Educational Background/Training

Munson Williams Proctor Institute- Ballet, Jazz, Tap

Florida International University- B.F.A. In Dance with a focus in Psychology, graduated Magna Cum Laude- Ballet, Modern, West African and Afro-Diasporas, Tap, dance ethnography and community engagement

ArtSpring-  teaching artist mentorship- arts for healing and social change

Wolftrap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts- Certified teaching artist in math and literacy through the arts, Certified Baby ArtsPlay!TM facilitator

SOMA Yoga Institute- 200hr RYT certification, therapeutic approach to yoga

About the Artist/Ensemble

With almost two decades of experience making the performing arts accessible and inclusive to any setting, Allisen Learnard believes dance is the true universal language that unites us as humans.

She studied dance early on at Munson Williams Proctor Institute, later earning a B.F.A in dance from Florida International University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She is now a certified yoga teacher, Wolftrap early childhood lead teaching artist and mentor, and Baby ArtsPlay!TM facilitator.

Her knowledge of dance technique is well-rounded, including ballet and modern, west African and the Afro-diasporas, middle eastern folk and fusion, tap dance, and physical theater. Professional companies she’s performed with include Momentum Dance Company, Animate Objects Physical Theater, Pioneer Winter Collective, and the Binti Drum and Dance Ensemble, which she assistant directed for 12 years. She is also an accomplished tap dance  soloist, and has worked with many great artists, such as Katherine Kramer, Natasha Tsakos, and Shelia Grey.

Throughout her career as a teacher and facilitator, Allisen has reached over a thousand students of diverse social and economic backgrounds. She’s offered her integrative styles of teaching through Arts For Learning/Young Audiences, Wolftrap Early Learning Through the Performing Arts,  ArtSpring, dance and yoga studios. She has experience working closely with schools, community centers, parks, government facilities, nonprofit organizations, galleries and museums to offer classes, residencies, performances, family involvement and personal development workshops.

Her mission is to connect, strengthen and inspire individuals and communities through authentic kinesthetic expression.

Educational Program Description

All programs are available as workshops, residencies and/or family engagement events and can be designed to fit a wide range of ages and ability level

1. Classes for Technique and Performance

Spark the joy of the performing arts with classes for technique and performance. Students will engage with the technique of choice, learning proper execution, terminology, traditions and improvisation through both lectures and practice. A workshop format will include a demonstration of performance, engaged interactive learning and opportunity to show what they’ve learned by dancing. A longer residency allows students to dive deeper into the art form, learn and practice a choreography, with the option to present a performance. Techniques to choose from include Ballet, Modern, Tap, Middle Eastern folk and fusion, or Creative Movement

2. Education Through The Arts

Bring creative play and intentional movement into educational settings. This class works closely with students and teachers to bring kinesthetic intelligence and critical thinking into the learning process. Students are encouraged to engage the creative process with the goal of deepening their understanding and mastery of set academic goals. It encourages team building, inclusivity and adaptability within the group. Lessons can be tied to in classroom areas of study and catered to individual needs with a special focus towards: Literacy, Emergent Literacy, Math, STEM, National Core Art Standards, Virginia Standards of Learning, SEL, inclusive and integrated classrooms, Special Education, early childhood development

4. Mindful Movement

Pulling from the yogic tradition of breath work, mindful meditations and deep body awareness through aligned movement flow.  These lessons are designed to be grounding, calming, focusing; the goal is to be present in the moment and comfortably aware of yourself and the space around you. The tools learned are meant to be used for self-care, SEL, and empathetic approaches to learning.

Fees

Fees vary, please contact teaching artist for more information

Audiences

• All Ages