MAKAYLA SPRAGUE

Makayla has been teaching in the arts for 9 years. She has had the pleasure to teach ballet, modern, jazz, tap, pointe, acting for dancers, and theatre. From ages 3 to college level, Makayla enjoys it all and always has something new to bring to the class. She has taught at multiple studios in Buffalo, New York including, American Academy of Ballet, Configurations Dance Theatre, and KipTom Dance Center. She is also Pilates Mat certified and helps students in class by using anatomical terms, to truly understand the body. Lastly, perfoamance in her classes is very important. She instructs each student to always dance like they are on stage. Not only does it help them for the future, but it's also fun!

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Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher I want my students to not only fall in love with dance but to understand every part of the technique. Whether a student takes their dancing to the next level as a profession, or if it stays a hobby for them, I want to see students learn and grow in each class. To me, dance is not only an art form, but a life-style. From a teacher’s point of view, it is my job to not only educate and guide, but to help students express themselves in various different ways.

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Learning from past experiences, my approach is to get the students to understand that our body is our instrument, and that is why it is so important. While teaching and giving constructive criticism, it helps if the student knows what muscles need to be working and how to engage them to help further their technique. Using imagery, like “stack your bones” will help a student visualize and feel where their weight is supposed to be. Being able to educate students about their body and what their body needs to be a dancer will also be important. I will approach students and educate them on how to live a healthy lifestyle.

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As an educator, I believe that it is important to always stay positive. Being supportive will bring out positivity in students and motivate them to do well and keep working. There is a way to correct students and keep pushing them to work in a way that is constructive and optimistic. Using comments like “you are so close and I know you can do it, so let’s keep trying,” is a perfect example of how I help a student with what they were struggling with in a positive manner. Also, keeping a positive tone and facial expression is important as an educator. Our students look up to us, so setting an example as an encouraging mentor is very impactful.

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Technically, I like to follow many different styles of technique to prepare students for whatever will be asked of them. Beyond that, I want to see presentation and artistry. No matter what, I want to see my students performing to the bast of their ability in class so it will always come naturally for the stage. I expect students to always push themselves to their limits. I also want to see them understanding their body, and understand when they need to listen to what their body needs. I love to see my students grow and find internal strength and motivation that makes them want to always keep working. From a positive leaving environment, I believe that is possible.

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Dance is such a beautiful art form and I believe that as a teacher, I need to keep inspiring students to fall in love with dance. Dance is also such a wonderful education. I believe it teaches kids how to learn, memorize, create, respect, and focus; all of which are so important in life. Dance is a way to express yourself and can also be a way to get rid of negative thoughts. I believe that dance should be taught in every school as an activity, so students can get their body moving and learn the art. I love dance and it has been in my life forever, and will continue to be so. While I teach students, I want to show my passion for what I do so they are always encouraged.

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Why do I teach? I teach to find the passion that is inside of students. One of the most satisfying feelings is to see a student progress and respond well to what you have taught them. I want to help students, whether they want to become dancers or not, express themselves in a way that can make them happy. Being able to give all of my knowledge to someone else and to see where they take that knowledge is a blessing to me, and I love to see how much my students can even inspire me. In our world, keeping up the dedication, passion, and drive for the arts is necessary. I as an educator, will show my devotion to this art form when I teach, so I can help students fall in love with it.

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