At age six, dancers are ready to begin training in classical and contemporary dance.  In my classes, I emphasize correct Alignment, Versatility,  Performance Quality and an Understanding of the geometry, anatomy, & physics used in dance.

Correct Alignment refers to carriage of the shoulders, spine, ribs, hips, knees and ankles which allows a dancer to move freely and prevent injury.

Versatility is a dancer's ability to dance in different styles - from ballet to modern dance to jazz - and a dancer's ability to create different characters and emotions on stage.

I believe the most important element of a fine dancer is his or her Performance Quality.  This comes from charisma, finesse, audience contact, and involvement in one's character.  I focus on all aspects of performance, as well as technique, in my dance classes.

As a dancer, teacher & choreographer, I have found that Understanding is the key to technique.  Dance, in addition to being an expressive and beautiful art form, is an application of scientific knowledge. To gracefully execute the beautiful lines, magnificent jumps and exciting turns that become dance on stage, dancers must understand the geometry of those lines, the anatomy that creates them, and the laws of physics that put them into motion.  With the use of everyday examples, imagery and demonstration, I work to help students understand the science behind dance. 

~ Kristy Nilsson