With nearly 20 years of professional experience in the performing arts, I have taught diverse student populations across various communities. Drawing from this extensive background, I provide expertise in commercial and concert dance, performance and technical training, wellness and injury prevention, and fostering the development of dancers as creative leaders and critical thinkers. My teaching philosophy is rooted in fostering a welcoming, safe, and exploratory environment. As a process-oriented instructor, I lead with charisma and respect, aiming to inspire students to engage with dance enthusiastically and authentically. My primary goal is to help students build confidence while cultivating artistry that feels both grounded and genuine. 

My pedagogical strategies are based on four fundamental principles while prioritizing reflective practice.  

1. Incorporating 21st-century approaches, small group discussions, and critical analysis to encourage reflection and deeper engagement. Group-based performance projects are vital to my pedagogy, encouraging collaboration while fostering independence, accountability, and professional readiness. 

2. Somatic approaches to enhance focus and body awareness, calm the nervous system, and generate energy. Breathing techniques acquired from my yoga training aid with ease, flow, and expansion within movement. I value students of all technical levels, recognizing that the body constantly evolves and holds innate intelligence. 

3. Emphasizing the historical and global foundations of dance forms to foster cultural awareness and embodied knowledge. Dance can be a powerful lens through which we can understand ourselves, others and the world around us.

4. Mentorship prepares students for the realities of the dance world and helps them find the connections dance can bring to other avenues and career paths. Mentors share personal experiences, offer individualized guidance, and emphasize professionalism, communication, time management, and reliability. 

Ultimately, I seek to cultivate a dynamic, inclusive, and safe learning environment that encourages students to grow as dancers, thinkers, and humans. My goal is to support students in becoming disciplined, goal-oriented, and willing to push creative boundaries, while also finding joy and fulfillment in their daily movement practices. My professional journey has included teaching at numerous studios, collaborating with various dance companies, choreographing globally, and prioritizing education as a lifelong pursuit.