When it comes to dance education, I believe most teachers are on the same page; technique is first and foremost.  Whether the style is ballet, jazz, tap or modern, strong technique will always lend a dancer longevity and credibility.  My philosophy to teaching is quite simple, by emphasizing a strong process, you will achieve a strong product.  Clean lines, correct placement and a solid center are the fundamental elements for which dancers must strive. 

It is important to make the distinction between style and technique. I believe in teaching a slow and thorough warm-up with a strong ballet foundation that is free of flash and style.  This offers a student the opportunity to focus on proper placement and usage of the muscles, to develop and strengthen the connection between the mind and the muscles (muscle memory)  and helps them develop a healthy relationship with the mirror, which will then allow them to become more self-sufficient in correcting their own mistakes.  I also believe that a slow warm-up promotes strength, wellness, and clean technique.  In turn, clean technique will allow a dancers to apply style with greater ease and comprehension, allowing them to better assist a choreographer reach his or her desired aesthetic.

In tap, my focus is on relaxation and the plie´.  By engaging the center and using the plie´, relaxation is much easier to achieve.  I stress what I call "economy of movement," using only what is absolutely necessary to get the job done.  Keeping things small allows for increased velocity and greater control.  After a student has a firm grasp on technique, style may then be introduced, bringing life and excitement to the technique.