Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Personal Information
Timeline
Generic
Michael Cotton

Michael Cotton

Youngstown,Ohio

Summary

Seeking an opportunity with an agency that will provide a platform for growth and success in the dynamic entertainment industry. Committed to establishing and expanding the personal brand, "The MAC Experience," leveraging a diverse background, cultural experiences, and passion for dance to accomplish remarkable feats.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Brand Ambassador

The Mac Experience LLC
05.2020 - Current
  • Communicated product information with confidence and educated consumers about company.
  • Approached strangers and interacted in natural conversation with goal of developing brand loyalty.
  • Engaged, educated, and befriended customers to deliver amazing shopping experience.
  • Showed understanding of customer's personal style and preferences when offering product advice.
  • Contributed to creative process through original ideas and inspiration.
  • Made collateral to support various marketing campaigns and visually communicate concepts.
  • Implemented artistic vision to give art purpose and meaning.
  • Monitored progress of projects, keeping on schedule and within budget.
  • Presented creative concepts to clients and implemented continual feedback to achieve client satisfaction.
  • Worked with creative teams to develop concept designs for campaigns that resonated with target audiences.
  • Developed professional relationships with different dance professionals, choreographers, and performers by actively listening and effectively communicating.
  • Choreographed solo, duo, and group performances for contemporary dance company.
  • Collaborated with choreographers and directors to create unique and captivating dance numbers.
  • Taught dance classes to children and adults of different skill levels.
  • Created and implemented creative dance routines for different projects.
  • Demonstrated grace and athleticism in various classical and modern routines.
  • Performed in multiple roles by attending daily rehearsals to perfect execution of dance movements.
  • Choreographed dance routines appropriate for age group and skill level for ballet, tap, and jazz classes.
  • Maintained a professional attitude and work ethic during long rehearsals and performances.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Progressed quickly by mastering challenging choreography and routines.

Artistic Director

Youngstown City School District
09.2019 - Current
  • Created arts organization's seasonal performance and exhibition program and selected performers and artists for upcoming events.
  • Oversaw installation and operation of on-set sound and lighting equipment to achieve superior production results.
  • Managed theater's budget and interacted with charities, sponsors and trusts to obtain operating funds.
  • Resolved client concerns quickly and professionally to maintain respectful and productive project environment.
  • Achieved individual and troupe success through enhanced collaborative and communications skills.
  • Scheduled seasonal theater productions and engaged actors and stage personnel to execute dramatic, musical and comedy performances.
  • Contributed to creative process through original ideas and inspiration.
  • Implemented artistic vision to give art purpose and meaning.
  • Prepared student groups for competitions with routines, exercise regimens and instruction on specific techniques.
  • Managed exercise, conditioning and flexibility improvement programs.
  • Composed sequences of steps and moves for dancers.
  • Choreographed performances for individuals and groups.
  • Encouraged diverse and unique dance students at every skill level through positive reinforcement and good sportsmanship.
  • Developed new choreography for shows and organized rehearsals with team members.
  • Created variety of original dance routines for different classes according to skill level and performance plans.
  • Worked to create strong professional relationships with family members and gym members to promote comfortable and safe environment.
  • Created and updated weekly staff schedules and dance lesson schedules.
  • Generated lesson plans each week that covered stretching, conditioning, warm-ups and routines.
  • Conducted written and verbal evaluations of dancers to present to parents and faculty.
  • Established and enforced safety standards, promoting warm-up exercises and proper technique.

Mime Ministry President/Director of Operations

New Bethel Baptist Church
01.2008 - Current
  • Training pupils to use a wide range of emotions and using body movements, facial expression and gestures
  • Choreographing modest and lifting routines to new worship songs and performances for pupils
  • Coordinate scheduling for worships services/performances
  • Oversee finances and budget for Mime Ministry
  • Leads praise team and monitors progress.
  • Incorporated stage props to engage audience and create unforgettable moments.
  • Practiced and rehearsed choreographed dance routines to deliver flawless venue performances.
  • Adapted to various performance styles to suit diverse audiences.
  • Implemented creative techniques to create unique performances.
  • Performed live shows at various venues throughout region.
  • Directed rehearsal sessions for cast and crew to prepare for upcoming performances.

Dance Instructor

Ballet Western Reserve
07.2019 - 01.2024
  • Training and developing pupils in all types of dance
  • Planning and delivering dance lessons
  • Choreographing full routines to a high standard for beginners right through to advanced students
  • Explaining and demonstrating dance techniques and methods.
  • Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle discipline.
  • Communicated with students and parents in person, via email, and by phone to resolve issues and answer questions.
  • Planned routines for recitals and performances.
  • Recognized and adapted to different learning styles to productively communicate and teach materials to all students.
  • Motivated and encouraged students to practice dance routines to work toward set goals.
  • Tailored each class to meet student needs and abilities and allow dancers to progress at comfortable pace.
  • Assessed student progress regularly to identify students needing individualized help, provide feedback and select suitable material for dancers.
  • Taught and explained choreography by breaking down steps and demonstrating moves.
  • Promoted creative expression to encourage students to explore dance as art and self expression through movement.
  • Provided constructive corrections to encourage students to learn steps and improve dancing.
  • Worked in team-based environment to uphold quality and continuity of service to clients.
  • Offered one-on-one instruction to students by appointment.
  • Utilized different styles of teaching to accommodate students of all capabilities.
  • Gathered display materials and distributed programs for shows and performances.
  • Collaborated with community arts organizations to bring real-world experiences into classrooms and provide students with opportunities for learning and growth.
  • Communicated with parents to maintain regular communication about student progress and any concerns.
  • Adapted instruction to meet individual student needs to differentiate instruction to meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
  • Created supportive and inclusive learning environments to foster positive classrooms that support student growth and learning.
  • Attended concerts and performances to support students and arts community.
  • Fostered love for art and learning to inspire students to pursue passions and interests.

Education

High School Diploma -

Chaney High School
Youngstown, OH

Skills

  • Choreography

  • Performance Experience

  • Differentiated Instruction

  • Production Management

  • Creative Thinking

  • Classroom Instruction

  • Student Engagement

  • Group Instruction

  • Curriculum Implementation

  • Operations Management

  • Dance technique development

  • Dance background

  • Audition preparation

  • Memorization skills

  • Production Support

Expressive Movement

Constructive criticism

Artistic Creativity

Exemplary communication skills

Effective Communication

Hip Hop

Ballet

Discipline

Stage Performance

Accomplishments

  • Lead Nut Cracker in Original Ballet with jazz twist in 2019.
  • Choreographer for Hairspray at Youngstown Playhouse and Akron Civic Theater in 2019
  • Principle Dancer in Top 5 Shows at The Youngstown Playhouse
  • Mc & Principal Dancer for Record breaking show at Youngstown Playhouse, “Dream Girls” in 2019
  • Participant of “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 12 in 2015.
  • Performed solo mime routine for Keith and Karl Edmonds, formerly known as K&K Mime.
  • Performed and studied under Freddie Moore who is a facilitator at Alban Aley in New York.
  • Opening act for Gucci Mane in 2019

Personal Information

Title: Dance Instructor

Timeline

Brand Ambassador

The Mac Experience LLC
05.2020 - Current

Artistic Director

Youngstown City School District
09.2019 - Current

Dance Instructor

Ballet Western Reserve
07.2019 - 01.2024

Mime Ministry President/Director of Operations

New Bethel Baptist Church
01.2008 - Current

High School Diploma -

Chaney High School
Michael Cotton