DANCE TEACHING RESUME - Marie-France Lévesque Cell (310) 308-2471 – e-mail: [email protected] STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: • Share my passion, experience and knowledge of dance to inspire students of all experience levels to find and pursue their own passions and express themselves through movement as a means of developing their creativity as well as to instill a positive, healthy and empowering attitude which will reflect in their schooling and their life. • Collaborate and contribute to a creative environment with fellow teachers and staff to participate in a more global educational environment. Strive to keep learning and bettering myself in order to progress professionally and to model life-long learning to my students. • Use dance and movement to engage and challenge students to go beyond what they believe is possible in a way that helps them accomplish all of their goals..
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS: • Alumni Dancer (11 years) and Unique base of experience with the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum from Primary Level through Level 7 teaching Ballet at each level from Primary to professional Levels and all Adult Levels for 20 years • Successfully produced choreographed dance works, production, direction and coordination for Viewpoint Independent School’s Holiday and Spring Performances as well as 26 pieces for the Los Angeles Dance Company (www.TheLADC.com) at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Theater and for the list of studios given in my attached Biography. • Proven track record in successfully presenting, persuading and negotiating in the arts and entertainment industry • Managed complex organizational tasks in fast-paced environment with grace and poise under pressure
DANCE TEACHING EXPERIENCE: VIEWPOINTE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL: (2015- 2016 Present) • Taught Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap and Ballet classes, Stretch class, Turns, Jumps, Core Strengthening to Middle and Upper school students on daily basis • Produced choreographic works for the school performances • Created a dance program for the year with teaching Dance class Technique, Terminology, Combinations, Routines, Dance History, Choreography and Improvisation. • Graded the students quarterly and wrote Comments for each students tracking their progress • Advised students. Met and Communicated with the parents • Attended department meetings and Participated as a team player at problem solving. DANCE STUDIOS: (full list in the employment history section- 1996-Present) • Taught Ballet class Technique-Terminology-Variations-Repertoire and Private Coaching • Produced choreographic works for the school performances • Advised students. Met and Communicated with the parents • Attended meetings and Participated as a team player at Problem Solving. MOORPARK COLLEGE (2011) • Taught Master Ballet class Technique-Terminology-Variations-Repertoire and Private Coaching CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH (1998-1999) • Substitute Teacher. Taught Master Ballet class Technique-Terminology-Variations-Repertoire and Private Coaching
DANCE ADJUCATING EXPERIENCE: SPOTLIGHT AWARD of the MUSIC CENTER (1996-Present) • Judge, Critique and Writer of constructive comments about the contestants YOUTH AMERICAN GRAND PRIX (2008) • A Judge, Critique and Writer of constructive comments about the contestants • Taught Master Ballet class Technique-Terminology-Variations-Repertoire EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: See attached full list EDUCATION: 2009-2010 the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum Primary Level through Level 7 2004 Pierce College 1996-1998 Santa Monica College Speech Class Business. Honor Student. GPA: 4.0 1993-1994 Hunter College, New York, NY 1983 McGill University, Montreal College Pre-Med. GPA: 4.0 Marketing 1991 New York University 1982 Old Montreal College Public Relations Associate Degree in Music (Piano) and Dance SPECIAL SKILLS: Ballet-Modern-Contemporary-Jazz-Tap Teacher-Choreographer-Producer-Dance Judge-Dancer-Actress-Model- Music (Piano) Teacher-French Teacher
MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY Marie-France Levesque Visit www.THELADC.com
As a teacher, my pedagogical philosophy is to make the best of each student’s talent, to use and develop the qualities of each person to maximize each individual’s potential and encourage the dancer to blossom as a whole artist while managing and improving their weaknesses. As I encourage the students for a high level detail- oriented refined technique, I emphasize the development of artistic interpretation, imagination, acting abilities and choreographic exploration while inspiring them to believe in who they are and challenging them to always keep pushing themselves in order to learn and expand their limits. I also help them prepare their minds for the very competitive environment, which is the reality of today’s dance world and world in general.
Because of my rich and successful professional experience, I developed a vast knowledge of dance , training, repertoire, choreography, pedagogy and psychological preparation to transmit to all her students and to inspire them to become the very best dancer, student and person they can be. I have taught all ages and levels of dance so I can adjust my teaching style to the desired levels, from beginners, intermediate to advanced and pre- professional students.
What I have learned in teaching at Viewpoint school since last August is to tailor my classes to the particular needs of the class and specifically to the particular students. I did adjust my approach to a more educational, recreational and informational level than when I teach at a dance studio. It is a different set of expectations. I take into account how the students are feeling that day and I consider their academic work load and exam schedule. These dance classes are an outlet for them to relax, work-out and decompress while still learning and having fun! I have learned to be flexible with the plan and allow to re-orient the material depending where the students are at. I mainly want them to have fun dancing while they learn. I want to inspire them artistically as well as a person. I want to help them develop their skills physically, mentally, artistically, psychologically and emotionally. I also want to instill a natural sense of self-discipline, posture, carriage and grace which will carry into anything they do in life.
I love teaching because I love to share my passion of dance, my experience, my knowledge and I like to inspire the students to find and pursue their passions, to express themselves through movements and to develop their creativity.
MARIE-FRANCE LÉVESQUE [email protected] - Cell: 310-308-2471 Curriculum Vitae BALLET TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Marie-France has been teaching the highest level of professional instruction in classical ballet extensively since 1996 in group classes, master classes and privately at Universities and Dance Studios in Southern California such as: California State University Long Beach, Moorpark College, Westside School of Ballet, Southland Ballet Academy, California Dance Theatre, Pasadena Civic Ballet and the list goes on. She has taught mainly to advanced and intermediate levels as well as younger beginners and a few years to toddlers while attending to her young developing family of her own.
Besides teaching Master classes at a few universities and prominent International dance competition such as “Youth American Grand Prix”, she has also coached three levels of junior Olympic team of rhythmic gymnasts for nine years at Monarch’s and Platinum Gymnastics.
Marie-France became a certified teacher for the American Ballet Theatre’s newly developed and nationally recognized training curriculum in all their Levels (1 to 7) in 2009.
Marie-France has been trained in many different international ballet techniques which she transmits the information to her students on the different methods: Cechetti method, French school, Balanchine style, Bournonville style, Vaganova, Kirov and Bolshoi methods which all are part of the American Ballet Theater repertoire she learned.
As a teacher, Marie-France’s pedagogical philosophy is to make the best of each dancer’s talent, to use and develop the qualities of each person to maximize each individual’s potential and encourage the dancer to blossom as a whole artist while managing and improving the weaknesses. As she pushes the students for a detail-oriented high level of refined technique, she emphasizes the development of artistic interpretation, imagination, acting abilities and choreographic exploration while inspiring them to believe in who they are and challenging them to always keep pushing themselves to learn and expand their limits. She also helps them prepare their minds for the very competitive environment, which is the reality of today’s dance world.
Because of her rich and successful professional experience, Marie-France has a vast knowledge of dance , training, repertoire, choreography, pedagogy and psychological preparation to transmit to all her students and to inspire them to become the very best dancer they can be.
MUSIC TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Marie-France is an accomplished classical pianist and Grand Organ player who has been teaching to children the art of piano since she is seventeen years old in private setting. She successfully completed her 9th grade at age 15 from the renowned Music school in Montreal, Canada: Ecole de Musique Vincent D’Indy, as well as 3 years on the grand organ. She obtained her double-major Associate Degree in Music and Dance. Her deep understanding and love of music has been a strong asset to her dancing, teaching and especially in choreographing. She also is married to world-renown piano virtuoso, Freddie Ravel.
FRENCH LANGUAGE TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Marie-France has been teaching oral and written French to children, teenagers and adults on a private settings from 1996 to 2002 in the Los Angeles area. She also has taught French to elementary children at Woodland Hills Elementary School in 2011-2012.
PERFORMING & GUESTING EXPERIENCE March 1982 – October 1985: Company: Les Grands Ballet Canadiens Director: Linda Stearns
Important Parts Danced: “Concerto Barroco” 1st Lead girl Pas-de-deux and 2nd Lead Girl Solo (Balanchine)
“Cappriccio” Principal Pas-de-deux (From “Jewels” of Balanchine)
“Cappricio” 2nd lead girl (ginched girl) (Balanchine)
“Divertimento #15” 3rd solo (Balanchine)
“Waltz of the Flowers” Principal Pas-de-deux (“Nutcracker” of Fernand Nault)
“Findings” Ballet, Principle couple (Brian MacDonald)
“Carmina Burana” Principal pas-de-deux (F. Nault)
“Serenade” Demi-soloist (Russian girl) (Balanchine)
“Tam ti delam” Pas-de-deux (B. MacDonald)
Creations: “Garden of the Heart” principal part (Brian MacDonald, 1985) -created especially for the inauguration of the Calgary Centre for Performing Arts, and has been broadcasted on National Television (CBS, Fall 1985)
Teachers: Daniel Seillier (Paris Opera Ballet), Benjamin Harkavay, Terry Westmoreland, Olga Everinoff, William Griffith Films: “On the Orient Stages with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens” Director: John Smith Produced by the National Film Board of Canada
October 1985 – February 1996 Company: The American Ballet Theatre Director: Mikail Baryshnikov
Important Parts Danced:
“Jewels” Sleeping Beauty 3rd act (Kenneth McMillan)
Lead sexy couple in “Pillar of Fire” (A. Tudor)
Flower girl Soloist in “Gaite Parisienne” (Massine)
Romeo’s harlot Soloist in “Romeo and Juliette” (Sir Kenneth Mac Millan)
Effie- Principal: in “la Sylphide”
Aya soloist in “la Bayadere” (Makarova’s version)
5 girls variation in “Don Quixote” 3rd Act (Baryshnikov’s version)
The friend’s soloist in “Giselle”
White girl soloist in “Etude” (Lander)
Demi-soloist in “Symphonie Concertante” (Balanchine)
Fiancés variation in “Swan Lake” (Baryshnikov)
Big Swans in “Swan Lake” ACT II
Pas de trois variations in “Swan Lake” Act I
Pas d’Action variations in “la Bayaderie” Act I
The ranch owner’s daughter 2nd Lead role in “Rodeo” (Agnes de Mille)
“The Sugar Plum Fairy Queen” in Maryland Ballet’s Nutcracker
“The Sugar Plum Doll” solo in the Nutcracker Act I (Kevin MacKenzie version)
“The Nocturne” Pas-de-deux in “Fall River Legend” (Agnes de Mille)
April 2013-Present
Founded, directs, choreographs and dances for her company The Los Angeles Dance Company (www.TheLADC.com)
- April 14th: Fundraising event to raise funds for Nov. 2nd 2013 “On Pointe” at 50, and beyond!.... Performance - September 21st: Excerpts of “On Pointe” at 50, and beyond!.... for the San Pedro Dance Festival 2013 - November 2nd: “On Pointe” at 50, and beyond!.... Scherr Forum Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. 2.5 hours performance. Principal role in 13 pieces.
CHOREOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE
Since relocating to the Los Angeles area in 1996, Marie-France has been choreographing 4 pieces per year for the different dance schools and companies where she teaches yearly, such as “Stars and Stripes”. “Boutique Fantasque”, “A night at the Viennese Ball”, “Alice in Wonderland”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “Swan Lake”, “The Nutcracker” among many others.
For her Dance Company “The Los Angeles Dance Company” she has choreographed 15 works so far: - “Pure Love” pas-de-deux - “Faure’s Pavane” for 3 couples - “Journey through Ixtlan” Men Trio - “Kama Sutra” pas-de-deux - “The Glory of Life” pas-de-deux - “Sailaway” pas-de-deux - “Une histoire d’Amour”(Love Story)for 2 couples - “Tango a Trois” Trio and 4 women - “My Kite, the Dancer” (Ode to Ballet) with Legend Star Al Jarreau and composer Freddie Ravel - Latin Quarters: - “Lover’s Vignettes” for 3 couples - “Bar Scene” for 5 couples - “Liebertango” pas-de-deux - “Tanguera” for 5 couples - “Salsa on Fire” for 5 couples
DIRECTOR-PRODUCER EXPERIENCE
In April 2013, she founded her company: “The Los Angeles Dance Company” , she produced and directed her latest 2 hour and a half production “On Pointe at 50, and beyond! …” which was presented at the Scherr Forum theater at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. (Program is attached)
ADJUCATOR EXPERIENCE
Marie-France has been and still is a judge for the Spotlight Awards competition of the Music Center every year since 1997 and has judged for the Youth American Grand Prix in 1998 for which she also taught Variations and Master classes.
ACTING - MODELING EXPERIENCE
Marie-France also studied acting with Richard Scanlon in New York for three years starting in 1992. She appeared as a lead in the French Flight Attendant in “The Bold & the Beautiful”. She also has several Film credits (“Gattica”, “One night stand” and “Shut-up and Dance” among others), Television, Commercial, Voice-overs & Modeling credits over the past 20 years in New York and in Los Angeles. (Full list available upon request). In 1997, she has also performed for Madonna’s “Evita” Permiere Gala at the El Rey Theatre in Hollywood. (See attached acting resume for full details) MANAGEMENT-MARKETING & COMMUNICATION EXPERIENCE
When Marie-France established and promoted her dance company “The Los Angeles Dance Company”, she used all the knowledge and experience she learned from her college courses on Management, Marketing and Communications. She also utilized all the experience she has learned in Special Events Coordination and Fundraising from her past professional business experience listed in her business resume attached. She has also learned a whole lot form inter-personal relations, sales, marketing and promotion from her experience in Real Estate as a Realtor with Coldwell Banker since 1999.
EDUCATION
Throughout her dance career, she also attended college part-time:
2004 Pierce College – part-time Business 1996-1998 Santa Monica College – part-time in Business – Honor Student 1995 Hunter College, New York, NY – Pre-Med. GPA: 4.0 1991 New York University –Public Relations 1983 McGill University, Montreal College – Marketing
Prior to joining her first ballet company at age 18, she completed her Associate Degree. 1982 Old Montreal College - Associate Degree in Music (Piano) and Dance
SCHOLARSHIPS
• 1982: Grant from Canada Council: 2 months Intensive ballet studies in New York Teachers: David Howard, Robert Denver, Melissa Hayden, William Burmann, William Griffith
• 1985: Grant from Quebec Government : International Ballet Seminar in Varna, Bulgaria Teachers: Irina Kolpakova, Mr. Oleg Semionov, Pierre Lacotte, Sergei Berejnoi
• Several “Dancers in Transitions” (AGMA) scholarships
• Several “Dance On” scholarships
BUSINESS RESUME - Marie-France Lévesque Cell (310) 308-2471 – e-mail: [email protected] HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS: • Unique base of experience with the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the L.A. Opera of The Music Center, with American Ballet Theatre and with Columbia Artists Management in Promotions, Events Coordination and Supervision, Fund-raising , Budget Management, Entertainment Marketing and Public Relations • Successfully produced Fund-raising and Corporate Events as a Consultant for clients, including the Rotary Club LA5, Barnes & Noble, French Broadcasting Corporation, French Rags Fashion Clothing Co., and Ravelation Prod. • Proven track record in successfully presenting, persuading and negotiating in the arts and entertainment industry • Managed complex organizational tasks in fast-paced environment with grace and poise under pressure EXPERIENCE: Marketing, Promotions, and Public Relations: • Developed financial support from corporations, patrons and other influential donors raising $250,000 for LA Master Chorale of the LA Music Center • Coordinated gala event and engaged in fund-raising activities for American Ballet Theatre development department • Established relationships and interacted with media contacts for American Ballet Theatre, Interfilm and Vision Experts Group • Participated in marketing research and planning for PBS Channel 13 music department
Management: • Assisted in coordinating, organizing and implementing all aspects of the L.A. Opera’s International Wine Auction over an eight month period and including five pre and post events • Managed budget, organized and implemented all aspects of the annual fund-raising for LA Master Chorale of the LA Music Center over six months period and including eight pre and post events • Coordinated European tour of dancers, including researching all legalities • Prepared financial plan and budget for Elite Dance Group European tour • Represented Elite Dance Group to secure permission for rights from choreographers • Created and Managed Celebrations in Motion, specializing in producing Corporate and Special Events, Public Relations and Entertainment Marketing.
Communications: • Interacted and developed relations with national and international dignitaries, patrons and sponsors, TV and film celebrities and the media for the L.A. Master Chorale and the L.A. Opera of the Music Center • Negotiated with Columbia Artists Management to sponsor Elite Dance Group tour • Negotiated terms of contract between professional union dancers and the dance company • Wrote analysis and reviews of films for PBS Channel 13 • Represented Vision Experts Group as a spokesperson at the New York Health Fair EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: 1999- present Coldwell Banker Realtor-Associate 1997- 1999 Celebrations in Motion Owner and Consultant in Special Events 1997 – 1998 L.A. Opera, The Music Center, L.A. Consultant in Special Events 1996 - 1997 Los Angeles Master Chorale, The Music Center, LA Special Events Coordinator 1985 - 1996 American Ballet Theatre, New York Professional Ballerina, Fund Raiser and Public Relations Representative 1995 Vision Experts Group, New York Marketing and Sales 1995 The International Portfolio, Inc., New York, NY (investments) Assistant to the Vice President 1991 Elite Group European Tour, New York Manager and Dancer EDUCATION: 1995 Hunter College, New York, NY 1996-1998 Santa Monica College GPA: 4.0 Business. GPA: 4.0 Honor Student 1991 New York University 1982 Old Montreal College Public Relations Associate Degree in Music (Piano) and Dance
SPECIAL SKILLS: Knowledge of requirements for international business, travel and immigration; Fluent French, conversational Japanese; PC-WordPerfect 5.1; Macintosh- Microsoft Word, Fundmaster, Windows 95, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Internet, Real Estate License
CHRONOLOGICAL EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
1. Viewpoint Independent School 23620 Mulholland Highway Calabasas, CA 91302 (818) 340-2901 Dance Teacher August 20, 2015-Present
2- Segestrom Center for the Arts- American Ballet Theatre Dance School 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 556-2787- Alaine Haubert Ballet Teacher Once/month- All day classes different Levels since April 2015- Present
3- California Dance Theatre Inc. 5863 Kanan Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301 818-707-3267 Ballet Teacher $50/hour Since Feb 2015 on faculty Since Sept. 2011 as a sub-teacher
4- Pasadena Civic Ballet Center 253 North Vinedo Ave., Pasadena CA 91107 626-792-0873 Ballet teacher: to Intermediate and Advanced Levels September 2012 – Present
5- The Music Center 135 N Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012 213-972-3345. Jeri Gaile, Director Dance Judge. 3-4 months per year 1996- Present
6- The Los Angeles Dance Company 22287 Mulholland Highway, Suite #263 Calabasas CA 91302 818-627-9083 Founder-Director-Choreographer-Producer-Dancer Visit www.TheLADC.com April 2013 – Present
7- Moorpark College 7075 Campus Road. Moorpark, CA 93021 (805) 378 -1400 February 2011 Master classes teacher
8- Platinum Gymnastics 2175 Agate Ct ., Simi Valley, CA. 93065 805.527.6662. Private Coaching for Junior Olympics Rythmic Gymnasts & at Monarchs Gymnastics previously ( 2004 to 2009) Fall 2009- June 2013
9- A Step in Time Dance School of Dance (Now Calabasas Dance Academy) 4505 Las Virgines Road #102 Calabasas, CA 91302 (818) 880-8152 Ballet Teacher & Choreographer: to Toddlers-Beginners-Intermediate and Advanced Levels September 2009 – November 2013
10- Agoura Hills Dance and Performing Arts Center 5015 Cornell Road Agoura, CA 91301 (818)991-8883 Ballet Teacher & Choreographer: to Toddlers-Beginners-Intermediate and Advanced Levels Sept. 1998 – August 2009
11- Youth American Grand Prix Judge for Ballet Master Class & Variations Teacher February 2008
12- CAL State Long Beach University Ballet Teacher ( substitute teacher ): Pre-professional level Sept.1998 – May 1999
13- Southland Ballet Academy 9527 Garfield Fountain Valley, CA 92708 714-962-5440 Ballet Teacher: to Intermediate and Advanced Levels February ‘96- August 2001
14- Westside School of Ballet 1709 Stewart St, Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 828-2018 Ballet Teacher: to Advanced and Pre-professional Levels (Substitute) February 1996 - September 1997
15- The Dance Factory 11870 Santa Monica Blvd. West Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-826-4554 Ballet Teacher & Choreographer: to Intermediate and Advanced Levels September ’96 – April’99
16- L.A. Opera of The Music Center 135 North Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012 213-972-7219 Special Event Coordinator for their Galas and Special Events September ‘97- September ‘98
17- L.A. Master Chorale of The Music Center 135 North Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012 Special Event Coordinator for their Galas and Special Events August‘96- January ’97
18- French Rags Clothing Company 11500 Tennessee Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90064 310-479-5648 Employed from April 97-July 97 Title: Special Events Consultant
19- Windsor Travel Travel Agency & Special Events Company 11620 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 500 Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-477-6783 Employed from January 97-April 97 & August 97-October 97, 9/16/98 to 10/15/98 & May ’99 – June ‘99 Title: Special Events Assistant and Executive Assistant to President
20- The American Ballet Theatre 890 Broadway, 3rd Floor NYC, NY 10003 Ballet Dancer hired by Mikail Baryshnikov Dancer: Corps de ballet, Soloist and Principal works Employed from October 1985 – January 1996
21- Les Grands Ballet Canadiens of Montreal, Canada Employed from 1982-1985 Dancer: Corps de ballet, Soloist and Principal works Principal roles in Balanchine works: Concerto Barrocco, Serenade, Cappriccio/Jewels, Symphonie Concertante Principal work in: The Nutcracker, Carmina Burana (Fernand Nault), full list upon request
REFERENCES for MARIE-FRANCE LÉVESQUE [email protected] - Cell 310-308-2471
• Scott Feldsher - Chair of Theater and Dance Department Viewpoint Independent School – Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone: 818-591-6500 – [email protected]
• Gabriella Brown – Assistant Chair of the Dance Department Viewpoint Independent School – Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone: 818-591-6500 - [email protected]
• Melissa Strong – Head of Middle School Viewpoint Independent School – Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone: 818-591-6500 – [email protected]
• Alan Howie – Head of Upper School Viewpoint Independent School – Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone: 818-591-6500 - [email protected]
• Mark McKee – Head of School Viewpoint Independent School – Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone: 818-591-6500 - [email protected]
• Bob Bryan – Associate Head of School Viewpoint Independent School – Calabasas, CA 91302 Phone: 818-591-6500 - [email protected]
• Alaine Haubert - Principal, American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Orange County Phone: 562-335-1023 - [email protected] • • Craig Williams - Master Teacher and Choreographer - Pasadena Civic Ballet phone: 818-636-5635 - [email protected]
• Diane Browne - Artistic Director - Pasadena Civic Ballet phone: 626-524-9356 - [email protected]
May 1, 2016 Re: Letter of recommendation for Marie-France Levesque
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Marie-France Levesque, with whom I worked during the entire 2015-2016 academic year at Viewpoint School, and where she currently teaches tap, modern dance, advanced dance, jazz and choreography classes to Middle and Upper School students (ages 11- 18).
Our teachers work very closely together to support students’ learning from wherever their starting point may be, and this is particularly true in our dance program, in which there are often students with a broad range of experience in a single class. Within weeks of Marie-France’s arrival to our school in August, 2015, I observed her ability to connect with her students, as she was easily able to reflect on their skills, personality, and interests in conversation with me. I recently had the opportunity to observe one of Marie-France’s dance classes, in which the range of ability was particularly broad. This class included complete novice dancers who had chosen to enroll in the course to meet Viewpoint’s physical education requirement and who were not interested in other athletic offerings, some of whom were also challenged by limited flexibility or past injuries, as well as avid dancers with years of experience and significant interest in the art. The teaching of this course requires particular flexibility and innovation in order to meet the needs of the different groups of students who arrive each year. Marie-France showed particular skill in finding ways to engage all students and to keep the curriculum accessible, exciting and relevant, including consulting with students to find music that would best inspire them, flexible grouping of students during exercises, and choreography that simultaneously allowed for advanced students to challenge themselves and for novice students to focus on the basics of posture and balance, all the while offering supportive individual guidance and feedback.
Marie-France’s contributions to the program were greatly appreciated by Viewpoint’s senior dance teacher, Gabrielle Brown, with whom she collaborated closely and shared a classroom. In particular, Marie-France’s colleagues and I appreciated her flexibility in being able to take on any task at a moment’s notice—always with joy—and complete it well, whether it be planning for a variety of different courses and events or stepping into the many other roles and responsibilities required of teachers in her first year working in an independent K-12 school setting. This is a clear reflection of both Marie-France’s years of teaching experience in a variety of institutions and with all ages, which has equipped her with the tools to assess a class’ needs and how best to pique their interest on the spot, as well as of her warm and positive personality, which has led her to approach all situations with cheerful enthusiasm. I have never yet seen Marie-France without a smile!
Marie-France has shown perceptiveness and rapport with her students while maintaining high standards for their achievement. Her love and respect for her students is evident in every aspect of her work, and her gentle sense of humor makes working with her a pleasure for both colleagues and students alike. Her interactions with students consistently demonstrate her appreciation for their growing capabilities and her desire to help them acquire confidence and independence. Marie-France has proven that she is a focused educator who is continually refining her craft. On a personal level, her colleagues and I also appreciate her collegiality, warmth, and sense of humor, which have made working together a pleasant and purposeful endeavor.
Marie-France is an ideal candidate for any dance teaching position to which she applies. She is hard-working, creative, and adaptable and has a wealth of experience in a wide range of dance styles, as well as professional experience as a performer, choreographer and program director. I am confident that she will make a profound mark on any program she joins.
If there is any further information I can provide about Marie-France Levesque, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Melissa Marie Strong Assistant Head of Middle School Viewpoint School 23620 Mulholland Highway Calabasas, CA 91302 (818) 591-6498 [email protected]
Pasadena Civic Ballet
May 2, 2016
To Whom It May Concern::
It gives me great pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Marie France-Levesque.
Marie has been a teacher and coach for the Pasadena Civic Ballet for 3 years, working with our teen and senior companies. Her responsibilities include teaching classical ballet and setting and coaching classical solos and duets for performances. She is a valuable part of our studio staff, and is always prompt, courteous and prepared.
As a teacher, Marie brings a wealth of information and expertise to her students. Ms. France- Levesque has excellent control of her classes, and builds a good rapport with her students, creating a structured environment that facilitates learning and discipline. She demands energy and concentration while inspiring the dancers to do their best. She works well with beginners as well as more advanced dancers to help them all reach their potential. She motivates students by her own example, and it is clear that she enjoys teaching very much.
As a coach, she is able to inspire and bring out excellence in her students. Her attention to detail and her extensive background in dance, coupled with her ability to demonstrate exactly what she wants is a winning combination in the studio that translates to the stage.
I feel certain that Marie France-Levesque would be a wonderful asset to any program that she is involved with. She is an expert in her field, open to new ideas, and responsible and optimistic in her approach to teaching. Please feel free to contact me for further reference.
Sincerely,
Diane De Franco Browne
Pasadena Civic Ballet, Director
Pasadena Civic Ballet, Inc. 253 N Vinedo Ave., Pasadena CA 91107 Telephone: 626 792-0873 Artistic Director: Diane De Franco Browne Associate Artistic Director: Tania Grafos School Director: Zoe Pittokopitis Board of Directors: Mrs. Audrey Pittokopitis- President, Mr Ross Clark- Secretary, Mrs. Molly De Franco- Treasurer A Not-For-Profit , Tax Exempt Organization