Services

Private and semi-private lessons allow for the teacher to design classes, combinations, and exercises based on the specific needs of the student. These lessons are especially helpful to the student who may feel behind in a group class and could benefit from improving their flexibility, or strength, or even confidence.

Alternatively, a student may be coming back from injury and need extra time designed for their reemergence into class and performance. Private or semi-private lessons can also help the extremely gifted student who may need more of a challenge.

Ballet Private (or Semi-Private)

I am accepting students of all ages and will work with each individual to design a lesson that addresses specific needs. Certain students may wish to focus broadly on strength and technique training, while others may have a more specific goal in mind. All this can be discussed in a consultation prior to any lesson.

Lesson Options Include :

• Basic class and overall strength training

• Feet strengthening and shaping

• Improve adagio and extension

• Finding artistry and dynamism in port de bras

• Allegro (jumps, small and large)

• Pointe work

A little more about my teaching:

I’ve had the pleasure of teaching ballet for the last 14 years. My experience ranges from working with sweet, spirited three-year-olds to teaching university-level students. My experience with yoga and Kline teacher intensives in New York City, combined with my years of dance training and performance, has provided me with a unique perspective on technique and the ability to clearly break down the mechanics of movement.

Contemporary Private (or Semi-Private)

photo by Christian Witkin

Contemporary dance supports classical training by encouraging freedom within the body while continuing to concentrate on specificity of movement. For those who aspire to join a professional company, it is imperative to have a diverse set of dance skills. Contemporary training introduces the body to different modes of movement, various ways to initiate movement and the preparation necessary to meet the unpredictable demands of different choreographers.

These classes aim to help refine and challenge the contemporary dance student as well as those fully immersed in classical training.

A little more about my contemporary experience:

I have had the pleasure to perform professionally with two very different contemporary companies. First, I was in New York for 10 years with Stephen Petronio Company. The creative process and performing experience was primarily about the process of mastering movement and finding meaning within the movement while touring extensively. Second, I was one of the founding members of LA Dance Project, a repertory touring company. This meant with each piece there was a new choreographer and creative process. This type of work demanded the ability to learn choreography of different styles in a very fast paced environment. Both company experiences representative of what will be found in any professional environment today.

Adult Classes

I am currently teaching adult/open classes at Marin Dance Theater in San Rafael, California. I feel fortunate to work with many incredibly dedicated and passionate adult students.

While teaching ongoing ballet classes in the morning, I am also teaching adult pointe classes and offer a range of privates lessons. Inquire for details.

Benefits from private and semi-private adult lessons:

• Workshop movements at your own pace

• Hands-on adjustments promote quick understanding of alignment

• Ask as many questions as you like in a comfortable and safe environment

Yoga Private (or Semi-Private)

Photo by Morgan Lugo

I received my 200-hour teacher training certification from OM Yoga Center in New York City. The training was based in the vinyasa technique or “flow.” Movement is linked to breath in order to create a kind of dance on the mat encouraging lengthening and strengthening of muscles. Classes can be designed for any ages and any skill set.

Example sessions and focus might include :

• Hip opening

• Upper body strength training

• Hamstring lengthening

• Inversion practice

If there is a more specific focus in mind, please inquire. Perfect as a stand-alone class or as a series.

Choreographic Mentorship

LA Dance Project rehearses with William Forsythe

I’ve helped many students prepare choreographic resumes for entering into arts high schools and universities, as well as assisted on personal choreographic projects.

I can be available to assist in rehearsing, in addition to guiding and helping facilitate a piece of choreography you plan to present or utilize for a reel or resume.

A little more about my choreographic experience:

I’ve had the opportunity to experience many choreographic processes and learn repertory with some of the world’s top choreographers, including: William Forsythe, Emanuel Gat, Benjamin Millepied, Stephen Petronio, Justin Peck, Johannes Wieland (formerly of Bejart Ballet) and Daniel Agami (former rehearsal director of Batsheva).

Professional Consultation for Students and Parents

Photoshoot for Vogue Netherlands

The dance world can be a complicated place to navigate. As a former student of classical ballet at both San Francisco Ballet School and Boston Ballet School, I understand the intensity of training and delicate balance with academics.

I’ve gone through the process of applying to and being accepted by Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, a prestigious BFA program in dance, as well as having applied and been accepted into a regional ballet company and two contemporary touring companies.

I have also been through a successful process of securing an agent in Los Angeles. My belief is with this broad field of experience, I am able to create an environment of support and honesty for students and parents. I am available to offer advice to families and help them feel informed and supported while making very important dance decisions.