WELCOME DANCERS! Meet your dance instructor. I have my bachelors degree from Chapman University in Theatre & Dance. My training includes Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Folk Dance, Dance History, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre, Improv, and Kinesiology, among other dance-related subjects. I teach my lessons just like many of you take lessons, when and wherever I can. I have taught in my living room, and local parks, I teach from conference rooms when I have to travel, or frommy backyard. One of the benefits of online classes is that it allows you the flexibility to do the things you love no matter where you are. I also teach from the perspective that I'm the same as you. I'm a busy mom juggling 4 kids and 2 jobs. Sound familiar? Making time in our day to chase our passions or just to fit in a fun workout is a way of working on our discipline and creating good dance habits that will supplement any additional in-person lessons you may be taking. I grew up in a small town in Southern Illinois. Lessons were few and far between so I would copy dancing off of movies and videos in order to perform at local dances or for other community events. As a youth, I took country line dancing classes. Always drawn to anything involving dance and movement, I auditioned and performed with a Disney Showcase Troupe. By high school, I was choreographing for the Show Choir, as well as performing in theatrical productions, including the musical “The Wizard of Oz”. Before graduating with my Bachelor’s degree in Theatre & Dance from Chapman University in Orange, California, I continued my study of various dance styles & techniques such as: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Ballroom, Dunham Technique, yoga/stretch, Dance Business & History. From 1996-2001 I performed a variety of dancing and singing roles in showcases and events such as “American Celebration” and “The Story of Rock n’ Roll”. While studying at Chapman, I accepted a position as historian, and eventually, vice president of the performing arts society (PASC). When I wasn’t onstage, I could be found backstage working lights, sound, costuming, or stage management. I searched out other educational opportunities at Cypress College and the Taggart International School where I studied West African dance and Russian Ballet Technique. After performing a liturgical dance performance for my graduation ceremony, I toured the United States and a portion of Canada, researching dance around the world. This eventually led me to Jacmel, Haiti, where I studied cultural and social dances of the local people. After that I took up Bellydance and studied folk dancing in Chicago, Illinois. Since 2001, I have taught classes for all ages from infants to adults. I have also studied child development and have a special love for bringing an adoration of the arts to the youngest artists in our communities. It is imperative that all my teachings highlight body positivity and the belief that everyone can dance. A life-long learner and dance aficionado, I continue my dance studies in Ballroom, Baroque Dance, and Scottish Country Dance. My influences include Isadora Duncan, Katherine Dunham, Misty Copeland, & Sean Greene. DISCLAIMER: The information provided in these dance lessons is in no way intended as a substitute for receiving medical advice. The purpose of these dance lessons is to provide information and education. The instructor shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, damage or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information, suggestions or exercises given and/or performed in these dance lessons. The instructor is not a medicinal authority and is not qualified to diagnose or prescribe any therapy. Please consult your physician.