studio teacher: MOVEMENT & DRAMA

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical dance training

Daniel Island Academy, Charleston, SC

Created a 30-minute adaptation of "The Nutcracker" for a cast of 40 pre-kindergarteners, incorporating use of simple dance movements, play/acting, and props. I also designed the set and costumes which included many repurposed items and things made by the children themselves. Highlight of the show was the performance by one visionary little girl who insisted that there be an "only a little but mean" Mouse Princess instead of a Rat King.

Colleton County Arts Council, Walterboro, SC

Costume and props assistant for Children's Theater productions

Carolyn Henderson School of Dance, Walterboro, SC

Production Assistant for annual dance recital

Salem College Pierrette Players, Winston-Salem, SC

Stagehand for theater production

Nothing Without Joy

When children are able to

draw

dance

pretend

sculpt

sing,

these actions become outward expressions of their THOUGHTS and the process of making sense of the world around them.

Making these experiences more meaningful and complex requires ample opportunities

to try,

to explore,

and to practice.

My goal is to create an environment for our children where they can become FLUENT in using the arts as a language for expressing what they know, what they are presently learning, and what they would like to know. The studio experience would equip the children with the confidence to use the arts as tools to make meaningful connections with core academic skills.

Spaces

The atelier needn't be an actual space. The atelier is a state of mind!

Even though the current atelier is quite small, there are many unique, beautiful spaces around campus to utilize in new, inventive ways. Think of the possibilities...

atelier-- for small group work, storage and display of materials, display work of the children
Ross side porch & "tree house"
sport court -- for games & other gross motor activities
back porch of school store
bear cave, turtle pond, fish pond
garden walkway beside Pardue
grassy knoll by the hills
library story pit (as available)
side lawn of library (in front of Madren Pool)

And of course, working in the classroom is a great way to maximize time spent working in the space where children are already naturally thinking of their project work. Use of a rolling cart can bring necessary materials and equipment directly to the classroom with ease.