Education

Philosophy of Dance Education Educating, Informing and Teaching Dance is a Responsibility & Gift The Responsibility: is in working with the awareness that in teaching dance one is engaged with the student as an entire human being. The student is or can be in a state of total vulnerability. Body, mind and spirit are present and in play. Physical, emotional and spiritual shifts or breakthroughs do happen (quite often). It is my responsibility to be clear about expectations and boundaries. The most important thing is to say yes. To acknowledge the discovery process. To encourage an increased awareness energy from the inside out. To promote energy as activity. To cultivate a deeper sense of self trust and responsibility. To applaud the student's genuine efforts. To say yes, that's the right direction, that was beautiful, don't worry, try it again, trust yourself, go for something different, take a small risk, do not settle for what you already know, explore all of the possibilities. To be with the breath of life. Integrate all of your parts as you create and move through your personal journey. The Gift is in being engaged with human beings in a discovery process and seeing the growth of individual students.

My primary focus in dance education is with the "Professional Training Program at School of Contemporary Dancers" in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Working with Learning Through the Arts and Artists in the Schools is very important seasonal work. Specialized workshops can be developed by request.

Professional Training Program School of Contemporary Dancers

Guest Artist in Residence / Archivist: Stephanie Ballard
As one of the first graduates of this program in 1972, it gives me great pleasure to be a core member of the staff and contribute to the growth of our next generation of modern dance artists. The position allows me to share my experience through Personal Coaching, Mentor Consultation and teaching Repertoire and Legacy Courses. See Links SCD.

Learning Through the Arts (Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto)

LTTA provides a model that embraces the need for multiple ways of teaching, knowing and learning. Making connections between the the arts and established curriculum allows artists, students and teachers to explore creative possibilities and increase personal and collective potential. I believe LTTA is a crucial part of our ongoing efforts to explore, enhance and develop our educational experience. By experience I know it works.

An Artist's Perspective (Article published in the Communicator Jan 2002)
As a choreographer, dance educator and human being, I believe that making connections and seeking congruence is essential to education, art and life itself. When I gave my first prototype workshop for LTTA , I was as nervous as when being reviewed by the Toronto Star or the New York Times. Could I connect ? Would my work be valued? Would the teachers want to work in partnership ? Did I really understand the core curriculum focus ? Well, throughout and upon the completion of my first three weeks in the schools I felt like I had been hit by a truck.

The experience was transforming. Storydancing was working. Exploring English Language Arts concepts through dance and movement became my focus and passion. Eleven exceptional teachers were more than generous in creating partnerships. The children were receptive, challenging, curious and for the most part totally engaged in an experiential process that they seemed to connect with. The program has had a profound effect on my personal and professional life. I have discovered new possibilities in being with the creative process and feel deeply enriched as a human being .

Thank you LTTA and Winnipeg School Division 1
Stephanie Ballard, Artist
Winnipeg, Manitoba

See Links LTTA

Artists In The Schools (Manitoba Arts Council)

The Artists in the Schools Program aims to support existing arts education programs in Manitoba schools by bringing together the unique vision and energy of artists with the creative potential of students and teachers.

New Arts Course Bridges the Gap (Article published in The Reminder Feb. 2000)
At Hapnot Collegiate, students are moving to a different beat as they jump into a new curriculum that incorporates art, history and dance. Last year, principal John Clark was asking teachers to see if anyone was interested in developing a curriculum for the class. Phys. ed. teacher Karen Clark answered the call. She further developed the idea to introduce kids to various styles of art, be it in dance or art forms in one course. This week, Karen invited Stephanie Ballard, a world-class dance choreographer from Winnipeg, to give a sample of dance technique, movement and, most importantly, warm-up routines........"I was told this woman (Ballard) can go into any situation and can make something neat happen," said Karen......"She's a fabulous choreographer. She's demanding in a very inviting manner to bring out the best of people. She also expects the best from people she works with", observed Karen. In classes Ballard teaches philosophy and etiquette for a dance class....."She's a fabulous resource whose enthused about curriculum building for this class and for the future as well."....."I wish we had more time with her it doesn't seem long enough to learn everything that she is going to teach us in a week." said Chelsea Peever, a grade 11 student.......

Staff Writer - Florence Hwang

Example Specialized Workshops for Residency

Stephanie Ballard: Choreographer and Dance Educator

Dance as a Teaching Tool
Dance and Education Connections

Dance is about movement. It is about being alive in the moment. As an Artist and an Educator I believe dance is a teaching tool. Through dance we can inform, communicate and learn. We can make connections that are important to body mind development, inspire new ways of thinking and increase the possibilities of fulfilling our personal potential.

1. Dance as an energizer and motivator.
Increasing physical range and skills.
Balance, Coordination and Focus exercises.

2. Dance as an informer and educator.
Introducing and enhancing body - mind connections.
Individual discovery and development.

3. Dance as a form of expression.
Creative dance and improvisation allows for important
development of personal and collective expression.

4. Dance as a social factor.
Increasing the understanding and awareness of our
respectful behavior with partners and within a group.

5. Dance as a support to developing self confidence.
When we are encouraged to be comfortable with our
movement and basic being we can go forward and be
filled with curiosity and explore the unknown.

6. Dance as traditional and important to our heritage.
The histrionics of dance can inform and enrich our knowledge and
respect for our individual and collective heritage.

7. Dance as a performing art and a form of communication.
In understanding the power of presence in the moment we can and
do continue to create, perform and share new work as well as preserve
work that is important to our legacy.

Additional Specialized Workshops

Perfomance Technique
Presence and Personal Development
Choreograph Your Life
Choreographic Research and Development

Ms. Ballard is available for specialized workshops and residencies on a limited basis.