Abby Dias
Summary
I have 7 years of experience as a teaching artist with Mark Morris Dance Center teaching classes such as Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Composition, and Creative Dance. As a deaf artist, I feel a huge responsibility to make dancing accessible for every student who enters the studio. I believe a dance education inspires empathy and compassion, persistence and resilience, and a curiosity and an openness to the world around us. Two themes that are ever-present in my teaching style are: active listening, and spacial awareness. There is an emphasis on respect for those around us as we learn to make space for both ours, and others artistic voices to be heard. And of course: an emphasis on fun and play. Exploration of how our body’s move, of music, and of joy, are key to creating better dancers, and better overall human beings. These are values that were instilled in me from my dance teachers, and a mission of mine to pass on to this upcoming generation of dancers.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Teaching Artist
Mark Morris Dance Center
09.2017 - Current
- Taught classes such as: We Dance- All levels. Creative Dance- All levels. Modern- Modern Fundamentals A, B, level 1, level 2, Teen Modern, Advanced Teen Modern. Jazz Fundamentals A,B, Jazz Level 1, Jazz Level 2, Teen Jazz. Ballet Fundamentals A, B. Composition- All levels. As well as: Specialty themed intensive work, Birthday dance classes, and stage make up classes.
- Wrote unique and custom lesson plans tailored to the student population of each class and level ranging from private lessons to large group classes.
- Collaborated with and communicated ideas and exercises with various musicians during class.
- Instructed and mentored assistant teaching artists to eventually teach various styles of dance.
- Implemented positive reinforcement strategies, promoting a supportive atmosphere conducive to learning and personal growth..
- Adapted instructional methods for diverse learners, ensuring an inclusive environment where all students could thrive artistically.
- Provided individualized support to students, fostering their artistic growth and confidence.
- Contributed to school-wide events showcasing student artwork, raising awareness of the arts program within the community.
- Created custom choreography to emphasize the skills learned in class.
- Strengthened relationships with parents and guardians by maintaining open communication regarding student progress.
- Facilitated and oversaw student showcases.
- Kept students engaged with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Created appropriate custom playlists for classes without a musician present.
- Taught dancers to create choreography through collaborative works.
- Worked with staff members and families to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Taught dance classes without etiquette by establishing and reinforcing clear expectations.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Effectively used props and visual aids to allow various entry points to class instructions and material.
Assistant Teaching Artist
Mark Morris Dance Center
09.2017 - 09.2020
- Assisted classes such as: Ballet Fundamentals- A, B, Level 1, and Level 2. Modern- Teen Modern, Advanced Modern, Modern Level 1 and 2. Hip Hop- Hip Hop Fundamentals A, B, Teen Hip Hop. Jazz- Jazz Fundamentals A, B, Level 1, 2, 3, Teen Jazz. Student Company- Student Company 1. African Fundamentals- A. Composition- All Levels.
- Acting as in-term or substitute lead teachers when needed.
- Collaborated with fellow teaching artists to create interdisciplinary projects, enriching the overall learning experience for students.
- Implemented positive reinforcement strategies, promoting a supportive atmosphere conducive to learning and personal growth.
- Assisted in managing classroom materials and supplies, ensuring a well-stocked environment for creative exploration.
- Adapted instructional methods for diverse learners, ensuring an inclusive environment where all students could thrive artistically.
- Provided individualized support to students, fostering their artistic growth and confidence.
- Contributed to school-wide events showcasing student artwork, raising awareness of the arts program within the community.
- Strengthened relationships with parents and guardians by maintaining open communication regarding student progress.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Worked with teachers to design lesson plans and coordinate activities for classes.
- Worked with teacher to identify and target opportunities for instructional improvements.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
Education
Conservatory - Dance And Musical Theater
American Musical And Dramatic Academy
New York2017
Training Program Scholarship Recipient - Limón Technique
Limón Institute
New York, NYSkills
-Consistently growing class sizes overtime
-Writing unique and custom lesson plans tailored to the student population of each class and level ranging from private lessons to large group classes
-Working with students with various disabilities and accessibility needs
-Collaborating and communicating with live musicians
-Teaching dance class etiquette by establishing and reinforcing clear expectations
-Creating custom choreography to emphasize skills learned in class
-Some ASL
-Effectively communicating complex technical ideas to younger dancers
-Scaffolding lesson plans over time to help students achieve important milestones
-Teaching dancers to create choreography through collaborative works
-Fostering resiliency and perseverance in young people by encouraging self discipline and a mindful work ethic
-Appropriate use of props and visual aids
-Ability to pivot class plans and structures to meet students needs on a moment to moment basis
-Forming trust and fostering a sense of community with student populations
-Promoting bodily autonomy by requesting consent before making physical corrections
-Creating custom class playlists
-Advocating for students to receive accommodations
-Nurturing creative curiosity by creating a safe and nonjudgmental learning environment
-Creative Problem Solving
- Experience and expertise working with all ages 18 months and up
Timeline
Teaching Artist
Mark Morris Dance Center
09.2017 - Current
Assistant Teaching Artist
Mark Morris Dance Center
09.2017 - 09.2020
Conservatory - Dance And Musical Theater
American Musical And Dramatic Academy
Training Program Scholarship Recipient - Limón Technique
Limón Institute