Over the past three years, 100 working artists have shared their stories and career paths on this blog. One of the biggest themes to emerge is about teaching – as an opportunity to explore our movement choices and curiosities, as an income source, as a means to find dancers, and as an opportunity to develop our audiences. This summer, we will repost writing from the 100 artist profiles about teaching as well as offer you reflection questions related to your own work. Click on any name below to read an artist's full profile.

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From Helen Simoneau (Winston-Salem, NC):

I love teaching. In the process of relaying information to my students I am able to more fully consider it for myself. My experiences as a teacher have made me a better dancer and choreographer.

From Katie Kruger (Alameda, CA):

Learning to teach:

I blindly jumped into the fire by teaching at a large public high school with huge classes, no administrative guidance, and little experience teaching dance. This is where I learned to push through the struggles of teaching; it was a lesson in persistence. At the time a colleague said that it takes three years to become a teacher, so I trusted that this was going to be a journey. Because there were so many students of all types I learned that you must see and honor every person in your classroom, even the difficult ones. By recognizing their individual efforts and accomplishments a community of respect is formed that unites the class.

At this time I also took education classes in a Masters Program which were helpful in jumpstarting a quest for theory of education and child development. I observed master teachers in youth dance classes, and took notes on their brilliant ways of managing a class and teaching children through song and games. Slowly over 15 years I have developed what I feel is a confident sense of teaching, but much of that is allowing myself to continue evolving. I am learning how to teach by every class I take. I take mental notes on what works in an adult class, how the teacher talks to students, how the class progresses, how corrections are given, and what doesn't work. I read books and articles on child development and most of all share experiences and seek advice from colleagues. I find that good teachers are prepared, have checked their ego, and are committed to the student. They seek new ways to think, learn, and teach. This is who I like to learn from and this is my goal in teaching.

Advice to those interested in teaching:

Observing other teachers is extremely valuable. Every time I watch another teacher I am enlightened on how to teach a lesson, how to structure a class, or a new idea is sparked. I also believe that you cannot be prepared enough and to create a deep pocket of ideas to fall back on if the class needs to bounce a different direction. Enjoy each and every student for their individual strides. Observe teachers, sub classes, and establish relationships. Be patient, work through problems, and seek advice.

From Natalie Desch (Salt Lake City, UT)*:

I think it has to come from the heart. First and foremost I think we all have to search out the values and the ideas we believe in. And then our responsibility to each individual is to share what you can and remain open to the lessons that your students can help you learn as well.

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*When Natalie Desch wrote her artist profile for the blog, she was located in Seattle, WA. Natalie is now working in Salt Lake City, UT.

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