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OPDI-M40: Building a Mission-Based Dance Studio
May 18, 2026 - July 12, 2026
Dance Studio Owners and Teachers: Take a deep dive into what, how, and why you teach in this transformative mini-course! Through active online discussion groups, readings, and journaling, you will examine, compare, and reflect upon different leadership styles, studio options, and student-centered education practices.
This course is designed to help you acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become the most authentic teacher, leader, or director you can be. You will engage in research and develop tools that will empower you to lead effectively, whether you are forming, directing, or teaching in a dance studio. As part of your journey, you will craft both a teaching philosophy and mission statement, honing in on your personal and professional goals. Additionally, you will collaborate with fellow course participants to create a business resource guide that consolidates ideas, tools, and best practices for leading a dance program. By the end of the course, you will have the tools necessary to move forward confidently in your leadership role.
Optional Live Zoom Meetings:
- Wed, May 20th, 6:30-7:30 PM EST
- Agenda for the meeting:
- Review of Liz Lerman鈥檚 Critical Response Process, which is used for all feedback
- Students will discuss and choose topics for the final research project
- Agenda for the meeting:
- Thurs., June 9th, 6:30-7:30 PM EST
- Agenda for the meeting:
- Final project check-in
- Share: How will you use the information gained from this course to move forward with your career?
- Last questions
- Agenda for the meeting:
Book Required: Dance and Belonging: Implicit Bias and Inclusion in Dance Education by Crystal U. Davis. It can be purchased .
Agenda
Speakers
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Jessie Levey
<p>Jessie (she/her) is a contemporary post-modern dancer and has been teaching for more than thirty years. In addition to making her own work, she has performed with many choreographers throughout the New York Metropolitan area, Wisconsin, Lebanon, and the Hudson Valley. Jessie considers her life as both an educator and artist to be deeply intertwined.</p><p>As the founder and director of Barefoot Dance Center, Jessie continues to teach through Barefoot's three lenses (creativity, somatics, and identity), which she developed over many years in the field. She holds an MFA in Dance from The Peck School of the Arts at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, is a Registered Somatic Dance Educator, and certified as both a childbirth educator and yoga instructor. As a member of National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), she attends annual conferences to both present and participate. Her published articles may be found in NDEO's journal, <i>Dance Education in Practice</i>. Jessie is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Vassar College Dance Department and leads professional development workshops to classroom teachers and dance educators nationally and internationally.</p><p>Jessie is honored to have received the National Dance Education Organization鈥檚 2023 Award for Outstanding Leadership (in the private sector) and New York State Dance Education Association鈥檚 2021 Award for Outstanding Dance Educator. She was also the recipient of the 2015-17 Jubilation Foundation Fellowship for excellence in teaching.</p>
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Barefoot Dance Center |
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