Reck Dance Projects

Current Teaching
Sam Houston State University: Adjunct Professor of Dance - Choreography, Contemporary Technique, Repertory,
Pedagogy, and Criticism & Analysis

Rice University, Artist in Residence - Contemporary Technique and Repertory

Teaching Philosophy

For the past 10 years I have been developing an approach to teaching technique and choreography that fully engages the individual by encouraging intelligent dancing and innovative thought. I believe strongly in the development of the individual, and infuse my classes with the movement, the philosophy and the anatomical terminology that support it. I encourage the student to be proactive in their learning by thinking critically, articulating ideas, and raising questions. My extensive and varied background in modern techniques, somatic practices, performing professionally, and my own choreographic pursuits create integrated, multi-dimensional, interdisciplinary classes that demand a rigorous personal investment from the dancer and/or choreographer. The art of dance is an integration of the entire body learned through the combining of creative, technical, and analytical practices.

Dance is a language that allows one to connect to their deepest level of awareness. It gives one the simultaneous experience of utmost discipline and utmost freedom. I aim to create a cohesive community that trusts my commitment to their education, and allows each student to examine habitual patterns of moving, thinking, and feeling. Thus freeing them to think outside the box, to evaluate critically, act creatively, and to flourish.

Contemporary Technique Class
In technique class we work with expansive locomotion in space, resistance and redirection, momentum and oppositional forces, precision with abandon, and efficiency of movement. I believe this creates a dynamic, nuanced, and grounded approach to dancing. We begin with a floor warm up that calms the mind, mobilizes the spine, strengthens the core muscles, and creates fluid mobility. Standing center work encourages personal explorations with balance, weight, form and function. We end with technically demanding phrase material that allows the student to apply and explore all the elements from class. My studies of functional anatomy with Peggy Gould and Irene Down greatly influence my teaching. I employ explorations of kinesthetic re-patterning into all of my classes, training the body as the integrated system that it is. I see and teach technique from a somatic efficiency perspective that emphasizes a rigorous approach to anatomically sound alignment. I encourage individual exploration, class interaction, and humor as a vital part of learning.
This class can be structured to beginner, intermediate or advanced students.

Choreography and Creative Perspective
In choreography class we work with stimulating ideas, melting resistance, developing discipline, delving into frontiers, and finding a creative voice. A unique choreographic and performance style arises from promoting a conscious body, a curious mind, and an open heart. I reject a "good/bad" paradigm and encourage personal exploration as a way to break down assumptions. Bringing a creative perspective to the table is an invaluable part of any field of study. Thinking outside the box and offering creative solutions to complex challenges in art, in the workplace and in life brings about progress. It is also a wonderful outlet for stress and a break from the intensity of life. I continuously promote creative questioning as a way to deepen knowledge, and believe in the integration of intellectual and physical as a means of progression and growth. I also think very highly of humor and laughter, and believe they have a salient place in the studio and the classroom.
This class can be taught to beginners, developing a personal creative process that inspires, or to advanced artists, questioning habits and deepening creativity.

Repertory/Commissioned Works
I can set existing repertory on your company or your students.
I can create an original work for your company or your students.

Lectures and Workshops

Body Maps: The Neurobiology of Dancing
A combination lecture and physical practice.

What Next? A Post-College Road Map
A lecture on how to move into the professional dance world after college. Includes auditioning techniques, knowing your community, importance of networking, getting your choreography produced, starting a dance company.

Make It Happen! Breaking the Fear of Starting a Dance Company
A lecture on the daunting task of starting up a dance company of your own. Includes advertising/promotion, social networking, grant writing, 501C3 status, hiring dancers, getting produced, standing out.

Technique and Composition
The above described classes can be taught as a workshop or artistic residency.



			About Us Present Past Works Teaching Contact Home
Current Teaching Sam Houston State University: Adjunct Professor of Dance - Choreography, Contemporary Technique, Repertory, Pedagogy, and Criticism & Analysis Rice University, Artist in Residence - Contemporary Technique and Repertory Teaching Philosophy For the past 10 years I have been developing an approach to teaching technique and choreography that fully engages the individual by encouraging intelligent dancing and innovative thought. I believe strongly in the development of the individual, and infuse my classes with the movement, the philosophy and the anatomical terminology that support it. I encourage the student to be proactive in their learning by thinking critically, articulating ideas, and raising questions. My extensive and varied background in modern techniques, somatic practices, performing professionally, and my own choreographic pursuits create integrated, multi-dimensional, interdisciplinary classes that demand a rigorous personal investment from the dancer and/or choreographer. The art of dance is an integration of the entire body learned through the combining of creative, technical, and analytical practices. Dance is a language that allows one to connect to their deepest level of awareness. It gives one the simultaneous experience of utmost discipline and utmost freedom. I aim to create a cohesive community that trusts my commitment to their education, and allows each student to examine habitual patterns of moving, thinking, and feeling. Thus freeing them to think outside the box, to evaluate critically, act creatively, and to flourish. Contemporary Technique Class In technique class we work with expansive locomotion in space, resistance and redirection, momentum and oppositional forces, precision with abandon, and efficiency of movement. I believe this creates a dynamic, nuanced, and grounded approach to dancing. We begin with a floor warm up that calms the mind, mobilizes the spine, strengthens the core muscles, and creates fluid mobility. Standing center work encourages personal explorations with balance, weight, form and function. We end with technically demanding phrase material that allows the student to apply and explore all the elements from class. My studies of functional anatomy with Peggy Gould and Irene Down greatly influence my teaching. I employ explorations of kinesthetic re-patterning into all of my classes, training the body as the integrated system that it is. I see and teach technique from a somatic efficiency perspective that emphasizes a rigorous approach to anatomically sound alignment. I encourage individual exploration, class interaction, and humor as a vital part of learning. This class can be structured to beginner, intermediate or advanced students. Choreography and Creative Perspective In choreography class we work with stimulating ideas, melting resistance, developing discipline, delving into frontiers, and finding a creative voice. A unique choreographic and performance style arises from promoting a conscious body, a curious mind, and an open heart. I reject a "good/bad" paradigm and encourage personal exploration as a way to break down assumptions. Bringing a creative perspective to the table is an invaluable part of any field of study. Thinking outside the box and offering creative solutions to complex challenges in art, in the workplace and in life brings about progress. It is also a wonderful outlet for stress and a break from the intensity of life. I continuously promote creative questioning as a way to deepen knowledge, and believe in the integration of intellectual and physical as a means of progression and growth. I also think very highly of humor and laughter, and believe they have a salient place in the studio and the classroom. This class can be taught to beginners, developing a personal creative process that inspires, or to advanced artists, questioning habits and deepening creativity. Repertory/Commissioned Works I can set existing repertory on your company or your students. I can create an original work for your company or your students. *Lectures and Workshops* Body Maps: The Neurobiology of Dancing A combination lecture and physical practice. What Next? A Post-College Road Map A lecture on how to move into the professional dance world after college. Includes auditioning techniques, knowing your community, importance of networking, getting your choreography produced, starting a dance company. Make It Happen! Breaking the Fear of Starting a Dance Company A lecture on the daunting task of starting up a dance company of your own. Includes advertising/promotion, social networking, grant writing, 501C3 status, hiring dancers, getting produced, standing out. Technique and Composition The above described classes can be taught as a workshop or artistic residency.