L.E.A.D.
LEADERSHIP, EDUCATION, ARTISTRY, AND DEVELOPMENT
Thursday // August 13, 2026
12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
PLEASE NOTE:
- Must be registered as a Full Attendee.
- Business Boost & L.E.A.D. will happen at the same time.
- Limited space. There is a max capacity of 150 people.
Dive into key principles, theories, and developmental strategies to enhance your curriculum in the classroom. Discover versatile techniques that apply to all levels and styles, from private dance studios to K-12 public schools. Join us in shaping an impactful and inclusive learning experience!
Workshop 1
LEADERSHIP IN THE CLASSROOM
LAUREN RITCHIE
Focus: Establishing culture, communication, and confidence in teaching
- Defining your teaching identity & leadership style
- Classroom culture & communication strategies for all ages
- Creating systems for structure while allowing creative freedom
- Language that empowers how words shape dancers’ self-perception
- Leading with empathy while maintaining authority and consistency
- Quick discussion: leadership challenges teachers face today + peer solutions
Workshop 2
EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENTAL STRATEGY
EMILY BUFFERD
Focus: Teaching with intention — curriculum, progression, and student growth
- Teaching for understanding, not just replication
- Progressive lesson design — scaffolding skills across age/level
- Anatomy, injury prevention, and student-safe training practices
- Differentiation tools — how to support mixed-level classes
- Feedback models: constructive correction vs. performance policing
- Hands-on demo or breakout: transforming a combo into a layered lesson plan
Workshop 3
ARTISTRY & CREATIVE EXPRESSION
SHANNON MATHER
Focus: Helping students find their voice — beyond steps & technique
- Fostering improvisation and self-expression in any style
- Turning combinations into storytelling and performance exercises
- Emotional intelligence in choreography — giving dancers purpose
- Building student confidence through creative risk-taking
- Final takeaway: 5 plug-and-play artistry drills to bring home immediately
Closing Reflection
- Quick journal/share: “One leadership, one education, and one artistry shift I’m taking back to my classroom.”
- Group affirmation or connection moment to solidify community.
