Hello Everyone! 😊
My name is Lewis Gardner. I graduated from The Royal Ballet School in 2013 and since then I have danced professionally for almost 10 years. Firstly, in Singapore with Singapore Dance Theatre, for 3 years and more recently in Seoul South Korea, with Universal Ballet Company for almost 7 years, where I am currently still working. I have been very lucky to be able to learn and perform a wide range of repertoire and styles across many different countries during my career.
I’ve also done a lot of work with the education and outreach program in my current company, which entails performing and teaching children and adults with disabilities or those who may not have easy access to the arts. I have loved doing this and it’s something I would love to keep my hand in, even if it’s not my main focus.
Since I became a professional, I have also taught dance, mainly ballet as it’s what is most comfortable for me but also just general movement and dance classes. I’ve had the privilege of teaching both adults and kids. I would say I’m more suited to teaching adults, although I love teaching kids and the energy they bring to the class is mostly great, adult ballet class, for me, has always been a joy and real pleasure to teach! I’m currently not teaching anymore to focus on my main job and now also this BAPP course, but I hope in the future to pick it up again.
Nice opening blog, Lewis! interesting to hear about your experience teaching (not to mention your awesome picture!). What is it about teaching ballet to adults that you find so rewarding?
ReplyDeleteFor me it's the passion and dedication that I've experienced teaching adults. Most adult I have taught, have had some exposure to dancer or ballet before taking class and just want to be there for the fun and experience. Our time is precious as adults, so if someone is taking time out of their schedule and using their money to take a dance class, you know that they are passionate about it and will give 100 per cent. This makes it an exciting, lively environment. Whenever I have a bad day at work and I'm teaching adult class after, it always cheers me up.
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