My dancing and teaching philosophy is strongly influenced by Rudolf von Laban (1879-1956), one of the pioneers in the development of modern dance. Laban preferred to use the term “The Art of Movement” rather than “Dance,” recognizing that the latter often brings to mind only stage performers or ballroom dancing. He believed that dance should reflect and respond to society’s needs, and he sought to bring dance back into everyday life. His vision for dance as an accessible, expressive art form that transcends the stage deeply resonates with my approach to teaching.

Laban was not only a dancer, choreographer, painter, architect, and movement analyst, but also a revolutionary figure in dance education. In his 1948 writings on education, he noted that the intellectual demands of modern life required a balancing factor, which he believed could be found in dance education. He emphasized that dance should maintain the spontaneity of movement that we all possess as children but lose if not nurtured as we grow older. For Laban, the goal was not artistic perfection but the development of the whole person, with creative dance fostering self-expression, personality growth, and joy.

I often wonder how Laban would have responded to our 21st-century world, where creativity and innovation are highly valued yet we sometimes forget that our bodies are more than just vehicles for our minds (as Sir Ken Robinson so poignantly put it in his TED Talk, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?”).

My acquaintance with the Laban Guild profoundly impacted my life, helping me discover my true passion: Teaching Creative Dance. This form of dance allows me to integrate all of my interests—dancing, being a mom, a love for nature, art, and research—into my work. It’s a perfect blend, and I find it incredibly fulfilling.

I am particularly passionate about connecting children with nature through creative dance. I strive to enhance nature literacy by guiding students to explore and engage with the natural world through movement, helping them recognize the rhythms, patterns, and textures of the environment. I believe this not only fosters creativity and self-expression but also deepens their understanding of and respect for the world around them.

I love sharing my ideas and experiences with others, and I encourage you to bring “The Art of Movement” into your everyday life, whether you are a parent, teacher, dancer, or someone who never thought they would be interested in dance. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it can be deeply enriching. Let’s dance together!