Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sarah Collins-Napier

Darien,CT

Summary

20 Years teaching students from children to adults. Strong classroom management skills. Able to motivate large class sizes. Creative problem solving for skills based movement. Skillful networker able to connect professional contacts for the benefit of community organizations and local students, Supportive mentor for dancers developing their careers. Choreographs to appropriate level and age of dancers.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Dance Teacher

Darien Arts Center
Darien, CT
02.2020 - Current
  • Instructor-Dance Beginnings ages 3-4 years, PreBallet ages 4-5 years, KinderBallet, Middle School Lyrical
  • Substitute- Dance Beginnings, PreBallet, Adult Ballet, Ballet 1 (1st and 2nd Grade), Camp instructor
  • Designed and implemented engaging dance curricula for diverse age groups, fostering creativity and self-expression.
  • Coordinated annual dance recitals, overseeing choreography, logistics, and participant engagement.
  • Mentored junior instructors, providing guidance on effective classroom management and lesson planning strategies.
  • Choreographed unique routines tailored to individual student abilities, enhancing each dancer's strengths while improving areas of weakness.
  • Recognized and adapted to different learning styles to productively communicate and teach materials to all students.
  • Provided constructive corrections to encourage students to learn steps and improve dancing.
  • Cultivated a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering open communication between students, parents, and staff.
  • Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle discipline.
  • Promoted creative expression to encourage students to explore dance as art and self expression through movement.
  • Encouraged creativity through improvisation exercises and composition assignments, allowing students to express themselves artistically beyond traditional technique instruction.
  • Maintained accurate records of attendance, performance evaluations, and lesson plans for effective classroom management.
  • Managed costume design and selection, ensuring appropriate attire for each performance and individual dancer''s needs.
  • Continually sought professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and maintain a high level of expertise in teaching dance techniques.

Dance Instructor, Company Head

East Pointe Dance
Rye Brooke, NY
09.2014 - 06.2016

Instructor- Lyrical, Hip Hop, Preschool Creative Movement, Mommy and Me

  • Created customized lesson plans for each class. Monitoring progresses and adjusting accordingly.
  • Organized and coordinated annual performances, ensuring smooth execution of choreography and logistics.
  • Co-Company Head for Senior, Junior, and Petite
  • Promoted a positive learning environment, fostering creativity and self-expression among students.
  • Worked in team-based environment to uphold quality and continuity of service to clients.
  • Implemented injury prevention strategies during warm-ups and cool-downs, ensuring safe practice for all participants.
  • Communicated with students and parents in person, via email, and by phone to resolve issues and answer questions.
  • Offered one-on-one instruction to students by appointment.
  • Collaborated with fellow instructors to plan and execute successful recitals showcasing students'' progress and achievements.
  • Increased student retention rate with engaging choreography that challenged their abilities while maintaining enjoyment.
  • Facilitated workshops for advanced dancers, refining technique and enhancing overall performance quality.
  • Adhered to studio guidelines and legal requirements
  • Taught and explained choreography by breaking down steps and demonstrating moves.
  • Motivated and encouraged students to practice dance routines to work toward set goals.
  • Created interactive activities to engage students and maximize learning.
  • Met needs of different students by adapting teaching materials and methods.
  • Developed and implemented engaging dance curricula for diverse age groups.
  • Planned routines for recitals and performances.
  • Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle discipline.
  • Established strong rapport among peers by actively participating in staff meetings and contributing valuable insights towards program development.

Dance Instructor

Chelsea Piers
Stamford, CT
09.2015 - 06.2016

High School Beginner Ballet, PreK Creative Movement, Camp Dance Intensive Modern and Ballet

  • Designed and implemented engaging dance curricula for diverse age groups.
  • Collaborated with Studio to execute successful dance showcases.
  • Planned routines for recitals and performances.
  • Planned, prepared, and delivered lesson plans introducing students to dance techniques and ballet positions.
  • Taught and explained choreography by breaking down steps and demonstrating moves.
  • Tailored each class to meet student needs and abilities and allow dancers to progress at comfortable pace.
  • Created interactive activities to engage students and maximize learning.

Dance Instructor, Company Head

New Dance Inc.
Rye Brooke, NY
09.2011 - 06.2014
  • Instructor- Lyrical, Hip Hop, Pre School Creative Movement, Mommy and Me
  • Company Director for Senior, Junior
  • Created Petite Company
  • Choreographed and taught Opening number of performance for 75 dancers ages 8-18, 3 years in a row.
  • Developed and implemented engaging dance curricula for diverse age groups.
  • Collaborated with parents to discuss student progress and set achievable goals.
  • Worked closely with students and parents to increase positive feedback from parents and boost overall student success.
  • Conducted classes and workshops for students on special topics of interest.
  • Met needs of different students by adapting teaching materials and methods.
  • Monitored student progress and provided individualized instruction to meet student needs and goals.
  • Assessed student progress regularly to identify students needing individualized help, provide feedback and select suitable material for dancers.
  • Tailored each class to meet student needs and abilities and allow dancers to progress at comfortable pace.
  • Motivated and encouraged students to practice dance routines to work toward set goals.
  • Maintained open communication channels with parents, providing regular updates on their child''s progress and addressing any concerns promptly.
  • Facilitated workshops for advanced dancers, refining technique and enhancing overall performance quality.
  • Established strong rapport among peers by actively participating in staff meetings and contributing valuable insights towards program development.
  • Planned and oversaw group, couples, and individual dance performances.
  • Increased student retention rate with engaging choreography that challenged their abilities while maintaining enjoyment.
  • Collaborated with fellow instructors to plan and execute successful recitals showcasing students'' progress and achievements.
  • Enhanced student performance by incorporating diverse dance styles and techniques in lessons.
  • Communicated with students and parents in person, via email, and by phone to resolve issues and answer questions.
  • Implemented injury prevention strategies during warm-ups and cool-downs, ensuring safe practice for all participants.
  • Worked in team-based environment to uphold quality and continuity of service to clients.
  • Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle discipline.
  • Planned routines for recitals and performances.
  • Assessed student abilities regularly, tailoring instruction to meet varying skill levels effectively.
  • Organized and coordinated annual performances, ensuring smooth execution of choreography and logistics.

Pilates Instrucotr

Darien Pilates
03.2022 - Current
  • Designed and implemented customized Pilates programs to meet diverse client needs.
  • Instructed group classes, ensuring proper alignment and technique for optimal performance
  • Provided modifications for clients with injuries or limitations, ensuring a safe and effective workout experience.
  • Maintained a clean and organized studio space, ensuring a safe environment for all participants.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients, resulting in high retention rates and referrals.
  • Contributed to studio's revenue growth by promoting private lessons and package deals.
  • Collaborated with fellow instructors to develop new class offerings, attracting diverse clientele.
  • Attended continuing education classes to maintain current knowledge.
  • Received consistently positive feedback from both clients and colleagues alike regarding instructional skills.
  • Assisted clients in achieving their fitness goals through consistent progress tracking and regular check-ins.
  • Established a welcoming atmosphere in the studio, encouraging camaraderie among members and staff alike.
  • Demonstrated proper form and technique to prevent injury.
  • Set up and broke down equipment before and after classes.
  • Utilized effective record-keeping system for tracking customer information.

Education

Master of Fine Arts - Dance

Sarah Lawrence College
Bronxville, NY
06.2011

Bachelor of Arts - Dance

University of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NC
12.2003

Skills

  • Adaptable teaching styles
  • Continuing education commitment
  • Injury prevention techniques
  • Positive reinforcement techniques
  • Certified in CPR/AED and First Aid
  • Creative problem solving
  • Classroom leadership
  • Faculty collaboration
  • Modern, Contemporary and Ballet dance
  • Student and parent relations
  • Program planning

Timeline

Pilates Instrucotr

Darien Pilates
03.2022 - Current

Dance Teacher

Darien Arts Center
02.2020 - Current

Dance Instructor

Chelsea Piers
09.2015 - 06.2016

Dance Instructor, Company Head

East Pointe Dance
09.2014 - 06.2016

Dance Instructor, Company Head

New Dance Inc.
09.2011 - 06.2014

Bachelor of Arts - Dance

University of North Carolina At Greensboro

Master of Fine Arts - Dance

Sarah Lawrence College
Sarah Collins-Napier