My Dance Story
I fell in love with dance after my first class. I remember the ballet barre in the center of the room and the mirrors surrounding me. I loved being challenged, and the discipline of my dance training was deeply ingrained in me. I love the essence of what dance is… moving our bodies to music with others. When I combine my passions for teaching and movement, I am an unstoppable force of creativity.
My dance journey has been a complicated tapestry of highs and lows. The joyful moments include performing, teaching, and choreographing across the United States and internationally in Germany, South Korea, and the Caribbean, earning my B.F.A. in Dance and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, my M.F.A. in Dance from Temple University, and continuing my education in physical and mental wellness. These educational experiences bolstered my innate knowledge that dance exemplifies the transformative power of embodied knowledge.
There are downsides to any intense physical training, as well. I faced multiple physical injuries that ranged from minor aches and pains to injuries that kept me from dancing for months. I am continuously unpacking the problematic and traumatic experiences that I faced as a young pre-professional dancer and have questioned whether it was worth the pain. These experiences have shaped my teaching approach, so I will forever advocate for safe physical practices and mental wellness in all the communities I teach within.
My relationship with dance will probably always be complicated, just like any human story worth experiencing. I often reflect upon these years with a critical lens while forgetting about all the wonderful moments of connection, growth, and empathy I received from incredible mentors who challenged the dance community's status quo. I humbly continue this lineage of questioning the norm within educational practices and vow to always journey forward with inclusivity and curiosity.
My time in formal education at Temple University, Missouri Valley College, Cottey College, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, afforded me the time and space to create my methodologies of dance education. The students I have had the honor of sharing knowledge with will stay in my heart forever. The hunger and drive that pushed me constantly to ask questions within the structures of higher education began to emerge and strengthen within discussions I had with the students. To be a witness to young adults coming into their power within the art form of dance will never be taken for granted, and I am beyond grateful to have had those experiences. I have chosen to step away from higher education as other passions have taken priority. However, this time in my life will always be a highlight because of the wealth of curiosity, creativity, and inquiry that was supported.
Throughout my career, I have had the incredible privilege of sharing my passion for dance education with esteemed organizations like the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Kansas City Ballet, as well as with numerous dance studios across the nation and various artistic venues. Each opportunity has allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative power of movement in the lives of my students, regardless of their age, ability, or experience level.
Recently, I’ve been inspired to focus on a unique and vibrant population: the Active Agers. Engaging with community members in retirement communities, such as Optum Care, fills my heart with unparalleled joy, compassion, and fulfillment. There is something truly special about guiding individuals in dance, helping them connect with their bodies and express themselves through movement to the rhythm of music.
I am deeply grateful for all the training and education I have received. They have equipped me to inspire and uplift others, encouraging them to embrace the joy of dancing and experience the sense of community that comes from moving together.
My Yoga Story
I embarked on my journey to become a yoga teacher to acquire tools to enrich the lives of elementary-aged children in Kansas City, KS. At that time, I worked as a Reach Out and Dance Teaching Artist with the Kansas City Ballet’s Education and Community Department. I initially anticipated that my training would be a brief, one-day event, after which I would seamlessly return to my primary focus of teaching dance. However, I soon discovered that this experience would plant a profound seed within me that would initiate a transformative shift in my life and reshape my teaching philosophy.
I often express that yoga saved my life, and while that may sound dramatic, I wholeheartedly believe it is true. My extensive training with YogaFit introduced me to the powerful concept of trauma-informed pedagogical approaches that connect the body, mind, and spirit. This knowledge has not only illuminated my understanding of trauma but has also allowed me to examine my own experiences with compassion and insight. Learning about the nervous system and how our bodies carry the weight of past experiences opened my eyes to a new perspective that I will never take for granted.
This journey has been remarkable, and I am eager to continue weaving the rich tapestry of yogic tools into my classes, regardless of the specific modality. Students often share how they feel uplifted or transformed after participating in my classes. While I may not explicitly label these sessions as trauma-informed, the atmosphere speaks volumes, and participants intuitively grasp the reasons behind their repeated return. It fills me with a deep sense of honor to extend the life-changing benefits of yoga to people of all ages, especially young children and the Active Aging community.
Yoga transcends mere physical practice; it embodies a holistic way of life. This extraordinary path has led me to achieve multiple certifications, including 500-RYT Trauma-Focused, 100-hour Brain Health, 100-hour Trauma-Sensitive Kids, 100-hour Recovery Coaching, and 100-hour Active Adult. Each of these accomplishments fuels my passion and commitment to share the transformative power of yoga with others.
My Sound Story
As I immersed myself in my yoga certifications, a profound interest in subtle energy modalities began blossoming. This curiosity naturally led me to explore the transformative world of sound healing. When I embarked on this path and shared it with others, I encountered a significant shift in my life, as if a new door had opened. The potency of sound is truly remarkable; harnessing it in a therapeutic context has unveiled insights I never expected.
I offer serene group sound baths monthly, inviting participants from various communities to experience the healing vibrations together. In addition, I work closely with individuals, crafting personalized plans that integrate yoga practices, breathing techniques, and sound modalities tailored to their unique needs.
This chapter of my journey is just beginning, and I am excited about how it will evolve as I continue to learn and embrace new experiences. Exploring sound as a healing tool enriches my life and deepens my connection with those I serve.
