BallaroDance (K-12)

BallaroDance offers residency programs throughout Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx.  Residencies typically encompass between 10 – 20 sessions in a particular classroom ranging from kindergarten to grade 12.  Programs can either focus solely in a dance style, or an art and academic fusion can be created.  Residencies in ballet, jazz, tap, creative movement and ballroom are taught linking the arts discipline to language arts, social studies, conflict management, and other academic subjects.  Check out example residencies and my teaching philosophy below.  If you are interested in receiving more information or scheduling an in school, after school, parent or teacher workshop please email Michele Wilson at ballarodance@gmail.com.

Sample Residency Programs:

• Exploring the Harlem Renaissance – The Culture of Jazz Dance and Music (grades 2 and up)
• Building Vocabulary through Movement (ELL students grades K-5)
• Telling Stories with our Bodies (grades K-4)
• Self-Empowerment: Who are We? (grades 5-12)
• Dancing through the Decades (grades 4 and up, could include possible collaboration with music teacher or music club)
• Finding Resolution to Conflict through Movement (grades 2-5)

Teaching Philosophy:

Passion; discovery; respect; mentorship; diversity; expression.  These words strongly define the roots and mission of my personal teaching philosophy.  All encompass my beliefs surrounding the methods to successful pedagogy.

As a passionate learner, I am also a passionate teacher.  I view life as a gigantic lesson with much to learn and investigate.  As a teacher, my ultimate goal is to share both my energy and love for learning with my students.

Equally as important, all students should be encouraged to make discoveries within their own learning, and within their own lives.   It is inside of self-discovery, a component of Expeditionary Learning, when youngsters learn the most important and meaningful lessons.

Within the classroom, all children should be treated with respect and should feel safe in their learning environment.  Children are thinkers and analyzers, and their level of involvement in how learning takes place is noteworthy.  My knowledge of the Reggio Emilia Approach provides me with a solid understanding that learning should be about, for, and with ideas from children.

Teaching and learning should be based around a mentoring relationship.  As the teacher, it is essential that I de-centralize, and allow the learning to take place naturally.  Children should be shown how to make observations, interpretations, and judgments of what they see and experience inside of the classroom; adult guidance and support should be a main component of this process.

Dance, as well as other art forms, can show students the value and importance of diversity.  Different races, cultures, and religious beliefs make this world a colorful place, and through various artistic outlets, students can be exposed to this vast world.

With the knowledge learned inside of the classroom, students will be able to express themselves.  Self-expression is powerful and supports a self-awareness leading to increased levels of both self-esteem and confidence.  As a teacher, I hope to fully support each student on their path to self-discovery and within their own artistic journey.