Artistic Statement
Dance serves as both a method of self-inquiry and a medium through which I investigate the complexities of the human experience. My movement practice—rooted in contemporary, jazz, ballet, and tap—emphasizes kinesthetic awareness developed through athletic and stylistically diverse forms. Performance, for me, elicits a sensation akin to observing the lit windows of an apartment complex at night: a quiet curiosity about the multiplicity of lives unfolding within. Each time I step on stage, I metaphorically enter those windows, embodying perspectives beyond my own. This embodiment not only deepens my understanding of the world but also informs the multiple roles I occupy in my life—as a daughter, sister, friend, and educator.
Parallel to my commitment to performance is a deep passion for dance education. The educators in my life have each contributed essential pieces to my intellectual and artistic development, shaping the pedagogical values I now strive to embody. My approach to dance instruction is grounded in a scientific understanding of movement, prioritizing anatomical and biomechanical principles to promote safety and reduce the risk of injury. This foundation fosters heightened somatic awareness and supports long-term physical sustainability. I emphasize critical thinking within the classroom, integrating the biopsychosocial model to inform technical training that is both comprehensive and individualized.
Dance has also instilled in me a commitment to lifelong learning. As a recent graduate, my academic research explored dancer burnout, perfectionism, intrinsic motivation, and career preparedness within collegiate dance performance programs. These inquiries reflect my desire to generate positive change across the fields of education, performance, and arts administration.
My ability to explore identity and pursue a multifaceted set of goals is rooted in the profession to which I have devoted myself. The values of perseverance, creativity, and ambition are deeply influenced by my family, who shaped me into an imaginative and determined individual. My artistic journey has taken me across the United States and now to my current residence in Stirling, Scotland—each experience broadening my perspective and deepening my engagement with the evolving landscape of dance.
