I believe education should inspire learners to fully realize their capabilities of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which is facilitated by learning that is engaging and meaningful. Dance integration is a perfect conduit for this, as dance is a natural form of human expression, an active tool for exploration/discovery, and connects to any number of subjects! My goal is to help students not only appreciate dance, but also create meaningful knowledge they can apply broadly, whether specifically curriculum-related or more generalized, such as interest in physical activity or emotional expression, or confidence in their ability to control their own learning. In a residency setting, I offer customized lessons that connect your target subject, standards, and/or theme to a dance style (Creative Movement, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, etc.). For example, telling the stories of Dr. Seuss through jazz dance, exploring identity through modern dance, or learning about the wind through poetry and creative movement! I design activities to be engaging and flexible for learners of varying levels, founded on the basic elements of dance (Body, Energy, Space, Time, & Movement). Culminating performances are optional; and for assessment, I especially value student self-reflection.

Kathleen Marleneanu attended Henderson State University where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English and minor in Dance. She additionally earned her Master of Education degree in Learning Systems Technology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. At Henderson, Kathleen trained under Jennifer Maddox and various guest artists in Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Choreography, Tap, and Improvisation, and choreographed for and performed with the HSU Dance Company. She has additional training in Contemporary/Lyrical, Hip Hop, African, Latin, and Musical Theatre Dance. Through the years, Kathleen has attended numerous intensives/workshops for training and professional development, including the Snowy Range Summer Dance Festival, River North Chicago Summer Workshop, Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop, American College Dance Festival, La JAZDANZ Summer Intensive, and Twin City Ballet Intensive. Kathleen performed as a principal dancer in a Branson show (American & international styles) before taking the position of dance teacher at Benton County School of the Arts charter school (now the Arkansas Arts Academy) in Rogers, where she directed the middle school dance program for three years. There she taught and choreographed for 5th-8th grade in Ballet, Modern, Lyrical, Jazz, Hip hop, and Tap, additionally teaching Literacy/Math Enrichment, Fitness, and Choreography. Kathleen also directed the BCSA Dance Competition Teams, and served on the Fine Arts Committee. Currently, Kathleen dances professionally with New Creation Dance Company in Little Rock where she trains in Ballet, Modern/Contemporary, and Jazz, and performs throughout Arkansas and nearby states. Kathleen choreographs for the company, and also through New Creation, teaches weekly children’s classes, occasional company classes, and workshops around the state for all ages/levels. Her additional education experience includes teaching at various dance studios, designing and presenting educational programs for the Old Statehouse Museum, and writing curricula and teaching public school dance residencies for Arkansas Learning Through the Arts.