Teaching Philosophy

Sierra Marie Jespersen strongly believes that any level of dancer can thrive in an environment where they feel safe, supported, and they undoubtingly trust the people and environment around them. She is a passionate instructor for dance with a detailed eye for technique and strives to provide patience, clear communication, constructive feedback, and a contagious energy that uplifts and motivates her students.

Movement Says What the Voice Cannot

"As an instructor, I believe that any student deserves respect, honesty, and a shoulder to cry on.

By saying this, I mean all students deserve:

  • respect for who they are, where they come from, what their abilities are, and what they bring to the class by just showing up
  • honest, constructive feedback that pushes them to grow technically, but also celebrates progress and application of feedback
  • Being a dancer can be grueling, you are your worst critic, and this can make someone feel alone when their peers are also who they feel they need to compete against. I believe all dancers deserve someone to listen to them without bias and be a gentle, supportive mentor who strives to see them accomplish their dreams

I believe dance is a voice for the voiceless because as humans we lean on music to help us make sense of our emotions. I believe dance is crucial for humans not only emotionally, but mentally and physically because of the spectrum of movement available and the motor skills that are strengthened from the consistent and rigorous practice dancers engage in every day.

When I teach class, the ways that I nurture and honor this growth in my students is to:

  • be clear and concise in my breakdown of movement and feedback given to students
  • provide a patient, understanding environment for the student to explore and dissect the steps in order to execute the movement safely and efficiently
  •  reflect and question students on how the skills learned felt on their bodies and what were the drawbacks of the day/accomplishments of the day (It is important to remember this class is for the students and should be geared towards their needs!)

Overall, the ability to teach someone how to move and let oneself go in the movement and moment is a blessing every time I am given the opportunity and I always wish to do this in a way that not only leaves someone with a new skillset, but also with a new outlook on life whether that be healing pain or facing repressed ones head on." ~Sierra Marie Jespersen~