Questions & Answers
When did you start dancing?
I took my first ballet/tap combo class when I was 5 but my family moved from North Carolina to Virginia the following year and didn't know of any good dance schools in the area so I tried other activities for several years (cheer leading, karate, softball, etc.) When I was in middle school I finally found a dance school that I loved and that is where my passion developed.
Why do you like dancing?
I love dancing because I love to be creative and express myself. I also enjoy writing and reading. I probably would have wanted to pursue a career in singing but I can't carry a tune to save my life. I really enjoy singing nonetheless (when no one is around to hear me, of course!). I love expressing what's on my mind through movement because sometimes there are no words to express it. Dance is a universal language, it's the language of the soul.
What is your favorite thing about teaching dance to children?
I really enjoy sharing my passion with young children. I love watching their interpretations of movements and seeing how their faces light up and they are overcome with pure joy when they are free to express whatever thoughts or feelings they may want to share. Young children often don't have the vocabulary necessary to clearly express all of their ideas verbally but when they dance, they are just free; not limited by their vocabulary. It's a beautiful thing that really keeps me focused and grounded in my daily life.
What is your favorite style of dance?
I like all different styles of dance. They are all so different and offer unique benefits. But if I had to pick a favorite, I would probably choose what is often called lyrical because I thrive on freedom and expression. When I'm in my zone and just dancing for me, I like not feeling too confined by strict "rules" such as in classical ballet or even tap. I think lyrical offers the greatest amount of freedom.
What are some challenges you have faced as a dancer?
Sometimes you'll hear people say things like, "Dancing is in my blood" or "That girl was born to dance" But I never felt that I was born to dance. In fact, I've often said that God certainly didn't make me to be a dancer. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was young. It's not severe enough for treatment so as you can imagine, the misalignment of my spine makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to achieve proper placement in ballet. On top of that, I have asthma, arthritis, and absolutely no arch. Several doctors throughout my life have commented that I have the flattest feet they have ever seen. Growing up I often had a hard time executing certain movements in class even though I technically knew how to do it in my head, my body wasn't capable of executing it properly due to the misalignment. When I was 19 I suffered for nearly a year from the debilitating effects of Lyme disease. The pain in my knees, ankles, wrists, and fingers got so bad that I couldn't stand up on my own or pick up anything weighing more than 3 or 4 pounds. After recovering I was desperate to dance again and realized that I was capable of doing some of the very things I always struggled with, I just needed to make adjustments for my own body. I began to re-teach myself to do those things in my own way. My body was not built to be a dancer; but my heart was.
What is your teaching style?
Parents often comment on how patient I am with my students. I try to encourage each child in a gentle, loving manner. However, I expect all of my students to apply themselves and do their best. While my classes are generally fun and enjoyable and filled with smiles, laughter, encouragement, and praise, they are not a place for goofing off or slacking off. When my students walk into class, they know I expect them to focus and give 100%. I don't expect my students to be perfect, but I will not tolerate anything less than 100% effort. I allow each child to progress at her own pace starting with the basics and building from there. I can't emphasize enough how important it is for students to have a strong foundation in basic skills and technique. I teach in a very progressive manner, not allowing students to attempt more difficult skills until they have mastered the prerequisites. For example, I may start out a toddler class just having the students walk on a straight line with flat feet. Once they are able to consistently do that, I will let them attempt to walk the line on the ball of their feet. Even though walking is something most people do without thinking, toddlers and even preschoolers really have to concentrate on balance and coordination to execute a straight line successfully.
I took my first ballet/tap combo class when I was 5 but my family moved from North Carolina to Virginia the following year and didn't know of any good dance schools in the area so I tried other activities for several years (cheer leading, karate, softball, etc.) When I was in middle school I finally found a dance school that I loved and that is where my passion developed.
Why do you like dancing?
I love dancing because I love to be creative and express myself. I also enjoy writing and reading. I probably would have wanted to pursue a career in singing but I can't carry a tune to save my life. I really enjoy singing nonetheless (when no one is around to hear me, of course!). I love expressing what's on my mind through movement because sometimes there are no words to express it. Dance is a universal language, it's the language of the soul.
What is your favorite thing about teaching dance to children?
I really enjoy sharing my passion with young children. I love watching their interpretations of movements and seeing how their faces light up and they are overcome with pure joy when they are free to express whatever thoughts or feelings they may want to share. Young children often don't have the vocabulary necessary to clearly express all of their ideas verbally but when they dance, they are just free; not limited by their vocabulary. It's a beautiful thing that really keeps me focused and grounded in my daily life.
What is your favorite style of dance?
I like all different styles of dance. They are all so different and offer unique benefits. But if I had to pick a favorite, I would probably choose what is often called lyrical because I thrive on freedom and expression. When I'm in my zone and just dancing for me, I like not feeling too confined by strict "rules" such as in classical ballet or even tap. I think lyrical offers the greatest amount of freedom.
What are some challenges you have faced as a dancer?
Sometimes you'll hear people say things like, "Dancing is in my blood" or "That girl was born to dance" But I never felt that I was born to dance. In fact, I've often said that God certainly didn't make me to be a dancer. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was young. It's not severe enough for treatment so as you can imagine, the misalignment of my spine makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to achieve proper placement in ballet. On top of that, I have asthma, arthritis, and absolutely no arch. Several doctors throughout my life have commented that I have the flattest feet they have ever seen. Growing up I often had a hard time executing certain movements in class even though I technically knew how to do it in my head, my body wasn't capable of executing it properly due to the misalignment. When I was 19 I suffered for nearly a year from the debilitating effects of Lyme disease. The pain in my knees, ankles, wrists, and fingers got so bad that I couldn't stand up on my own or pick up anything weighing more than 3 or 4 pounds. After recovering I was desperate to dance again and realized that I was capable of doing some of the very things I always struggled with, I just needed to make adjustments for my own body. I began to re-teach myself to do those things in my own way. My body was not built to be a dancer; but my heart was.
What is your teaching style?
Parents often comment on how patient I am with my students. I try to encourage each child in a gentle, loving manner. However, I expect all of my students to apply themselves and do their best. While my classes are generally fun and enjoyable and filled with smiles, laughter, encouragement, and praise, they are not a place for goofing off or slacking off. When my students walk into class, they know I expect them to focus and give 100%. I don't expect my students to be perfect, but I will not tolerate anything less than 100% effort. I allow each child to progress at her own pace starting with the basics and building from there. I can't emphasize enough how important it is for students to have a strong foundation in basic skills and technique. I teach in a very progressive manner, not allowing students to attempt more difficult skills until they have mastered the prerequisites. For example, I may start out a toddler class just having the students walk on a straight line with flat feet. Once they are able to consistently do that, I will let them attempt to walk the line on the ball of their feet. Even though walking is something most people do without thinking, toddlers and even preschoolers really have to concentrate on balance and coordination to execute a straight line successfully.
Favorites
Food: I love pancakes, waffles, and french toast. Pizza is great too.
Color: I like green and earthy tones like brown, beige, and tan
Television Show: I don't watch much tv (I don't have cable at home) but my favorite show of all time is 7th Heaven. I also like Criminal Minds and Bones.
Book: The KJV Holy Bible, I read it everyday
Movie: My absolute favorite movie in the entire world is Andre, about an orphaned seal. I have loved it since I was itty bitty, probably 4 or 5 years old.
Dancer: My favorite dancer of my generation is Travis Wall. He's pretty incredible and I'm not just saying it because he grew up in Virginia Beach too.
Music: I enjoy many genres of music: from country to soft rock to r&b but I prefer to listen to Christian and gospel music and hymns. Although my 4 year old usually has control of the CD player so we usually end up listening to Sunday school songs like "Jesus Love Me."
Singer/Band: I like a lot of music by Cece Winans, Selah, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey in the 90's (not her more recent music)
Color: I like green and earthy tones like brown, beige, and tan
Television Show: I don't watch much tv (I don't have cable at home) but my favorite show of all time is 7th Heaven. I also like Criminal Minds and Bones.
Book: The KJV Holy Bible, I read it everyday
Movie: My absolute favorite movie in the entire world is Andre, about an orphaned seal. I have loved it since I was itty bitty, probably 4 or 5 years old.
Dancer: My favorite dancer of my generation is Travis Wall. He's pretty incredible and I'm not just saying it because he grew up in Virginia Beach too.
Music: I enjoy many genres of music: from country to soft rock to r&b but I prefer to listen to Christian and gospel music and hymns. Although my 4 year old usually has control of the CD player so we usually end up listening to Sunday school songs like "Jesus Love Me."
Singer/Band: I like a lot of music by Cece Winans, Selah, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey in the 90's (not her more recent music)
"Let them praise his name in the dance..." Psalm 149:3 KJV