|
 Teacher
in the Spotlight:
Todd Wilson
Co-artistic director, instructor, A Tucson Dance Company,
Tucson, AZ
AGES TAUGHT:
7 to adult (primarily teens to adult)
GENRES TAUGHT:
My focus is on jazz and lyrical. I oversee all curriculum.
TEACHING DANCE FOR:
9 years
WHY HE TEACHES:
I began dancing professionally at 14, when I joined the
University of Arizona Dance Ensemble. Throughout high school I
balanced performing with teaching at my family’s studio and
traveling back and forth from Los Angeles. At 17 I began
teaching at Canyon Ranch, a health spa in Tucson, which pushed
me to become a more committed and responsible teacher. The
expectation of professionalism was much higher there than
anywhere I had worked previously. Later, while living in L.A.,
I felt the void of not teaching a consistent class. While
working aboard a cruise ship, I decided to return to Tucson to
take our family studio in a new direction.
GREATEST INSPIRATION:
First, my teacher, Josette Weibrecht Blue. Josette opened my
eyes and heart to the love of movement and respect of dance as
an art. She is a constant inspiration. Second, my family. Most
of my success and achievement as a dancer and teacher has been
due to their constant and strong support. Third, the dancer.
There is nothing I love or that inspires me more than an eager
mind and body. I have such an appreciation for the process;
seeing a young dancer find their “Aha!” moment is incredible.
PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING:
Share your humanity with your students. Make sure to tell them
they are humans first and dancers second. Keep a healthy
relationship with your students; always remember that you are
their teacher first and friend second. Remind them how lucky
they are to have the outlet of movement and to cherish their
time in the studio. Keep your expectations high; they can do
anything if you give them the right tools.
WHAT MAKES HIM A GOOD TEACHER:
I am absolutely insane; I am sure that is a prerequisite for
good instruction. I also try to live in moderation and believe
that comes through in my class.
FONDEST TEACHING MEMORY:
I had an incredible experience at Canyon Ranch. I decided to
take a chance and teach a lyrical class to recreational
dancers in their 40s and above. As I was teaching this
technically basic class, I noticed that the dancers were
connecting with the choreography on a profound level, one that
I had not found at the studio or in choreographing for
professionals. They were living the movement and externalizing
every ounce of the music. Afterward they came to me with hugs
and stories. One woman told me that while she danced she could
see her grandkids and feel how much she loved them. That day
moved me beyond words. I was so humbled by my students, whom I
had so underestimated. They had taken on the role of teacher
without even knowing it.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR STUDENTS AND/OR TEACHERS:
Take a chance. Step out of the box. If you’re not nervous or
afraid, go find something new. Live every moment while you
dance or teach.
WHAT HE WOULD DO IF HE COULDN’T TEACH DANCE:
Politics. We would be doing production numbers on the senate
floor. C-SPAN’s ratings would go up dramatically.
MORE THOUGHTS (NOT) ON DANCE AND TEACHING:
My favorite color is blue; I am a Scorpio; I love music; yes,
I am going to “Vote for Hillary”; yoga is amazing; and I love
good food.
Photo courtesy Todd Wilson
DO YOU KNOW A DANCE TEACHER WHO DESERVES TO BE IN THE
SPOTLIGHT?
Email your nominations to Cheryl@rheegold.com or mail them to
Theresa Grenier, Rhee Gold Company, 10 South Washington St.,
Norton, MA 02766. Please include why you think this teacher
should be featured in
Dance Studio Life, along with his or her contact
information.
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