Candidate's Statement: 

I’m delighted to be considered for this Board position after many years of work on NDEO committees and attendance at conferences, all in support of our collective mission. Should I be elected, I am ready to commit the time and energy necessary to be an inclusive representative of all membership sectors in the Southeast. I have particular interest in three things: The critical need for advocacy initiatives to support dance education in these challenging times; ensuring our continued conversation around DEI in a region where this dialogue has all but disappeared; and finding ways to bring our private sector, K-12, and higher education colleagues closer together through our work.

Having had many roles in the field of dance through the years, I believe I can offer a big-picture view of state and national perspectives to support our membership. I currently serve as the Vice-President of Professional Development for our state NDEO affiliate (NCDEO), where a primary responsibility is convening an annual statewide conference each year. I am also an evaluation team member for the National Association of Schools of Dance. Other recent service has included serving as an adjudicator for the NC Dance Performance, a festival of middle and high schools, and a role as part of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Dance Standards Writing Team, revising the state's K-12 dance curriculum. I teach, write, and maintain an active agenda as a choreographer and director.

I began my career as a dancer and Teaching Artist and quickly discovered my love for teaching through residency work. In my 35-year career, I have performed in dance and theatre companies and on cruise ships, taught in arts-integrated PreK programs and elementary schools, designed and facilitated professional development for teachers across the country, and now work with young dancers and pre-service teachers in higher education. I have also served as a program director and department chair. I get great joy through my interaction with others, and in this way NDEO truly feeds me.

I can’t think of a role that does not require me to be highly collaborative, and recent and ongoing projects (producing a musical, developing curriculum, etc.) are no exception. Whatever the example, a critical skill that I have learned (and continue to refine) is that of balancing advocacy and inquiry – truly listening to others’ ideas and balancing their thoughts and ideas with my own. True collaboration can be uncomfortable, but when done in a respectful way where all individuals feel valued, strong, collegial relationships result that serve to move a conversation forward.

I feel well-positioned and ready to give back to both the organization and my colleagues across our network. Regardless of my role, I will continue to enthusiastically support NDEO and look forward to watching the organization evolve and grow. Thank you for your consideration!