Sometimes, you need a little jump start in your career. This year, I received a huge one. Read on to see why after 30 years, I'm still excited to go back to work.
Tag: Arts education
New Beginnings: a Dance Studio Transformed
Sometimes, life throws you something unexpected. While it may be uncomfortable at first, the unexpected can turn into something beautiful. This is a story of another evolution in my career as a dance teacher.
Empowering English Language Learners through Performing Arts: An Educator’s Experience
High school musical season presents both challenges and victories for all involved. For the second year in a row, English language learners performed a musical show for an audience in a foreign language. And they did it syllable by syllable. This success story transcends the show itself. When you direct high school play productions, it… Continue reading Empowering English Language Learners through Performing Arts: An Educator’s Experience
Singing Live Again: Rekindling an Old Flame
On this blog, I wax poetic about flipping, family, teaching and living in mid-life. Those topics take up most of my physical and mental energy, and I am most inspired to talk about them. This post shares a different facet of my creative life that doesn't often get much exposure: singing for an audience. For… Continue reading Singing Live Again: Rekindling an Old Flame
Translanguaging in Arts Education
I am an arts educator. My charge is not only inspiring the creative spark in adolescents, but making sure our English Language Learners have equal access and opportunity to participating in the creative spirit. When you are in charge of a school theater organization, you shoulder the weight of so many things, artistic decisions being… Continue reading Translanguaging in Arts Education
My beautiful summer experience
This summer, I had a transformative experience that I will never forget. The beautiful people at YAI are the best!
Changed for the Better, episode 48
On Changed for the Better, we've talked a lot about how people's lives shift over the course of time. Floryane's story is all about accepting change, re-defining her purpose and establishing a plan for course-correction.
Changed for the Better, episode 47
Michael J. DelPup has an artist's heart. He discovered his love for Thespians in his senior year, and that experience has shaped the person he is today. He is a SCAD trained graphic artist who works for Off White design, and he is responsible for the newest logo art for this podcast!
Changed for the Better
See who's in the club!
Changed for the Better: special episode #1
Welcome to the premiere of a new segment of "Changed for the Better: the power or arts in education" called “Ask Tirro.” In this episode, Nathalie Alcime (CFTB Episode 36) puts me in the hot seat!
Changed for the Better, episode 46
While I couldn't possibly admit to favoritism, some of my guests have stuck in my memory and the thought of them instantly makes me smile wide. Nausheen Rokerya is one of them.
Sometimes, it’s nice to win
On June 21, I had the honor of attending the Arts Council of Rockland 2023 Arts Awards as a nominee for the arts educator category. After four nominations, I finally heard my name.
Changed for the Better, episode 44
Not all of my Changed for the Better guests craved the spotlight. Some were very happy behind-the-scenes, putting their production talents to good use in quieter ways.
Sometimes, it’s nice to be nominated: part 2
I'm so proud to be acknowledged as a finalist for ACOR's Arts Educator award. I'm in great company!
Changed for the Better: Upgrades
I have something exciting to share for "Changed for the Better, the power of arts in education!" It's time for some UPGRADES!
Inspiration is a two-way street
On the final weekend of our spring musical season, I was reflecting on what it takes to create, to develop and to thrive. It's all about the people with whom you surround yourself.
Changed for the Better: episode 40
Karema Brown has an educator's heart. Her mission is to do all she can to improve the school experience for her kids. This is her story of service, how she processed her complicated roles as a Black woman, educator, and daughter of the badge, and how the dance studio taught her that vulnerability is a strength to be cherished.
Changed for the Better: Episode 35
Darian Garner, the valedictorian of the class of 2013. A perfect blend of brilliance, kindness and humility, Darian graciously shared her stories about navigating the challenges of being Black in an Ivy League school, losing her mom, becoming an actuary, and growing into her independence.
Changed for the Better, episode 26
Today's blog focuses on Michaelle Vilsa, Spring Valley High School class of 2014. From her high school days to the present, Michaelle has always done her best work in the spotlight. Read on to learn how she's taken her early training in the arts to new heights.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 16
Though known as "the quiet one" of the family, Kenney had lots to say about his high school Thespian experience. Following closely behind his sister as "Tendrina's little brother," he learned how to make his own impression and became his own person.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 15
Victor went from the "new kid in town" to the shining star who found his home in the studio. In this episode, we talk about learning to live your authentic self, in all of its incarnations, despite the immense challenges of adolescence.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 14
In this episode, we travel back to the class of 2003 and get an inside look at the life of a first responder/law enforcement professional who found his peace in the performing arts.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 13
Graig Kriendler is all about nostalgia. It seems to be the driving force behind his life's work, which is why this interview feels so special. For a guy who has been interviewed for tons of articles and podcasts about his professional achievements, this discussion was particularly meaningful for both of us.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode TEN
Tendrina Alexandre We made it to episode TEN (cue the balloons and confetti)!! I feel like there should be bells, whistles and heralding trumpets! Tendrina Alexandre (get it? TEN??) is another superstar from the past, who comes from a superstar family. Does it feel like everyone I interview here are my faves? Yes, yes it… Continue reading Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode TEN
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 8
There's a lot to say about this budding superstar. I knew her as a teenager - smart, observant, swimming in talent. She melted the paint off of the auditorium walls of and now she is releasing simmering Neo-Soul singles to the world. Someday soon, everybody will have Brianna Knight's name on their lips.
Changed for the better: the power of arts in education, episode 3
Now, Elijah Fremont is all grown up. We have kept in touch over the years, and always have good conversation when we connect. It’s like we were never really apart, we just pressed pause for a little bit. In this blog post, I share some of the highlights of our chat that made me smile.
Changed for the Better: the power of arts in education, episode 2
I've always felt that teaching is much more than the content in which you specialize. Arts educators have the superpower of connecting to kids in ways that they will remember forever. Take a look at this week's episode of my new video podcast, "Changed for the Better: the Power of Arts in Education" to watch my inspiring conversation with Emily Dowd, class of 2015.
Stacey's Headspace 