The Teacher

I began to teach professionally when I was about 11 years old; I was a teaching assistant to my gymnastics coach. I have always had a desire to share what I know with others striving to learn.

After attending the American Dance Festival for the second summer, I auditioned and was accepted into Talley Beatty's workshop. After about 2 weeks into the process, I was approached and asked to help Mr. Beatty with whatever may have needed. In the following years, I was asked to travel with Mr. Beatty to assist and restage his ballets on companies and student performance groups. Although it was hard work I am able to look back on those experiences and see how they have added to the person I am today. What an honor it was to just be in his presence.

What I have learned from such great teachers, choreographers, and mentors such as Talley Beatty, Milton Myers, and Pat Thomas, is the importance of articulating your message to your students and encouraging them with discipline and care. Students respect you more when you are honest with them and are willing to go the extra mile. It is imperative that I do the same because so many went the extra mile for me.

Assistant to Mr. Beatty, 1991-1994
Assistant to Mr. Myers, 1994-1999
Assistant to Ms. Thomas, 1998-1999

Philadanco- Philadelphia, PA 1995-1999, company teacher, teacher-in-residence, community outreach
Philadelphia Dance Arts- Philadelphia, PA, 1994-1999
City Stages Jazz Camp-Birmingham, AL, jazz dance workshop
University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA, lecturer, instructor
Howard University- Washington, DC, guest teacher/lecturer, choreographer
Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater- New York, NY, company teacher, workshops, lecture demonstrations, master classes
The Ailey School-New York, NY, substitute teacher, outreach, workshops
Steps on Broadway- New York, NY, guest teacher, substitute, 2000-
Jeannette Neille Dance Studio- Boston MA, master classes, workshops

In my tenth season with the Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater, I have and will continue to travel the country and the world teaching and giving what I have learned to as many bodies and minds as I can. My wish is to continue to share my experiences and training to young and mature dancers with an open and willing spirit.