A conversation with Ms. Sanders
What is your individual teaching philosophy?
I believe you need to encourage students' strengths and
nurture their individual passions. I really enjoy teaching
this age because students are in a stage of redefining themselves;
it is such a large time of exploration.
What makes Mesa's dance department different from
others?
Mesa State recently became one of two schools with an emphasis
in Jazz and Tap. I have been working for this specific concentration
for about 10 years. Mesa's smaller size allows the opportunity
for students to begin performing right away. We host two
dance concerts a year giving the students a chance to get
right on the stage.
What do you enjoy doing outside the dance world?
I would say my passion is in traveling. After touring with
the Chicago Opera Ballet Company I really developed a love
for traveling. I have visited every state in the U.S. beside
Alaska, and seen much of Europe. I would say out of everywhere
I have been ancient Egypt was the strangest place. Poland
was also very interesting because I was there after the
communist rule had ended. I also love theatre, when I make
it out to New York every four years I end up packing nearly
10 shows into the duration of my stay.
What has kept you in Grand Junction for 34 years?
Grand Junction is such an easy place to live in. I can be
almost anywhere in the valley within 20 minutes. I also
love the people I work with. Everyone is so wonderfully
talented and creative. Plus I don't care to perform anymore.
I strive on being a mentor, teacher and facilitator. My
lifelong focus is to always be learning something new. Every
year I attend a three-week long intensive dance festival
in Maine. This helps me keep up with the latest dance trends.
What are some of your other accomplishments?
I received the opportunity to dance with Rudolph Nureyev;
he is my claim to fame. I also serve on the national board
of the American College Dance Festival as the Central District
Representative and recently received the Mesa State Faculty
Award for Outstanding Achievement in Scholarship.
Written by Caitlin Flynn, Mass Communications student
