LARAINE KAUFFMAN (Master class guest teacher)

Laraine has had extensive training in many forms of dance since the age of 8 which include ballet (pointe), modern (Graham Technique), lyrical, and jazz. Under the direction of Bonnii Gargano, she started out in a well-established dance studio in Brooklyn, NY. Her teacher's passion for pointe inspired her to continue training in the Arts to a more serious level. Moving on into her preteen years, she studied jazz at a studio that had been producing dancers for 40 years, Horizons Dance Center, located in Brooklyn, NY. It was there that she danced with famous choreographer Tyce Diorio from “So You Think You Can Dance.” During that time, she pursued her study of ballet in depth at The Joffrey Ballet School in New York City for several years, where she trained and was mentored under the direction of Dorothy Lister (Co-author of Conversations with Choreographers). While dancing with The Joffrey Ballet School, Laraine was accepted into The Fiorello H. La Guardia High School of Performing Arts and it was there Laraine gained her experience in the Art of Graham technique, ballet, jazz, improvisation, and drama under the direction of Michelle Mathesuis, James Moody (the actor), Penny Frank, Elisa King, Michelle Benash, and Bob Heath. While attending high school, Laraine was recognized for her ballet solos at several competitions in places such as The Waldorf Astoria. She had also entered and won competitions in Brooklyn, taking first place in known dance clubs for her free style dancing. Her passion for dance and her love for children was the driving force that lead her into teaching. From 2007-2015, she choreographed many ballets and intense modern pieces for performances which took place at the Algonquin and Strand theaters. It is her desire to continue to grow her students in the Arts and to pass on her love of dance to them. Laraine Kauffman is a believer & follower of Jesus Christ. Her love for her Lord and Savior is at the very heart of why she dedicates her life to teaching dance to children of all ages. Laraine enjoys teaching all forms of dance to children but more importantly shares with them that our greater purpose is to Glorify God through the art and not ourselves! Her love for Christ has also led her to volunteer her time in a local non-profit dance studio to children & families who struggle financially. She enjoys this because it gives her the great opportunity to share the love of Christ with others. There is nothing more rewarding than doing the work of the Father to serve him by serving others! It is her hope to instill a passion for dance as well as to share with the children they are cherished & loved by God and He has a purpose for & plan for every one of their lives.