Teaching Bio
In spring 2024, I joined the faculty at Ballet Virginia,
where I teach 9 weekly classes in ballet, tap, and contemporary for their Children's Program and Lower School,
as well as 1 weekly beginning ballet class for their Adult Program.
My training as a dance educator includes the successful completion of programs offered by:
Mark Morris Dance Group's Teaching Artist Training Program,
National Dance Institute Collaborative for Teaching & Learning,
and American Ballet Theatre's National Training Curriculum.
Please review my teaching resume for details on these programs and on my other qualifications.
Teaching Resume
Alexandra Cook
Youth & Family Programs Director,
The School at Mark Morris Dance Group
“Since the moment I met Helen, she has demonstrated all the characteristics most important to excellent teaching:
a thoughtful observational eye, an empathetic spirit, and a passion for continuously learning.
Helen is reliable, communicative,
and team-oriented.
She works hard to ensure that her teaching is conscientious and considerate of the needs of the students while also providing opportunities for dancers to
strive and meet a challenge.
I highly recommend her.”
Mary A. Seidman
Artistic Director,
Mary Seidman & Dancers
"Helen is attentive to the needs of all students, and she thinks proactively about content material. Helen has a strong speaking voice which lends authority to leading children,
especially during transitions.
Helen is a consummate dancer and technician. She takes delight in demonstrating phrases, or participating in improvisations as the children would. She is imaginative and creative, perceptive and empathetic.
Helen is quite versed in the history and culture of dance. She is able to discuss current topics, performances, and performers, seeing the big picture outside the classroom and how, as an early childhood dance teacher, she is helping to shape the learner, the culture, the world in the beauty and
discipline of art and dance."
Avital Asuleen
Choreographer, Director, & Teaching Artist
"Helen is a warm and enthusiastic teaching artist who deeply cares about the experience of each and every student in her classroom.
She cultivates a positive learning environment, has a keen eye for details, is a standout administrator and communicator, and creates fun, level appropriate choreography.
It was such a pleasure to mentor her during the 2021 Mark Morris Teacher training program and I am just thrilled to see how much she has developed as a teaching artist in the two
years I have known her.
She will be a great asset to the next
arts organization she joins!"