Clogging/Salsa/Arts & Crafts Instruction

Because I love doing gigs and I'm not happy unless everyone is happy and having fun, I tailor each program to the ages, needs, and skill levels of your group.

I offer several programs for all age groups around dance and art and I come to your venue. Before your special date, we discuss your specific expectations. Is this a celebration, a reunion, a little fun for after dinner, or . . .? What fits with your guests and the venue? I'd like to know more about the people attending the event. The better I understand the audience, the better job I can do for you. Here's what you can expect for dance or art/crafts programs.

1. DANCE

a. Clogging:
I liven things up with a demonstration of various styles with different types of music such as bluegrass, country, or pop. They're all upbeat and high-energy and make people feel happy. Then we learn a dance where I show the easy version and something a little more challenging for advanced dancers. It helps if they wear comfy shoes they can dance in but we work with what we have. I wear shoes with special taps so people can hear the rhythm and I need a floor without carpeting to perform. Regarding music, you’re welcome to select some favorite tunes and, if they have the right beat, I’ll incorporate your picks.

b. Salsa with some Cha Cha & Bachata:
We start with salsa line dance without partners so everyone can participate. After learning a variety of salsa steps and, I integrate a couple of other Latin styles. Then we form a circle and people have fun taking turns to "show off" their moves in the middle. If they want to dance with a partner, we do that, too. I use Latin salsa music and some pop tunes with the right beat. We can include your music, too.

c. Dance to Unwind and De-Stress:
Ahh, just to relax and renew. Moving in ways that help us release stress and tension, people can unwind. At times, they "follow the teacher" and at other times, we let the music move us and it becomes s a fun way to improvise. There's no cookie cutter approach to this as it is definitely customized for your group. Option: combine with drawing to unwind (see below).

2. ARTS & CRAFTS

a. Drawing Programs include:
– Drawing to unwind and relieve stress. You have the option to combine this with dance. No talent necessary. Honest! One activity is to draw with our eyes closed. I also include zendoodle, an enjoyable and relaxing activity.
– Draw inspiration from dance and music. We move to music and then draw. Again, no talent needed. We make shapes and lines that correspond to the movement and music. It's total self-expression, inspired by the dance and rhythms of the music. The results are mostly abstract.

b. Create Artists Books:
This is so much fun that often, people go home and not only do they make more, they share it with their family. Anything goes here as we invent and create. We fold paper into a book form and use all kinds of ways to fill the pages with such things as collage, symbols, shapes, drawings, photos, poems, letters or words, etc. Themes vary. It could be a "Sunshine Book" to use as a visual journal to record positive things that make them happy. It can be a travel memento book about visiting various places. Or, it can be an artistic project with colorful "eye candy."

c. Painting Party:
Before the event, we discuss what subjects might suit your group and what medium fits. It’s geared specifically for you. I show people some techniques and guide them with shapes, lines, textures, and color choices. While the subject may be the same, each person's interpretation is unique. This is much more satisfying than simply copying me. Depending on the venue, we adapt to the space.

d. Create Jewelry:
Make it and wear it! Everyone has fun making either a necklace or a bracelet (or both for a longer session) with beads. People choose from a variety of sizes and colors. I also demonstrate how they can make their own beads and an easy way to string them. This is something they can do again and again long after the event.

Whether it's through dance or art, the joy of creativity adds zest to any event and these activities enrich our lives. It inspires me when I watch people's faces light up as they clog or salsa dance to the beat. And, regarding art, as a visual artist and art teacher, I am privileged to witness that magic moment when it all comes together. As you can see by my programs, I often combine the two – dance and visual art.

The thrill of connecting with people of all ages and seeing them have fun (and learn something, too) has been my passion for many years.

Fortunate enough to have my dance and art programs approved by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools’ curriculum committee, I’ve conducted programs for kids since 2005. Plus I've done workshops and keynote speeches for adults internationally. I am also a trained psychotherapist so topics can include "Relax, Renew, and Re-energize," "Manage Stress Before it Manages You," and "Boost Your Creativity."

As an artist, I am also part of a professional artists’ group and, as a dance instructor, I perform clogging demos and love getting everyone on their feet to teach them some steps.

I also teach salsa and we usually dance it as a line dance or in a circle. With no need for partners, everyone can join the fun. Of course, once they learn the steps, people can partner up if they choose.

Because of my background, I enjoy writing articles so, as a published magazine author ("Cosmopolitan," "Woman's Day," "Working Woman," etc.), I decided to start writing books for children on values and character development. It’s good way to use both my knowledge of psychology and my work with kids.

And, because life would be way too dull if I couldn't be creative, I'm completing a creativity handbook for adults and older teens.

Luckily, I have tons of energy and many interests. Just for variety, I became a certified self-defense coach and do workshops and special events. At just under 5'1" (maybe that’s why I studied self-defense!), I learned that size, strength, and age aren't as important as technique and speed of execution. The element of surprise is a huge factor, too. Maybe that's why it appeals to me since, in my programs for special events and parties, I love to surprise people and make each gig one they'll be talking about for weeks. Besides seeing everyone have tons of fun, I also like it when they leave with something – a few cool dance steps, a piece of artwork, or a new idea or skill they can use after the event.

If we dance, we need space for everyone to move and a floor with no carpeting. This is especially so for clogging. If necessary, we can use a low pile carpet for salsa. It is helpful if the organizer can let people know in advance so they can wear or bring appropriate shoes.

For any art project, we need space for tables and chairs and, depending on how messy the project might be, we can spread plastic for protection. Depending on the medium, we may need water.

I have sound equipment but it would be helpful if we have wifi and we can check and see if I could use the speakers in the space where you're holding the event. If not, my speaker is pretty powerful.

That's it!