1. Where are you from?
I was born in Provo, Utah and raised in the Mountain View/San Jose area.
2. What do you teach at ADPP?
Ballet, tap, tumbling, acrobatics, theater arts.
3. How long have you been with the Dance Action program at ADNPP?
I was hired in 1978.
4. Which past Dance Action performance was your favorite?
Cinderella, in 1981, the first at The Center for Performing Arts.
5. What do you like most about your job?
- The collaborative effort to create a magical work of the combined arts,
- Being able to include so many of the schools students and staff
- Helping our future generation to experience one of the best parts of life; music, dance, creativity at such a young age!
6. What is your teaching background and experience?
I have taught and taken classes at various locations since the age of 18. I started dance lessons at age 6 and danced at the Mt. View Rec. Center, Judy McJunkin, Benny Smith, San Jose Ballet, and the Dance Co. I established the Dance Program at the Mt. View NASA/Ames Naval Air Base in 1982. I’ve been the Director at ADNPP for 30 years and also taught pre-school, was a kindergarten aide, and Director of Moorpark Infant Center.
7. What do you think is special about ADNPP?
It is a family environment. The facilities are beautiful and state of the art.
8. What is your favorite class/age level to teach?
I enjoy the challenges of all ages.
9. What is the last book you read to yourself?
Streams in the Desert
10. What is the funniest thing a child has said/done in your class?
Everyday something funny happens. We did have an amusing thing happen on stage once during our production of The Little Mermaid. We had one of our dancers have a little pee pee accident during their dance number so we did a little improvising and had one or our dance teachers dressed as a sailor mop up the ship deck! It goes to show that we never know what to expect when with working the children!
11. What do you do in your spare time?
Sketch, run, crochet, camp, and fish!
12. What achievement are you most proud of?
My work at ADNPP.
13. What is the single best piece of advice you can give parents who want their children to be active and exercise?
Play together, dance together, and exercise together.
14. Do you have any fun exercise tips for kids?
Dance your way around your room, “tap up your toys!” Do arabesques as you hang up your clothes. Use your books as weights. Create your own ‘routine’ to your favorite music! Stretch and practice balance…practice and patience!
15. Are there going to be any surprises in this year’s Beauty and The Beast performance?
Oh yes…come see for yourself…there is a surprise around every enchanting corner!
