My students will know the cultural and historic manifestations of dance and other performance based works. It is within the cultural and historical contexts that students find the anthropological impetus for dance. They will understand the multiple functions of art in society. It is important to know art as a changemaking practice as well as entertainment. They will know techniques to maintain their performance instrument. Maintaining their performance instrument means maintaining a healthy, functioning, and strong body. They will know techniques that lead to effective performances and be able to reproduce these techniques in rehearsal. Being able to practice a skill in an efficient manner translates to all disciplines, not just arts disciplines. They will also be able to deliver high-caliber performances. The ability to perform a story in front of an audience is a skill that requires discipline and the capacity to move through fear - essential human actions.

In my classroom, I must first acknowledge myself. I am a multi-ethnic, multi-racial, heterosexual man. I grew up around varying levels of socio-economic status in regard to extended family and friends. I am monolingual (with a desire to learn and acquire multiple languages). I have engaged with various modes of art, and therefore have a wide range of literacy practices such as dance, vocal music, and instrumental music. In my classroom, students who may have conflict in their identity may find courage to examine and self-actualize. 

As an urban dance educator, I will take on many roles. Artistic Leader, Educational Architect, Athletic Coach, and Family Liaison. I will guide students in their creation of artistic work. To the best of my ability, I will scaffold concepts in dance so that students may understand them through a holistic educational lens. I will coach students in conditioning exercises and make suggestions about healthy lifestyle choices. I will work in partnership with parents/guardians to best support a child’s development. In addition to this role, I also plan to maintain an adjacent career as a performing artist, so that I am practicing what I am preaching. It feels important that our students have access to current information from the industry.