About Whalen...
Position: 9th-12th Grade Dance and Pom
Room: Dance Room
Phone: (480) 424-8284
Email: Whalen

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Welcome!

Welcome to Casteel Dance! I founded the dance program in 2015 and absolutely love being a Colt!

My Education and Professional Background

I am an Arizona native and love all things dance! I attended ASU and received my BFA in Dance Education and Sociology. Throughout college I took advantage of the numerous opportunities I was presented with to expand my craft. I performed not only with ASU but also in outside companies in the valley. I began teaching competitive and recreational dance at an early age and fell in love with teaching and choreography. I then went on to get my MFA in Dance Education from University of North Carolina Greensboro. I am so grateful for all the dance opportunities I have experienced. It has shaped me into the teacher I am. I love spreading my love of dance to others, challenging dancers, and providing a well rounded dance education to my students. I teach all high school courses here at Casteel, including Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced and Project 15 Dance Company. I also am the head coach of the Pom program.

My Educational Philosophy

As a dance educator I strive to create a positive dance atmosphere for students wherein I hope to challenge and inspire students to expand their dance vocabulary, ability, and artistry. Dance is a form of expression, it’s an art, a language. In order to truly experience all that dance has to offer, one must be completely willing to open up. Creating a judgment-free space encourages students towards healthy, personal expression and growth in movement. Through respect, understanding the significance of individuality and self worth, and a desire and willingness to not give up, students will find the empowerment dance brings and realize anything can be achieved.
 

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