Dance Teacher / Choreographer
DeKalb School of the Arts
- Instructed diverse dance classes in ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary at DeKalb School of the Arts, crafting choreography for student performances showcased county-wide.
Richard Matthews
Jersey City,NJ
Summary
With six years of dance experience, Richard Matthews from Lithonia, GA, holds a B.F.A. in Dance from The University of the Arts, Philadelphia under the esteemed direction of Donna Faye Burchfield. Recognized for leadership with the 2016 Resourcefulness Award, he's performed with acclaimed companies like the Charlottesville Ballet and Eleone Dance Theatre, showcasing versatility in works by renowned choreographers of Philadanco, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and JustSole Dance Theatre. Richard's professional journey includes engagements with Norwegian Cruise Line and RWS Entertainment Group, with appearances on Good Day Atlanta and at festivals, as he aims to create spiritually uplifting art that fosters community revival and peace.
Overview
Work History
Dance Instructor (Contract)
Charlottesville Ballet
- Assisted the Outreach Dance Program with Sara Claybourne, focusing on teaching dance fundamentals to local high schools, while also collaborating with students to choreograph pieces for the Charlottesville Ballet's year-end recital.
Dance Instructor (Part-Time)
Boys & Girls Club of Central Virginia
- Led instruction in general dance techniques and hip-hop for approximately 30 children, overseen by Program Director David Cook, culminating in an end-of-year performance and also represented the club by performing for the county, demonstrating participants' talent and dedication
Dance Instructor (Contract)
Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance
- Taught Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet, and Modern dance styles to around 50 students at Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance, under the guidance of Nancy Yilmaz
- Conducted classes during summer intensives, choreographed captivating pieces for the school's recital, and earned recognition for excellence in choreography, with select works featured in the school's Modern showcase directed by Tracy Vogt of Philadanco.
Dance Instructor (Contract)
Triple 7 Dance Academy
- Specialized as a Jazz and Modern dance instructor at Triple 7 Dance Academy, directed by Tamera Whitehead, leading classes during summer intensives and providing comprehensive instruction to students of diverse skill levels.
Dance Instructor/Choreographer
Academy of the Arts
- Appointed by Susan McGhee as a Dance Instructor at the Academy of the Arts, teaching Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet, and Modern dance disciplines
- Directed choreography for intensives, performances, and recitals, showcasing students' talents, and created dynamic routines for competitions, leading to top rankings and scholarships for further training, highlighting instructional effectiveness and choreographic leadership.
Dance Instructor / Assistant Director (Contract)
Moja Christian Dance Theatre
- As a Dance Instructor at Moja Christian Dance Theatre, appointed by Imani Newman, taught Ballet and Hip-Hop to a diverse student body of around 100 individuals
- Directed choreography for performances, intensives, and productions, fostering artistic growth
- Additionally, elevated to Assistant Dance Director for the 10-year anniversary production of "The Wiz," renamed "The Way," presenting Dorothy's journey from a biblical perspective, showcasing innovative storytelling and artistic expression.
Teaching Assistant (Intern)
Dance Canvas
- Supported the Dance Canvas 'D.C
- Next' Program assisting with production logistics, advertising, marketing, and ensuring the safety of younger dance students as a dedicated chaperone during rehearsals and performances
- Additionally, contributed to the smooth execution of dance instruction by assisting instructors and facilitating rehearsals, optimizing the program's success.
Education
B.F.A Dance -
University of the Arts
Philadelphia, PA05.2016
Skills
- Dance Instruction
- Choreography
- Performance
- Clear Communication
- Classroom Management
- Motivation
- Creativity
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Leadership
Training
- Dallas Black Dance Theatre
- Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts
- Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance
- DeKalb School of the Arts
- Dance Canvas Summer Intensive
- Georgia Governors Honors Program
- Phusion Performing Arts Alliance
Timeline
Dance Teacher / Choreographer
DeKalb School of the Arts
Dance Instructor (Contract)
Charlottesville Ballet
Dance Instructor (Part-Time)
Boys & Girls Club of Central Virginia
Dance Instructor (Contract)
Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance
Dance Instructor (Contract)
Triple 7 Dance Academy
Dance Instructor/Choreographer
Academy of the Arts
Dance Instructor / Assistant Director (Contract)
Moja Christian Dance Theatre
Teaching Assistant (Intern)
Dance Canvas
B.F.A Dance -
University of the Arts
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