About: Heather Wilson possesses infectious energy and enthusiasm, and loves to inspire everyone in the room. She will be speaking about her acclaimed method of teaching Ballet, utilizing powerfully effective visualizations for Ballet mastery, featured in her Grunt If You Understand method. As Ms. Wilson began teaching Ballet, she knew she wanted to pass on precise training and impeccable etiquette, in a fun loving manner. But what came about over the next 30+ years, was a sincere passion, commitment, and desire to help her students understand every detail of Ballet. She did not want to simply “give a class,” she wanted to “teach class!” Heather wanted to explain, educate, dissect and break down the steps in a way that her students would understand with clarity and ease. Her crazy, comical, and often absurdly creative mind started coming up with visualization after visualization! Heather’s formula ensures successful memorization of Ballet terminology, definitive understanding of technique including alignment, turnout, dynamics, execution, weight placement, port de bras, epaulement, and balance, incisive instruction on working correctly, safely, and organically, and knowledge of Ballet history and etiquette. Ms. Wilson will explain how these visualizations cover Ballet from the smallest details to the big picture, helping beginners to advanced professionals. You will definitely leave inspired to incorporate visualization into your teachings, helping your students “visualize” what is required for the acquisition and execution of Ballet!

Heather Jean Wilson - Heather Jean Wilson is a committed professor, teaching artist, performing artist, writer, founder, photographer, choreographer, and mother. She has trained, danced, or collaborated
with former members of Joffrey, Ballet Russe De Monte Carlo, NYCB, ABT, Mongolian Opera, and Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet. Heather has taught, guested, and lectured diverse student populations, including preschool through professionals, university students, adults, and senior citizens. She has trained vibrant dancers who perform in all mediums of dance, from classical ballet companies, to Broadway, sports, and beyond.

Ms. Wilson has founded schools and companies, created small works and full length ballets, built curricula, and instituted countless outreach services and events. She is known for inventing innovative teaching methods, and is the Founder of Baa Baa Ballet, Preschool Dance Curriculum and Grunt if You Understand, method of Ballet Instruction.

Heather is a mother of four children, 2 of whom are dancers! She is a competitive archer holding state and sectional titles. She enjoys family, motorcycling, camping, skiing, and time on the water.

About: Let’s blast through lesson planning for the upcoming season with Maia’s top-down approach that can be used for any style or level of dance.  Each participant will receive a customized workbook to take notes in as we navigate the lesson-planning process together, from brainstorming our “big picture” goals, to narrowing down the specific skills and exercises that will serve our students best for each benchmark. By the end of the session, you’ll have a full season plan laid out, as well as a system to use for future lesson planning. 

Maia Mahosky - Maia Mahosky is a graduate of Goucher College, where she majored in dance with concentrations in choreography and dance administration. While at Goucher, Maia performed in numerous student, faculty, and guest artist works, including works by Andrea Miller, Darrel Grand Moultrie, and Trebien Pollard. Maia has interned with dance companies including LehrerDance and ClancyWorks Dance Company, and received a grant from the Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes in 2017 to stage her interdisciplinary site-specific piece “The Spaces Project” in Corning, NY.  Maia currently teaches ballet and modern dance classes at Rhythms Academy of Dance in Mansfield, PA, and is the host of The Casual Dance Teacher’s Podcast.

About: This lecture will unpack several techniques for teaching and training musicality and musical literacy for dancers of all levels and technical backgrounds. Beginning with a short overview of common musical terminology, we will primarily focus on two aspects of musical pedagogy: the internalization of rhythm with the goal of expanding students' performative range, and tools for building students' ability to hear, and deliberately and artistically interpret a musical score. We will take a brief look at some introductory vocabulary and concepts in music theory, including Time Signatures, Phrasing, and Tempo Markings, as well as exploring a programmatic approach to incorporating the metronome into technique classes. We will conclude with exercises, games, and tactics for building listening skills and applying musical nuances to choreography. No prior knowledge of music or music theory is necessary!

Justin Rustle - (he/him) is a performer, educator, choreographer, and writer originally from Maryland and currently based in the DMV. He began training at the age of 9 in ballet and modern, primarily at Maryland Youth Ballet, and went on to study dance performance at Butler University. He also holds a Masters Degree in Performance Studies from the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU.

For over a decade Justin has been performing and teaching dance across the United States, including with Ballet Arkansas and Bowen-McCauley Dance Company, as well as appearing as a guest artist with numerous other dance companies, educational institutions, and projects. He currently performs as a company artist with Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company (DTSBDC), the premier modern dance company in the nation’s capital, now in their 31st season.

In addition to performing with DTSBDC and teaching at Baltimore School for the Arts, Justin is also Senior Faculty at Essence Studios and Hope Garden Children’s Ballet Theater, a company member with the Noble Blades Stage Combat Troupe, and a contributing writer covering dance and physical theater for Maryland Theatre Guide.

About: Course Description: Unlock the key to transforming your classroom environment with "Mastering Classroom Dynamics: Uncovering ADHD Insights for Educators." This essential, small-group Q&A course is designed for educators seeking to elevate their teaching strategies and better support their students. Dive deep into practical classroom management techniques, discover effective tips and tricks, and identify subtle, often overlooked symptoms of ADHD that may be impacting your students, yourself, and your classroom community.

In this interactive course, you’ll gain invaluable insights into ADHD’s more hidden effects and learn how to address them proactively. Engage in dynamic discussions, explore real-world scenarios, and receive tailored advice to enhance your teaching approach. Whether you're encountering challenges with classroom behavior or striving to foster a more inclusive learning environment, this course provides the answers you've been looking for to achieve classroom harmony and empower all learners. Don’t miss this opportunity to revolutionize your educational practice and make a lasting impact on your students.

Elizabeth Irvine - Elizabeth Irvine is a highly accomplished dance educator renowned for her deep commitment to both the art of dance and educational advancement. Her journey began on a picturesque horse farm in Middleburg, Virginia, and has since evolved into a distinguished career marked by significant contributions to the field. 

Born and raised in Virginia, Elizabeth's journey into the world of dance began at an early age, sculpted by the serene countryside and her innate love for movement. She honed her craft at esteemed institutions such as In Motion, Russell School of Ballet, and the School of American Ballet. 

Her dedication and talent led her to prestigious dance companies including the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Richmond Ballet, and Greensboro Ballet, where she refined her skills and deepened her appreciation for the art form. Eager to expand her horizons, Elizabeth pursued her BFA in Dance at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Complementing her dance expertise, she also obtained an Early Childhood Education Degree from the University of Arizona, reflecting her commitment to nurturing young minds alongside her passion for dance. 

Since 1998, Elizabeth has been sharing her love for dance with students of all ages and backgrounds. Her teaching philosophy centers on instilling joy, discipline, and artistry in her students, fostering a supportive environment where they can all flourish.

A pivotal moment in Elizabeth's career occurred during college when she discovered that she had been diagnosed with ADHD at age 9, a condition previously unknown to her. This revelation sparked her dedication to understanding and managing ADHD, leading her to develop expertise in supporting students and coworkers with the disorder. Her insights have since benefited thousands of students, educators, and families, particularly in the dance classroom.

Elizabeth has spent over 25 years shaping the careers of her students, many of whom have secured prestigious placements at institutions such as Joffrey NY Summer Intensives, Dean College, Boston Conservatory, Juilliard, and NYU. Her innovative choreography and performances have also garnered numerous accolades in the competitive dance circuit.

Currently Elizabeth teaches at several studios locally in Maryland, and is the administrative assistant at The Berwyn Ballet School in College Park. Elizabeth also spends time working as a judge and teaching Progressing Ballet Technique workshops.  Elizabeth hopes to continue to inspire and mentor the next generation of dance educators and dancers, bringing her extensive experience and passion to all of the things she does. She currently resides in Frederick, Maryland with her husband and two sons.

About: To build a successful dance studio or take on a leadership role in a dance program, it's essential to know how to be an effective leader. Join me for this workshop where we will explore concepts from the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey to learn how they can help you create a loyal team dedicated to the mission and values of your organization. You’ll discover how to identify the strengths of your team while guiding the vision of the company, ensuring an effective educational environment for your students. Ultimately, this approach will foster greater loyalty and increase profits for your organization.

About: This interactive presentation covers nutrition and wellness topics that are essential for dance educators, and anyone involved in the training and care of dancers. Attendees will learn about: important nutrients for dancers; meal planning tips for the busy dancer (and busy dance teacher!); how to use meal timing to increase energy, improve performance, and reduce injury risk; dangers of dieting and under-fueling; and how to create a protective dance environment that supports optimal fueling and helps dancers develop a healthy relationship with food and their body.

Monika Saigal, MS, RD, CEDS-C, CDN - is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, and former professional dancer. She is the founder and owner of ms nutrition, PC, a New York City based nutrition counseling and consulting practice specializing in eating disorders, disordered eating, and dancer wellness. In her 17 years in the field, Monika has helped thousands of clients develop more peaceful and nourishing eating habits, improve athletic and artistic performance, and heal their relationship with food and their body.

Monika is passionate about building a dance world that better supports and nurtures dancers’ health and well-being. She has extensive experience providing nutrition counseling to dancers and performing artists in her private practice and working with dance organizations—from small studios to world-renowned schools, conservatories, and companies. Monika currently works with the San Francisco Ballet School and Company and was the dietitian for the American Ballet Theatre JKO School and Studio Company for the past four years. Prior to this, she spent eight years as a member of the Performance Nutrition team at The Juilliard School.

To better address the health needs of dancers, Monika created and regularly delivers the Head to Pointe® Workshop series, which includes workshops for dancers as well as specialized trainings for dance educators, staff, parents, and health professionals. Monika has been featured as a nutrition expert in various dance publications including Dance Magazine and Dance Spirit. She has presented on the prevention and treatment of eating disorders in dancers at multiple academic conferences including the International Conference on Eating Disorders, the Performing Arts Medicine Association International Symposium, and the past five Annual Conferences of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science. Monika is the author of the book Nourishing Dance: An Essential Guide on Nutrition, Body Image, and Eating Disorders, which was released in June 2024.

About: Drawing from my experience I will be discussing the importance of providing opportunities for dancers beyond the classroom by encompassing artistry and essential life skills. Learning to work independently and collaboratively through performances, trainings and enrichment activities are crucial lessons for mentoring students to become future educators and visionaries in the arts.

Lorianne Margolis - Lori's passion for dancing dates back more than 40 years to when she started ballet training at the age of 11. Born and raised in Baltimore, she studied at the Baltimore Ballet School and was awarded a scholarship to the Peabody Conservatory of Dance. She trained at the School of The Richmond Ballet with Maria Swoboda and Mansur Kamaletdinov. She went on to study at New York University Tisch School of the Arts under the direction of Larry Rhodes. While there, she also attended classes at the Joffrey Ballet School. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance and Choreography from Towson State University, where she studied on scholarship, was President of the Sigma Rho Delta Honor Society for dance, and was a member of the TSU dance company. While at Towson, she received the Peggy Dorsey Professional Promise Award. In addition to her time in Maryland, she also served as resident choreographer for the Baltimore Children's Dinner Theater and performed in and choreographed many musical productions throughout the metro area. She taught dance in Maryland for many years before moving to California, where she worked as a substitute teacher in the local school district for over 10 years, all the while continuing to teach dance. She currently owns and operates Dance Works in Irvine, California, where her love for the arts has continued to grow for more than 12 years. Her students have performed in New York City, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, venues such as the LA Memorial Coliseum, Staples, and Honda Centers, as well as world-premier ballets, national tours, and on TV. Lori believes you are never to old to dance and continues to remain active in her community by choreographing for local events and theater companies. She regularly attends classes and training programs such as the Verdon Fosse Legacy Intensive, the ABT National Training Curriculum and the Progressive Ballet Technique to name a few.

About: In this informative and engaging presentation, Casey A. Royer will delve into the fascinating world of childhood development and its implications for dance education. By exploring developmental milestones for ages 3 through adulthood, Casey will provide dance educators with a deeper understanding of the unique needs and capabilities of their students at every stage of life. Through practical examples and insights from over two decades of teaching experience, Casey will discuss how to tailor teaching methods and expectations to effectively address the changing brains and bodies of dancers. This presentation will equip dance educators with valuable knowledge to enhance their teaching practices and create a more meaningful and enjoyable experience for their students.

Casey Royer - Dance educator, choreographer, business coach, and educator mentor.

Casey graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA in Dance & Choreography in 2009. During her time at VCU she trained under faculty James Frazier, Scott Putman, Martha Curtis, Melanie Richards, and Judy Steel, and also had the wonderful opportunity to study with esteemed guest artists Heidi Weiss, Miguel Gutierrez, Daniel Gwirtzman, and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, among others. On stage she danced for countless fellow students and presented her own work in numerous concerts and showings. She received several awards as a choreographer and student leader.

As a student in VCU's Pre-Physical Therapy program, Casey took courses in anatomy, physiology, psychology, and kinesiology; she incorporates her scientific understanding of the human body and brain into her teaching and choreography.

Since moving to Richmond in 2005, Casey has danced professionally with Dim Sum Dance, Starr Foster Dance Project, Mayzoul Richmond Chapter, AVDance, and rva dance collective.

Casey has also worked extensively behind the scenes as a stage technician, from operating light and sound boards to fly rail and taking on the position of Assistant Stage Manager. In 2009 she was awarded a full scholarship to the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC as a Stagecraft Apprentice, where she worked backstage roles for notable companies including Mark Morris, Pilobolus, Shen Wei Dance Arts, Paul Taylor, and designed lighting for Gerri Houlihan.

Casey is the founder and former co-owner of DSO Connect, a coaching and consulting firm which helps creative entrepreneurs build successful businesses and live balanced lives. She has had the honor of presenting at dance teacher conferences across the country and hosted a weekly podcast from 2020-2022 about dance studio ownership that reached audiences around the globe.

Casey loves sharing her knowledge with other dance educators and is thrilled to be a part of the Mid Atlantic Dance Teacher’s Summit!

About: Many of our students have big ambitions after High School. Now that they have completed the elementary levels, how do we best continue to train and guide them to support them in reaching their professional goals? This presentation provides guidance for teaching pre-professional dance students who are 13 - 18 years old.

I will first address classroom matters like how to maintain focus on foundational technique, while also providing growth-oriented challenges in complexity and artistry. Additionally, I will discuss steps outside of the classroom (i.e., audition preparation) to help your students prepare for conservatory, college, or professional dance life.

Deborah Engerman - Returning to the United States after touring Europe as Ballet Mistress with "Rock The Ballet," Deborah Engerman took on the role of Director of Maryland Classical Dance Academy, along with teaching at Charm City Ballet, Dance Conservatory of Maryland, and Susquehanna Dance Center. She trained early in life with the Baltimore Ballet under Wendy Robinson in the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) tradition, passing her graded exams. Her classical studies also include training with Petrus Bosman, David Keener, and Christine Hennessy. Later, while pursuing her BA in International Policy at Dickinson College, she continued her study of classical ballet with the teachers of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Her dance training also includes Vaganova Technique, French Methodology, and the Dance Education Program at Towson University. Mrs. Engerman has staged ballets to include the Nutcracker and Swan Lake, Act II. Dancers trained by Mrs. Engerman have earned professional contracts and danced with Universal Ballet, ABT, Complexions, The Washington Ballet, The Vienna Opera Ballet, the Boston Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Ballet Inc, Texture Ballet, Hubbard Street, and on Broadway. She has also been a coach to dancers succeeding at numerous international ballet competitions, such as The Prix de Lausanne, the Varna IBC, and The Youth America Grand Prix. Her student, Adrienne Canterna, took the Junior Gold Medal at the 1998 Jackson USA International Ballet Competition.