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Evolving Dance Education: A Conversation with Jamie, Artistic Director of WNC Dance Academy

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Late morning at the park, amid the laughter of toddlers playing, Jamie shared her enthusiasm about the exciting changes at WNC Dance Academy. The focus has shifted towards a student rep company, with a vision to inspire audiences through dance, moving away from the competitive realm. "We're really not focused on competition anymore, which sets us apart," Jamie explained. The restructured company caters to a broad age range, starting with the mini company for 6 to 9-year-olds and intensifying training at the junior level, 10 and up. The Academy prides itself on a diverse dance style repertoire, encompassing more than just ballet, jazz, and contemporary, making it stand out among other schools in the area. What sets WNC apart further is its passionate faculty. Jamie emphasized, "It's a really cool team of educators. It's not just about professional training; they genuinely care about teaching." This dedication to teaching and a well-rounded dance ...
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My Dance Learning Style

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       I didn’t know about different dance learning styles until I became a teacher. My dance learning style was to follow along in the back. Is that really a learning style? Actually, it is. I just thought that I was shy, but later learned that I am a kinesthetic learner and therefore my memory is not that great when it comes to learning choreography. It doesn’t mean that I can’t get better at it but I have to work harder. This has been a big eye-opener for me working with students. I have had teachers previously use exercises where the students in the back come forward and dance in the front. I have used this exercise a few times thinking that I am pushing my students to practice out of their comfort zone. I have now learned that that is not helpful for kinesthetic learners. To be the best teacher that I can be I need to teach to their learning style. I think back on this particular time when I was assisting another teacher who was sick and she asked me to come in ...
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Pandemic of Love

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  https://www.pandemicoflove.com/ From the website: "Pandemic of Love  is a mutual aid community of care that was started in response to the COVID-19 epidemic. It humbly began on March 14th, 2020 by  one person  and was intended to help her own local community. But, like an epidemic, the act of love and kindness spread quickly and is now a beautiful movement helping those in need throughout the world. What is a mutual aid community?  It connects people in need with patrons who can help with that need. This is a tangible way for people to give to each other, quickly, discretely and directly. What’s the catch?  There is none. Kind people are introduced to kind people which results in an act of kindness and human connection." Check out our local chapter in Asheville!  One of my friends, Ness Nowik, is heading our chapter! I'm so thankful to have such amazing friends! You can read about her involvement  here :  Thank you Ness!
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Artist Relief Tree

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  A relief fund for artists affected by cancellations due to COVID-19. https://artistrelieftree.com/
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A Home for Asheville Dancers

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Introducing a new community for dancers to connect, inspire, and share! Looking Glass Dancers Society was founded by Elizabeth Kellberg and Megan McDonald in Asheville, NC. We wanted to create a community space online for dancers to connect, learn, grow, and create. This is the one place you can look to for anything dance related in the community. We are here to help dance studios flow smoothly, dance educators teach flawlessly, and dancers perform endlessly.  Since we are brand new, please send us any feedback you may have so that we can continue to add or change our organization to fit the needs of those in our community. Welcome!
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