Jamie Simmons
Andover,KS
Summary
Curriculum-driven and student-focused dance educator with a proven track record of fostering student growth and positive relationships. Effective communicator and servant leader, enhancing collaborative efforts to ensure success of various programs. Skilled and experienced in choreography, teaching and administrative duties. Invested in personal growth, positive mentorship role, and dedicated to achieving continuous improvement in the dance education environment.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Teaching Faculty Member
Ballet Wichita Academy
08.2023 - Current
- Taught multiple levels, ages, and styles.
- Implemented the ABT curriculum through detailed lesson plans, and successfully helped students improve their ballet skills.
- Developed basic curriculum for the first dance exploration class for the Academy.
- Assisted new faculty members by sharing best practices and offered guidance in the interning process.
- Encouraged students to help them gain confidence during a state of change and growth.
- Evaluated students skills to determine their understanding of the curriculum.
- Adapted teaching methods to meet students' varying needs.
- Communicated and collaborated with other faculty members and the Academy Director with the goal of furthering the Academy, and students therein.
- Selected music and created choreography to display student's acquired learning during the course of the year.
- Subbing for other faculty members as needed.
Teaching Faculty Member
Kansas Dance Academy, Diane Gans Owner
08.2007 - 06.2025
- See above responsibilities from Ballet Wichita Academy. In addition...
- Worked pleasantly along a large staff to create a cohesive syllabi, and developed lesson plans to meet intended goals.
- Taught among multi-cultural students and their families effectively.
- Identified team weaknesses and implemented routines and class lessons to resolve such.
- Fostered creativity, growth and teamwork, through a wide variety of choreographic styles.
- Challenged personal growth through attending regular staff development workshops, and stepping outside of comfort zone in choreographic styles.
- Initiated and implemented mentoring groups to increase student belonging and collaboration across age groups.
- Built and managed a system to track and implement policies, leading to a more streamlined, effective, and peaceful environment for dancers and staff.
- Created assessments and informational documents for dancers.
- Contributed to theatrical and business related tasks at the discretion of the director.
- Managed backstage during performances, and trained parent volunteers to work backstage, maintaining a safe environment for all.
- Prepared students to perform with strength, grace, and confidence in highly-competitive situations.
- Developed deep and life-long connections with students, their families, and faculty members.
Nutcracker Rehearsal Assistant
Ballet Wichita
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Worked closely with Producing Artisic Director to ensure smooth rehearsals that ran on time, accurate notetaking, and effective use of studio time.
- Contributed to a positive working relationship between artistic staff and cast members and their families.
- Ran rehearsals for Ensemble and Auxiliary cast when Artistic Director was unavailable.
- Contributed to decision-making in choreography.
- Trained and implemented use of Ensemble Assistants to make large rehearsals more effective/efficient.
- Kept a running prop list to give to Artistic Assistant for production planning purposes.
- Ensured cast health by running warm up classes for rehearsals and performances.
- Collaborated and worked along-side multiple teams (Artistic, Crew, Stage Management, Dancers, etc) to produce more harmony in production.
- Enhanced the team's communication through providing updates for parent emails.
- Demonstrated resolution skills and remained solutions-oriented in face of complex problems to assist in production's success.
- Allowed Artistic Director to focus on greater work, by taking on various other tasks, ensuring the best possible outcome for everyone.
40th Anniversary Committee Chair
Ballet Midwest
06.2015 - 06.2017
- Directed strategic planning efforts, identifying opportunities to celebrate a milestone.
- Appointed, encouraged, and monitored 20 key volunteers from planning to completion of projects.
- Proposed meetings and agenda items to committee leadership.
- Prepared documents and kept records of necessary meeting notes, receipts, and other data.
- Fostered a collaborative environment through open-door policies, improving overall committee performance.
- Managed complex projects from inception to completion within deadlines while adhering to the budget.
- Oversaw volunteer recruitment efforts, expanding our talent pool significantly, while also increasing volunteer engagement.
- Established relationships with community members, and strategic partners.
- Brought 2 years of planning to successful completion!
Teaching Faculty Member
Barbara's Conservatory of Dance
10.1995 - 03.2004
- See above teaching experience. Addtionally...
- Managed and Directed the Liturgical Dance program for the studio.
- Mentored younger faculty members and class assistants by sharing best practices and offering guidance on effective teaching strategies.
- Increased class numbers, size of the program and number of community performances.
- Partnered with outside professional and private organizations for the enjoyment of dance for all, and meeting the goals of the program.
- Initiated methods and bi-annual performances that are still being implemented successfully today.
Assistant Artistic Director
Ballet Midwest
01.2001 - 12.2003
- Participated in auditions, and casting with Artistic Director.
- Streamlined rehearsal processes for more efficient use of time and resources.
- Choreographed, rehearsed, and designed costumes for various performances in The Nutcracker, and Spring Ballets.
- Maintained open lines of communication between all departments within the organization, fostering collaboration towards shared goals.
- Mentored emerging artists.
- Fostered a positive work environment for cast and crew, addressing concerns when necessary.
- Worked closely alongside the Artistic Director through an apprenticeship of the position.
Education
Bachelor of Education - K-8, Emphasis in Health Sport & Exercise Science
Washburn University
Topeka, KS12-2003
Skills
- Approachable, effective, servant leadership
- Personal and Organizational growth mindset
- Mentoring and team development
- Collaborative team member
- Attention to detail and organizational skills
- Excellent teaching skills and experience across ages 3-adult, multiple styles
Timeline
Nutcracker Rehearsal Assistant
Ballet Wichita
09.2024 - 12.2024
Teaching Faculty Member
Ballet Wichita Academy
08.2023 - Current
40th Anniversary Committee Chair
Ballet Midwest
06.2015 - 06.2017
Teaching Faculty Member
Kansas Dance Academy, Diane Gans Owner
08.2007 - 06.2025
Assistant Artistic Director
Ballet Midwest
01.2001 - 12.2003
Teaching Faculty Member
Barbara's Conservatory of Dance
10.1995 - 03.2004
Bachelor of Education - K-8, Emphasis in Health Sport & Exercise Science
Washburn University
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