Teaching Philosophy

Dance education is a powerful tool that contributes to a person's cognitive and social development, awakening new perceptions that help them learn and think in new ways and develop 21st-century skills such as collaboration, communication, and creativity. Dance positively affects people's attitudes, perceptions, and values, fostering social encounters, interaction, and cooperation. Also, it enables learners to better understand themselves in relationships with others and the world in which they live. Through dance, individuals can develop empathy and increase their understanding of the diversity and values of other people.  

I believe in student-centered education, emphasizing deep learning and understanding by increasing learners' autonomy in my lessons. My dance teaching practice emphasizes developing students' body awareness and relationship to movement, focusing on body alignment, strength, mobility, and movement quality dynamics. My mission as a dance educator is to give my students the guidance and tools to develop their potential and learning styles while cultivating their physical, emotional, social, and creative abilities. As a dance teacher, I strive to inspire my students to become more than powerful performers, risk-takers, and proficient in dance techniques but to motivate them to become healthy, motivated, critical thinkers and engaged individuals inside and outside the dance studio. In addition, I desired to cultivate an appreciation of the art of ballet in my students, develop their abilities to the fullest, and offer a safe and enjoyable learning process regardless of whether it is an accomplished dancer, non-prior experience dancer, or anyone in between.   

Having my students see themselves reflected in the dance studio and learning more about other people's lived experiences is essential to me. Therefore, I approach my teaching practice from the perspective of culturally relevant Pedagogy and Cultural Humility. It is through examining my own beliefs and cultural identity, as well as honoring my students' cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and practices, that I ensure that they feel affirmed in their identities, experiences, and cultures in the dance studio, on stage, in the community, and globally. Through my teaching style, I strive to provide a safe, respectful, and enjoyable learning environment where students can cultivate their curiosity, develop body awareness, and engage in critical thinking while learning dance techniques.