Teacher. Educator.

Teaching Statement

As a dance teacher, instructor, educator, and choreographer, my passion and drive for the art form of dance are what I lead with in my class environment. In my classroom environment, I emphasize technical excellence and precision with a warm and contagious presence that allows students to have experiences and grow in their dance training in a safe and supportive, family-oriented, and community-type environment. My hope is to exude my infinite passion, drive, and love for dance to my students, which will hopefully help in fostering their own love of dance. Beyond teaching them dance technique and artistry, my hope is to also teach my students valuable life lessons of responsibility, respect, time management/organization, and discipline – tools that will be needed to navigate through the ups and downs of everyday life.    

Photo by Rachel Richey @richeycreative

Photo by Heidi Bolles @heidi.bolles.photography

“Hey Mickey” - South County Dance Company Mini Competition Team

2025 Countdown Nationals Competition ~ Palm Desert, CA

Choreography: Kira Bartholomew

Music: “Hey Mickey,” by The Riplets

“Can’t Turn You Loose” - South County Dance Company Junior Competition Team

2024 Countdown Nationals Competition ~ Palm Desert, CA

Choreography: Kira Bartholomew

Music: “Can’t Turn You Loose,” by Aretha Franklin

“Out Of My Head” - South County Dance Company Teen Soloist

2023 Countdown Regional Competition ~ Downey, CA

Choreography: Kira Bartholomew

Music: “Out Of My Head,” by The Black Eyed Peas

“Zero To Hero” - South County Dance Company Mini Duet

2023 Countdown Regional Competition ~ Downey, CA

Choreography: Kira Bartholomew

Music: “Zero To Hero,” from the movie soundtrack, Hercules

 Educator

Education/Professional Affiliations + Teaching, Choreographic, Leadership, & Assisting Experience

    • Chapman University - Orange, CA (Graduating Class of 2025)

      • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance

      • Psychology Minor

    • National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) - Member (2024-Present)

    • Acrobatic Arts Certification Program (2025-Present)

      • Module 1 Certified Acrobatic Teacher ~ Acrobatic Arts

    • South County Dance Company (2017-Present)

      • Jazz, Technique, Lyrical/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet, Acrobatic Classes (Age range: 6-18 years old)

      • Competition Team Choreography (Large groups, Small groups, Duo/Trios, Solos)

    • South Coast Conservatory (Chapman University Dance Team Masterclass)

      • Chapman Dance Team Workshop/Masterclass, Pop up Technique/Jazz Class

    • Diversity Dance Studio, Billings, MT, (Guest Instructor - Ballet/Modern Intensive)

      • Guest Teacher

      • Modern, Stretching, Improvisation Classes (Age range: 6-18 years old)

    • St. Margaret’s Episcopal School (Guest Instructor - Tartan Summer Dance Camp)

      • Guest Instructor

      • Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop Classes (Age range: 6-10 years old)

    • Chapman University Dance Department (2023-2024)

      • Department shows (2023 Works In Progress Concert; Sophomore Year, 2024 Concert Intime; Junior Year)

      • Academic Courses (Choreography I & Choreography II classes)

    • Chapman University Dance Team (2024-2025)

      • School Performances (Chapman Dance Alliance Annual Show, Airbands: Gamma Phi Beta Philanthropy Show)

      • USA Nationals Collegiate Championships (Anaheim Convention Center)

      • Open Community Classes/Studio Masterclasses

    • South County Dance Company

      • Competition Team Choreography (Large Groups, Small Groups, Duo/Trios, Solos) ~ (2022-Present)

      • Recital/Winter Show Performances ~ (2018-Present)

    • San Juan Hills High School Dance Program (Fall 2025/Spring 2026)

      • An Open-style piece (Fall 2025) & a Lyrical piece (Spring 2026) for the Intermediate Dance Program dancers

      • A Theatrical Jazz piece (Spring 2026) for the Beginning Dance Program dancers

    • Dance Captain Role Chapman University - Dance Tour & Study Course (2025)

    • Co-President of the Chapman University Dance Team (2024-2025)

    • Co-Vice-President of the Chapman University Dance Team (2023-2024)

    • Nicole Hagen

      • Diversity Dance Studio, Billings, MT (Teacher Assistant, Competition Choreography Assistant) ~ 2023

      • McCallum Choreography Festival in Palm Desert, CA ~ 2019

    • Marlena Arellano (Bartocci)

      • Dance Atak Convention in Long Beach, CA (Teacher Assistant) ~ 2019

      • South Coast Performing Arts Studio, Tustin, CA (Teacher Assistant) ~ 2019