Michelle Strong - Jazz

I love to teach jazz because it is fun! It challenges classically trained dancers to step out of their comfort zones and take risks with their movement, both physically and artistically. At times we focus on performance and the entertainment side of dance, but jazz also provides a forum to explore more creative aspects like emotional expression, abstraction, quality of movement, choreographer’s intent, improvisation, and exploration. It is so rewarding as a jazz teacher to see the growth in the dancers’ skill level, confidence and artistic expression each year as they progress through my jazz classes.

Jazz is, well…a party! Most of the time you don’t realize how hard you’re working because you’re having such fun with the movement. Its focus is about much more than technique and helps create more versatile dancers.

I have taught at several private studios over the past 15 years, and none can compare to CBT’s caliber of dancers and professionalism. The dancers at this studio are self-disciplined, responsible, hardworking, respectful, and so very talented. CBT feels like a family; each teacher working together to help these young dancers mature in both dance ability and life skills.

As a teacher I understand the importance of evaluating and challenging my students on an individual level. I seek to empower my students through positive feedback and continued affirmation. I see potential in each student to overcome their obstacles and become the best they can possibly be. Students in my classes are expected have an open mind and a strong work ethic. My classes create a loving, risk taking environment where students are nurtured as they are pushed to improve. My goal is to inspire a life-long love of the arts in my students. I feel it is important to focus on connecting students to the joy of performing while simultaneously giving students the tools to continue with dance for the rest of their lives in whatever capacity that may be (whether a professional dancer, a teacher, or a patron). I believe that in developing artistry and a love for dance, students develop a sense of self-worth and a strong sense of identity.