Background…

As a graduate of the Grant MacEwan Dance Teacher Training Program, and 25 years of teaching, performance and creation experience, I have developed a deep passion for quality education and am delighted to share my discoveries when possible. I feel it is our responsibility at educators to continue to grow, expanding our skill set, inspiration and knowledge. It is my hope that educators both young and experienced have an opportunity to come together in an exchange of ideas and methodologies that will maintain the highest of standards in dance education.

The information shared is a compilation of 20 Years experience. One of my greatest Mentor’s was the Late Charlene Tarver, the founder of the Grant MacEwan Dance Program. I was fortunate to study with her in the final years of the Teacher Training program at GMCC. She was a genius with children and creative dance. Her philosophies are the foundation of my work. In addition to my Practicum studies at GMCC, I was fortunate to work with tap and body percussion masters, who have had a great influence on how and what I teach today.

I also trained extensively in modern dance, as a graduate of the Dance Performance Program at GMCC, and enjoyed a professional career as modern dancer prior to my re introduction to the world of tap and body percussion. Rhythm masters, Dianne Walker, Heather Cornell, Brenda Bufalino, Keith Terry, Fernando Barba, and Acia Gray were artists and educators who opened my eyes to a lifelong musical journey, and set the stage for many years to come.

The work of Dianne Walker, (and the late Leon Collins) are an on-going investigation for me. Acia Gray’s technique and break down of fundamentals resonates with me, as it is cohesive and makes anatomical sense in training. Gene Medler, and his approach to improvisation education, triggered many “a-ha” moments as well. Brenda Bufalino, Heather Cornell, Katherine Kramer, Max Pollak, Barbara Phillips, Keith Terry, Barbatuques, Roxanne Butterfly, Jeannie Hill and Derick Grant, have also influenced my style, focus and areas that I feel are important in Tap dance education.

When working in my early practicum years with Charlene Tarver, an in depth study went into every exercise analyzing: concept, space, time, level, sequencing, musicality, dynamic range, physical, mental and emotional development, as well as creative inspiration. I work to approach my tap dance and body music teachings with these same concepts intact, striving to deliver lessons which cover numerous concepts simultaneously; technique, physicality, musical awareness, historical appreciation and knowledge, individual artistry and respect for our mentors.

“A child doesn’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care”

~ Charlene Tarver

“You don’t teach WHAT you know, you teach WHO you are”

~ Charlene Tarver

Tasha Lawson’s Teacher Training Program was incredibly helpful in my transition into the world of teaching after many years of dance training. Covering topics from how to command advanced/adult classes as a young educator, creative dance techniques for young children and teaching rhythm, improvisation and history; it was a comprehensive overview and deep dive into the many components involved in being a dance educator. Another helpful aspect of the program included discussions about industry standards including resume curating, rate negotiation and interview tips. The program gave me confidence to bring the knowledge I had developed over the years and within the training to students of many different backgrounds with conviction – Laura Donaldson