As a Christian, my teaching foundations lie on principles found in the Scriptures and reflect the examples Jesus showed throughout the Bible. I am a firm but loving instructor; I encourage excellence not perfectionism. Only our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is perfect, yet the Bible does say that “whatever [our] hand finds to do,” we are to “do it with [our] might” (Ecc.9:10) and advices us that “whatever [we] do,” we should “work at it with all [our] heart[s], as working for the Lord, not for men” (Col. 3:23). I understand that in dance, as in other things in life, mistakes happen. Dance is a learning process, and proper growth in any area of life, especially dance, needs some form of correction in order to get better.

However, sometimes, with mistakes and corrections comes frustration, either from the teacher, the student(s), or both. This is why I love Galatians 5:22-23, “but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” I always try to keep this verse in mind while teaching. It helps my students and I remember how important it is to exhibit these characteristics and traits not only in the studio but also out of class as well. The main purpose of all of my dance classes is to provide quality and proper technique to students while emphasizing a Christian viewpoint. In my opinion, too many studios now days use degrading songs and have skimpy outfits in their recitals, even for the smaller children. The goal at RDS is to not only teach technique but also educate the students on the Biblical history and references regarding dance and how to use dance as a form of worship to the Lord. I hope to instill in my students a passion to use dance to glorify God instead of glorifying themselves or satisfying others.

Proper technique enables students to execute movements and steps precisely. There are two main forms or methods of ballet technique—the Vagonova method and the Cecchetti method. Neither one is wrong; it just depends on which one you would like to use. I use the Vagonova method in my classes and utilize imagery, hands-on manipulation, teacher demonstrations, and performances to help students learn positions, steps, and movements.

Imagery involves articulating orally to the students how a movement is to be executed; words are used in such a way that they produce an image in the students’ minds that will help them better understand how to perform the specific movement. Hands-on manipulation refers to the process in which, I, as the teacher, use my hands to physically gently move the students’ bodies to help them understand how the correct way of doing specific ballet movements should feel. This concept is especially important during the earlier years of a student’s training.

In correcting students during class, I take into consideration each student’s learning style. Some students will do better with imagery, others with hands-on, and still others with demonstration. Thus, it is important to use a combination of teaching styles in the studio.

Students are taught how to use dance as a form of worship while striving for excellence in technique. They learn the numerous Scripture verses that talk about dance and how common tools or props, such as banners and flags, are sometimes incorporated in dances to enhance the choreography, especially those done at churches. The students not only learn how to dance to songs, but they also learn how to “dance” Scripture by fitting specific moves or gestures to the words.

In addition to their technique and Biblical training about dance, students learn important life skills. They are expected to be dressed appropriately and ready for class to begin on time. If they fail to do so, they receive one warning, and after the one warning, they are not allowed to participate in class that day. This helps the students learn the importance of discipline and of being prepared—both mentally and physically—for class. Also, there is a mutual respect between the students and the teacher and amongst the students themselves, not out of fear or intimidation, but out of love for one another. They learn to respect others, even if they have different ideas or opinions.

Students are given opportunities to show what they have learned throughout the year by performances. These performances consist of group dances that I choreograph with the students’ input. This enables the students to learn how to dance—precisely and gracefully—together as a “team” and helps develop their skills in committing to memory the choreography they have learned. In the upper level classes, as the students advance in technique and understanding of Biblical principles relating to dance, they are also given opportunities to choreography their own solos, duets, trios for these performances. This helps the students think creatively for themselves.

Receiving ballet training from Reconciliation Dance Studio is a different, and for some, a life-changing experience. We are not an “ordinary” studio, so if you are looking for an “ordinary” studio, this may not be the place for you. On the other hand, if you are tired of the same old booty- shaking, crowd-pleasing performances done by other studios that rip you of each month in tuition fees, this is the place for you. Especially if you are looking for an encouraging atmosphere where you can develop your dance worship skills, RDS is the place to be. We focus on what’s really important: Jesus Christ.