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“Unless
you are feeling it from your heart… you are not
dancing… you are just doing steps!”
“Dance from the inside out – not the outside in”
“Take
each movement and place a story line behind that movement.
Find meaning behind every step and start that movement
from the center of your soul”
“Give
and take, rocks and waves – dynamics are the key!”
“Smile,
touch, speak to and acknowledge every single dancer in the
room. Make them realize that you care!”
"To
dance the dream
To
feel your heart soar above confining walls
To
feel the beauty of the music
This
is why we dance!"
Lynne
Waggoner-Patton
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References
for
Teaching From the Heart
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Teaching
From the Heart
Lynne
Waggoner-Patton,
Master Choreographer |
When
I opened my studio 15 years ago, I had innocent dreams and
expectations. I
imagined that everything was going to be perfect because I was doing
what I loved… teaching dance.
Throughout the course of 15 seasons, my innocent dreams were
pushed aside with the reality of working 19 hour days, dealing with
parents, being a guidance counselor, nurse, lawyer, marketing
specialist, janitor, choreographer, employer, plumber, costume
designer, costume seamstress, receptionist, shoe repair expert,
accountant and everything else that comes with owning a studio!
During
my second season, I realized that my studio would not grow unless I
“got with it” and started attending competitions.
My staff had to drag me to my first dance competition because
I was a firm believer that dance was an art form and should not be
judged. I grew up in
the musical theater world and was appalled that dancers expected a
trophy for their performance. The
competition was rather exciting.
However, my team was truly devastated at the results (last
place). I felt humiliated because I thought I knew something about
dance but obviously did not prepare my dancers for a competitive
event. In the following years, I traveled to national competitions,
conventions and classes and became a judge to learn how to truly
prepare my dancers.
I took everything that I learned and compiled it into a
program that has proven incredible results.
The main focus of the program is not geared toward
competition or winning
a trophy, it is focused toward dancing because you love it! Although using competitions as a tool for growth and training
can enhance your dancers and motivate them to higher levels,
focusing on performing to entertain, passion and musical
interpretation are key factors in developing a truly amazing dancer.
Six years ago, I began traveling nationwide to studios
offering what I have learned and continue to learn in today’s
dance world. It is
incredibly exciting to work with dancers who have not yet realized
their potential and see them open up as performers.
The spirit that shines in their eyes and the awareness that
they feel when they understand the difference between dancing and
just doing steps is priceless!
I have entitled this program Dancing From the Heart
because it allows me to return to my dreams of helping children of
all ages learn to truly dance. I’m amazed at how this program brings out the true
performer and gives each dancer confidence to make the stage their
home. While still
focusing on technique and choreography, this program goes one step
further and produces passionate, emotionally charged performers!
If
you are interested in learning how to help your students dance like
they have never danced before, please call Lynne at Rocky Mountain
School of Dance (303) 420-3097.
Thank you!
Lynne Waggoner-Patton
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