Owner/teacher, Pioneer Dance Arts, Inc; artistic director, Performing Company of Pioneer Dance Arts, Sequim, WA

NOMINATED BY: Bill Evans, dancer/choreographer. “KLee is a true educator. She was among the first graduates of my Certification Program in the Bill Evans Method of Modern Dance Technique. She has developed a true community of people who support each other in the study of dance and in all aspects of their lives. ”

KLee Moore, pictured far left, provides nurturing feedback, patience, and praise to magnify students’ skills. (Photo courtesy Kathleen Herndon Moore)

GENRES TAUGHT: BrainDance, Bartenieff Fundamentals, Evans Modern Dance, classical ballet, pointe, pre-ballet, contemporary jazz, tumbling, tap, and ballroom.

WHAT IS BRAINDANCE? Developed by Anne Green Gilbert, BrainDance sequences through the movement patterns that wire the central nervous system. It connects and aligns all parts of the body and helps us to center and focus.

TEACHING DANCE FOR: 48 years. At age 10 I began teaching in my family’s garage.

WHO SHOWED UP AND WHAT DID YOU TEACH? School classmates were creating clubs; I decided on a dance club. I taught “Baby Sweethearts” and “Dancing Elves,” and dances with props for the older students.

WHY SHE TEACHES: At age 5, I was determined to have my own studio like Mrs. Katherine Fishback, co-founder of Fishback Studio of the Dance in Albuquerque.

WHAT DREW 5-YEAR-OLD YOU TO MRS. FISHBACK? She had the presence and carriage of a benevolent queen—perfectly groomed, hair swept up in curls and a French twist. She was kind yet strict, used castanets to direct our attention, and wore beautiful rings. Mrs. Fishback was like a second mom to me.

GREATEST INSPIRATION: Bill Evans has influenced my passion for dance the most. My journey with Bill began in 1979 and continues each day as I share this gift of dance education that opens the student to positive change in body, mind, and spirit.

PHILOSOPHY OF TEACHING: I try to maintain open communication and a comfortable creative environment: disciplined, respectful, and well mannered. My lessons are physically and mentally stimulating, emphasizing quality of execution. Every student is given equal importance and attention.

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD TEACHER: I present challenges as well as qualitative emphasis on familiar material. I begin with breath. We sing steps or count the music; using this technique I can incorporate the multiple intelligences of rhythm and verbal linguistics. Communicating through images enhances responses with all age groups.

FONDEST TEACHING MEMORY: I am grateful for students’ testimonies about how dance discipline and Bartenieff Fundamentals have influenced their lives. They have learned valuable organizational skills and the self-discipline to reframe. They are open to positive change, tolerant, patient, and adaptable. The ripple effect is gratifying.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR STUDENTS AND/OR TEACHERS: Begin within. Breathe fully. Feel the flow. Let go.

MORE THOUGHTS ON DANCE AND TEACHING: Through quality dance training, students experience improved mental and physical health. Dance can relieve daily stress and make us happier.

DO YOU KNOW A DANCE TEACHER WHO DESERVES TO BE IN THE SPOTLIGHT? Email your nominations to Arisa@rheegold.com or mail them to Arisa White, Dance Studio Life, 10 South Washington St., Norton, MA 02766. Please include why you think this teacher should be featured, along with his or her contact information.