|
A Note From The Director
Dear Parents,
For the last few months, we have been highlighting our teachers and why they love teaching and coaching. This month, we highlight our early childhood and dance teacher, Sarah Roberts. Sarah is one of those teachers you can put into any class, whether dance, early childhood, or gym, and she will be great because of her talent, creativity, and maturity.
What I love about our staff is that they all continue working on their passion and craft in their own lives. They perform, they sing, they dance, they practice parkour, they tumble, they jump, they kick, they study, and they follow relevant athletes, news, and events. It’s important to me to have teachers at Discovery that are passionate about their own talent and art, as that leads to more inspiration and excitement in the classroom. Many of the teachers are not just here at Discovery because it’s a job. They were inspired in their own childhood, they love what they do, and now they in turn inspire another child. It’s a wonderful circle!
Katie Kheel
|
|
|
My Journey in Dance
by Sarah Roberts
••••
|
|
I was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. My mother had always been immersed in the arts and my father enjoyed it, so naturally they put me in ballet at age 3 and acting soon after. By age 9, I had joined the local theater company and the local ballet company. That was the year we realized I couldn’t do both and keep up with school, so my mother told me I had to make a decision: musical theater or dance. After much consideration I chose dance. I continued to dance with the Tallahassee Ballet Company until I graduated high school. I also joined my high school dance team, so I was dancing 7 days a week by the time I started my sophomore year. I loved every second of it! I had never thought of making it a career until I got the opportunity of dancing the roll of “Clara” in the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker”. I was 15 and in this company, “Clara” was always played by a more mature dancer since it involved pointe and partnering work. I remember being in the center of the stage, looking out into the lights and hearing the audience applaud as I took a bow. In that moment, I realized that there was no other place I’d rather be. So from then on, all of my energy went into making sure dance was my future, going to summer programs and workshops all over the country.
I auditioned for The Alvin Ailey American Dance School and got in! So, two weeks after my high school graduation I packed up my bags and moved to NYC.
I graduated from the Certificate Program at Ailey after three years of professional training and performing. I was honored to have performed with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Company both on the Lincoln Center and City Center stage.
From them, I have performed in off-broadway shows, and with small groups around New York. I am currently dancing with a small company called “Mook Dance Company”. We have our annual Mook performance this weekend, which consists of old repertoire and the premier of our new work “Thrill”. This will be my second season dancing with Mook.
As well as dancing with Mook, I teach dance at many different locations. I know that once I am done dancing, physically, I want to teach and inspire young dancers to follow their dreams. I’m so honored that I have already been able to start my teaching journey! The kids not only inspire me but teach me new things everyday. I may look at a dance step one way, while another dancer will look at it completely different way, unfolding another layer to the step.
Growing up, I always wanted to be able to say I love my job and I do. I truly love what I do and enjoy it every day, even with the ups and the downs.
See Sarah and the rest of Mook perform this Friday and Saturday night at The Historic Riverside Church!
Mook Dance Company
Bridging the Gap Between Metaphor and Reality
Friday, March 9th and Saturday, March 10th
7:30pm
|
|
Spotlight On:
Parkour Warriors!
Parent & Child Parkour Workout
|
|
Photo Feature:
Our Star Ballerinas!
|
|
|
|
Discovery Announcements!
Spring Break Closing
– Discovery will be closed from Tuesday, March 27th through Saturday, April 7th. Classes will resume as usual on Monday, April, 9th.
Summer Camp Launch!
– Summer Camp registration is now open! We have day camp offerings for ages 2-13. Sign up now!
Spring Ballet Recital
-This year’s spring recital will take place on Sunday, June 3rd. The theme is Enchanted! Performances will occur at 11:00am and 2:00pm. Information on ticketing TBA.
|
|
|
discovery programs 2024