind to one another and oneself. Maybe I teach someone how to be comfortable in who they are.