Educator

My interest lies in developing the next wave of artists/teachers/scholars/audience members by providing meaningful creative movement experiences to the various populations I teach. I was trained in the Cecchetti Method and performed professionally in regional ballet companies - classical ballet is my movement foundation. I was introduced to modern dance through my mentor Bill Evans as an undergraduate dance major - from that point forward my definition of dance was immensely widened. My love continues to grow for all that dance can be as my discoveries in choreography, collaboration, somatic practices and writing have added more depth and detail to my artistic landscape.

I have been teaching multiple courses in ballet and modern technique at the University at Buffalo for twenty years – this is my area of expertise. My current research interests lie in the intersection of yogic philosophy, sports psychology and physical dance practice. I have earned certification in two levels of Ultra Barre, which is a fusion of ballet barre, dance conditioning, and pilates-based movements; and in Hatha Yoga through the Temple of Kriya Yoga. These certifications have greatly influenced my pedagogical approach. My knowledge in asana (postures), prananyama (breath), and yogic philosophy has deepened my understanding for the need for multiple forms of mind/body integrative practices as tools for stress reduction, injury prevention, and general mind/body awareness for all levels of dancers. My upper level classes make fundamental connections between sports psychology concepts and dance training. Providing space for reflection and offering mindset strategies can empower dancers for the long term journey in the field.

I am committed to developing appreciation and increasing interest in the art of dance to a wider audience. I have a long history of teaching dance appreciation courses in the Western New York area. I attain much satisfaction in taking students from diverse backgrounds on a semester long journey in art of dance. Various populations enjoy the experience of discovering the physical, social, historical and expressive aspects of dance. I developed the UB lecture course “Appreciating Dance” in 2014. The central purpose of the lecture course is the development of student responsiveness to dance as a form of communication, personal expression and as a reflection of society.

Over my many years of performing, creating, and instructing my love for dance has deepened – and that passion fuels my teaching. I teach from the point of view that my students are human beings – not just dancers. In order for them to navigate a lifetime in the arts they must be aware of the realities of plateaus, the difference between internal and external motivation, and practice strategies to grow confident and supportive inner voices. They are reminded daily to root themselves to the joy that movement can bring and to pursue their individual path one step at a time.

Choreographer

Choreography is my primary mode of research – it is tool for self-discovery, self-integration, expression and communication. My choreographic works reflect my varied movement background as I shift from traditional classical ballet to abstract modern work. My creative and rehearsal process is a manifestation of my minor degree in Women Studies – empowering the dancers in my cast to voice opinions, actively contribute ideas, and make decisions through democratic practices. Collaboration is a major underpinning of my creative practice. Active engagement in collaboration is both deeply satisfying and critically important to my process and highlights the creative and social value in engaging with other artists in the community.

Director

I have been directing various dance concerts at the University at Buffalo since 2012. Directing productions provides emerging artists professional preparation in the field of concert dance, develops the artistic voices of the next generation of choreographers and supports multiple levels of collaboration. As the current Artistic Director of Zodiaque Dance Company, I engage in developing the dance identity of each individual company member and present concerts that highlight various aesthetics and multiple styles of dance. I use my role as director as an educational platform for future generations of performing artists and as a tool for building a supportive and knowledgeable audience.