Makayla Herbert
Menifee,CA
Summary
Hi I’m Makayla Herbert, I have been a dancer since the age of 2 and a competitive dancer since the age of 5, I currently work as a dance teacher with elementary schools in my area kindergarten- 6th grade. I was an assistant teacher at my old dance studio JDI dance company to three of the many competition teachers as well as a few recital teachers. Im great with kids, parents, and co-workers! I’ve danced and trained in most styles and love teaching!
Energetic dance instructor offering several years of experience coaching dance students in private and group sessions. Accomplished performer and people person successful at developing talent. Versed in adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
Driven professional trained in wide range of dance styles. Excellent choreography and group instructional skills. Strong dance instruction and performance background with love of teaching students of different ages.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Dance Instructor
Skyhawks Sports Academy
Menifee, CA
03.2022 - Current
- Developed and implemented dance classes for students of all ages, levels and abilities.
- Regularly reviewed music selections for upcoming classes or performances.
- Encouraged creative expression through improvisation exercises.
- Taught a variety of techniques including stretching, leaps, turns and jumps.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student progress and any issues that arise during class time.
- Selected appropriate music for classes based on genre, speed and skill level required.
- Demonstrated proper technique while teaching new movements or steps.
- Organized and monitored rehearsals to ensure the quality of performances.
- Created choreography routines for soloists and groups based on specific themes or stories.
- Advised parents on how they can best support their child's development in dance.
- Assisted in designing costumes for performances according to the theme or story line chosen.
- Provided individual feedback on student performance to help them improve their skills.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, payments received and lesson plans used for each class session.
- Assessed student strengths and weaknesses to determine areas needing improvement.
- Instructed students in the basics of various dance styles such as ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap and contemporary.
- Created a safe environment where students can learn without fear of criticism or judgment.
- Motivated students by providing positive reinforcement when appropriate.
- Monitored student progress over time to ensure they are meeting their goals.
- Collaborated with other instructors to develop lessons plans that meet the needs of each student's level of ability.
- Assessed dancer strengths and developed choreography to highlight talent.
- Maintained attendance, fees and rehearsal schedules for classes.
- Kept classrooms tidy and clean for group and one-on-one instruction.
- Collaborated in team-based environment to uphold instruction quality and continuity of service to clients.
- Upheld studio guidelines and legal requirements for dancer and staff protection.
- Instructed groups of individual and coupled dancers in different dance styles.
- Interacted effectively by email, phone and in person with students, parents and staff members.
- Accommodated students with special needs by using different teaching styles, encouraging each to learn at appropriate pace.
- Planned choreography for group performances and recitals.
- Prepared and delivered carefully-crafted lessons to introduce students to proper dance techniques and positions while building ballet knowledge.
- Assessed students' progress and structured lesson plans to facilitate continued learning.
- Established performance goals for students, guiding them in developing technique, expression, and stage presence.
- Monitored student progress through regular assessments, providing constructive feedback and personalized coaching to enhance performance.
- Customized lesson plans to incorporate cultural and historical context of various dance styles, enriching students' understanding and appreciation.
- Built positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.
- Encouraged students to explore individual learning opportunities to expand knowledge of subject areas.
- Educated students using customized teaching methods and hands-on curriculum.
- Enhanced students' confidence and progress by promoting diligence and determination with difficult tasks.
- Planned classes focusing on instruction, demonstration and work time.
- Established and communicated clear objectives for lessons and projects.
- Monitored student performance and offered feedback to support goal achievement.
- Delivered group lectures and hands-on demonstrations to instruct students.
- Evaluated student progress and adjusted learning plans to foster progress.
- Coached students in using video and social media storytelling to improve visual intelligence of projects.
- Implemented injury prevention and conditioning programs to promote student health and safety during training and performances.
- Managed student behavior in classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
- Selected age-appropriate music and maintained up-to-date knowledge of students' favorite music to incorporate into lessons.
- Administered first aid and addressed injuries during classes and rehearsals, following established health and safety protocols.
- Fostered a culture of respect, teamwork, and discipline among students, emphasizing the importance of dedication in achieving excellence.
- Led community outreach initiatives, partnering with local schools and organizations to offer dance education and performance opportunities.
- Conducted group and private lessons, adapting teaching methods to meet individual student needs and learning styles.
- Engaged with parents and guardians through regular communication, discussing student progress and addressing concerns.
- Adapted teaching style for students of different ages and experience, ranging from beginner to advanced skill levels.
- Choreographed performance pieces for recitals, competitions, and community events, showcasing students' skills and progress.
- Maintained effective working relationships with staff members, students and parents.
- Coordinated costume and stage design for annual recitals, managing budgets and working with vendors to ensure high-quality productions.
- Maintained a positive and encouraging classroom environment, fostering a passion for dance and creativity among students.
Dance Teacher's Assistant
Jdi Dance Company
Canyon Lake, CA
07.2021 - 06.2023
- Help with group timing
- Cleaning
- Body lines
- Details
- Presented teachers choreography
- Held extra practices
- Corrected student posture, alignment, and arm placement when necessary.
- Helped teach students proper stretching and warm-up exercises before beginning class.
- Supported individual students who may have needed extra assistance with specific techniques or moves.
- Provided feedback to the Dance Teacher on student progress, attendance, and behavior.
- Monitored student performance during practice sessions to ensure correct technique was used.
- Attended rehearsals and provided support when needed for larger productions or events.
- Assisted in preparing classrooms prior to start of each day's classes by tidying up space and arranging furniture as needed.
- Demonstrated basic dance steps during class as needed.
- Encouraged positive attitude among students while maintaining a professional demeanor at all times.
Dancer
JDI Dance company
Canyon Lake, CA
08.2011 - 06.2023
- Participated in showcases or competitions to demonstrate technical ability and talent.
- Explored different methods of movement improvisation to explore creative possibilities.
- Assisted in teaching classes at local studios or community centers when needed.
- Coached younger performers during large-scale productions to ensure quality results.
- Communicated effectively with other dancers to ensure smooth transitions between moves.
- Applied makeup before each show according to specific requirements outlined by director.
- Performed complex choreography in a variety of styles, including ballet and modern dance.
- Maintained physical fitness through regular exercise and stretching techniques.
- Studied various forms of dance such as jazz, tap and hip hop to enhance skill set.
- Attended rehearsals regularly to refine skills and practice with the rest of the cast.
- Demonstrated proper technique for each dance move to ensure safety and accuracy.
- Worked closely with choreographers to perfect performance of dance moves.
- Built and cultivated lasting professional relationships with other dancers, choreographers and performers by attending social events and maintaining communication.
- Learned choreography quickly and adapted to changes in choreography seamlessly by maintaining physical and mental flexibility.
- Attended auditions and casting calls, showcasing skills and adaptability to secure roles in competitive environments.
- Provided feedback during rehearsals to help refine performances and enhance overall production quality.
- Memorized complex dance sequences and executed them with precision during live performances.
- Adapted quickly to last-minute changes in choreography or production plans, maintaining professionalism under pressure.
- Engaged in costume fittings and worked closely with wardrobe team to ensure proper fit and movement ability.
- Identified current dance trends and innovations to stay updated and learn new moves.
- Participated in daily rehearsals, focusing on technique, expression, and synchronization with the ensemble.
- Performed in various dance productions, showcasing diverse styles including ballet, modern, jazz, and hip-hop.
- Provided mentorship to junior dancers, offering guidance on technique, performance, and professional development.
- Studied various dance techniques and styles to expand repertoire and improve versatility as a performer.
- Trained, exercised and attended dance classes to maintain high levels of technical proficiency, physical stamina and physical fitness.
- Attended performance costume fittings, makeup calls and publicity photography sessions.
- Maintained awareness of dance trends and innovations.
- Coordinated dancing with partners or ensembles.
- Trained, exercised and attended classes to maintain highest level of proficiency, ability and fitness.
- Auditioned for dance placement or membership in dance troupes or companies.
Education
High School Diploma -
Temescal Canyon High School
Lake Elsinore, CA12-2022
Skills
- Contemporary dancer
- Hip hop dancer
- Jazz dancer
- 15 years of dancing
- 4 years assisting & teaching dance
- Ballet training
- Choreographer
Timeline
Dance Instructor
Skyhawks Sports Academy
03.2022 - Current
Dance Teacher's Assistant
Jdi Dance Company
07.2021 - 06.2023
Dancer
JDI Dance company
08.2011 - 06.2023
High School Diploma -
Temescal Canyon High School