More Than a
Perfect Tendu
Dance is about far more than steps.
Emotional Health & Holistic Impact
Dance is just as much about the mind and soul as it is the body. Our teaching philosophy strives for emotional health, wellness, and impeccable technique. Students are taught that there is no room for doubt—that they are capable, intelligent, intentional beings. In doing so, their minds open to their own possibilities. Focus is on not only what they accomplish in the studio, but on the impact dance can have on who they become as people.
Strict Warmth & Unwavering Care
Students are guided to understand the power they possess within gives them confidence and integrity in their work through strict warmth, high effort expectations, honesty, clear intention, and unwavering care. They know we see their hard work, will never give up on them, and that we will never allow them to give up on themselves.
Building the Artist's Toolbox
Musicality, dynamics, and technique are essential. Every step should embody its own character and flavor. Our goal is to fill each dancer's toolbox with as much information as possible so they are prepared to enter a professional environment, pursue their personal goals, or simply continue growing with confidence and understanding through dance. We teach attention to detail, intention within that detail, and the focused discipline required to become a thoughtful, independent artist.
Individual Identity within Community
Being part of something larger than yourself is incredibly powerful. At the same time, each dancer must recognize that they are the most important person in their own life. We encourage students to dance as though they are the only person onstage while remaining deeply respectful of their community. Mutual respect is the foundation of our student-teacher relationships.
Anatomical Awareness and Adaptive Learning
It is vital for dancers to be anatomically aware and to understand that excellence and physical responsibility coexist. We continually educate ourselves about mental and physical wellness, anatomy, and movement science to continuously grow teaching skills. We appreciate that each person learns and observes information differently, and take delight in developing the tools necessary to reach each dancer.
Lasting Values and Self-Ownership
Dance is the vehicle, but work ethic, integrity, resilience, and belief in oneself last forever. Each dancer learns to take responsibility for their own excellence, not allow anyone else to decide who they will or will not become, or keep searching outside themselves for something that already exists within them. It is our honor and priveledge to encourage and guide every student toward embracing who they are and all they are capable of becoming.
Training that goes beyond the steps
Some studios prioritize warmth over rigor. Some prioritize rigor over warmth. At LDI, we do not believe these are in conflict.
Our students are held to high standards because we genuinely care about what they are capable of. Students know their teachers have high expectations. They also know their teachers are in their corner completely.
What this looks like every day
Every student is capable of more than they think. We hold them to that.
Corrections are given with care and received with confidence.
No student is ever made to feel small for struggling. Struggle is part of the process.
Teachers never give up on a student, and students are encouraged not to give up on themselves.