Teaching From The Heart
When I opened my studio in August of 1992. 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 the ensuing dance 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.
In 2002, 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 A Rocky Mountain School of Dance & Performing Arts, Inc. (303) 420-3097.
Thank you!
Lynne Waggoner-Patton
“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!"