SCHOOL
Founded in 1976 in my home town. Ballet with jazz, tap, theater dance and ballroom. About 350
students today. School to be renamed Classical Dance of Central Wisconsin in 2005.
BACKGROUND
I began studying ballet at age five. I received a BS in Dance and Theater Arts from the
University of Wisconsin, with most of my dance credits earned at Indiana University.
I've been teaching ballet for twenty-eight years now.
TEACHERS, MENTORS & INFLUENCES
Tibor and Bess Zana, Marina Svetlova, Jurgen Pagels, Keneth Melville, Jurgen and Victoria
Rockhill Schneider, Karen Morel.
BALLET PROGRAM
Training begins at age eight. Students must commit to at least two or three lessons a week at
age ten, or I recommend they switch to a more recreational school.
APPROACH
Eclectic with elements of R.A.D., French and Russian schools, and various undefined methods.
TEACHING ASPIRATIONS
To study the formal curriculum of the school of Classical Dance in more depth so I can take a
more methodical approach to my instruction.
TOUGHEST CHALLENGES
Educating parents about the level of commitment required to study ballet. Competing with sports
programs at school. Making my kids believe they may have a shot out there in the dance world.
MOST GRATIFYING MOMENTS
Getting that smile and hug after class. Having my former students bring their own children to
study ballet with me because they wish they'd stuck with it and now see the value of it.
STUDENT SUCCESSES
San Francisco Ballet, Netherlands Dance Theatre, various regional companies.
GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Giving my students something they can use in their lives, including a more educated appreciation
of the arts and tools to help them be more responsible, productive members of society.
