Today we’d like to introduce you to Beverly Spell. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Beverly F. Spell has taught ballet for over 44 years. She owned The Ballet Studio in Lafayette, Louisiana from 1998 until 2017. As a dancer, she trained with many great teachers, including Gwynne Ashton, and was a scholarship student at the School of American Ballet and Harkness Ballet. She is a graduate of the National Academy of Arts in Champaign, Illinois.
In 2003, Beverly began sharing her knowledge and experience with other dance teachers through Leap ’N Learn™. In 2004 she wrote and released, Leap ’N Learn A Comprehensive Early Childhood Dance Syllabus. Since that time Leap ‘N Learn has grown into an international program providing dance resources, education and consultation to studios throughout the world.
In 2015, Beverly partnered with Lisa Howell, B.Phty. (physiotherapist) of Sydney, Australia to co-author Training Turnout in Tiny Dancers. They have presented these materials at seminars to dance educators throughout the world.
Beverly has served as a guest teacher for student master classes and ballet workshops throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and Norway. Beverly has also presented her teaching methods at The Dance Teacher Summit, Rhee Gold’s Dance Life Conference, Finis Jhung’s Teacher Training Seminars, The Ailey Extension Teacher Workshop, Oklahoma City University, DanceTeacher Web Expo and various Dance Master Chapter Workshops, and at numerous other dance organizations and private studios. In May of 2007, Dance Magazine and Dance Teacher Magazine featured Beverly in their teacher training issue, which highlighted her Leap ’N Learn™, program and her teaching methods at The Ballet Studio.
In August 2021, Beverly moved to Utah to work with Nesha Woodhouse of Lifehouse Performing Arts Academy as their new Ballet Director. It is exciting to share my knowledge with the students and to enjoy all the wonderful experiences Utah has to offer.
Beverly is married to Carrol Spell and is the mother of two sons, Joseph and Ben. She has four grandchildren between the ages of 4 and 10.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road but I look at all my experiences (positive and negative) in my life that have shaped me into who I have become and what I have accomplished today. It is all about choices and moving forward. I do believe that training to dance has helped me to have the perseverance and patience needed in life. Ballet is hard and it takes dedication to the art form. I believe that everyone can benefit from taking ballet lessons.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I teach ballet to all ages and levels. I have students that want to eventually have a career in dance and others that dance for their enjoyment and the challenge of learning how to dance. I think I help all students, no matter their goals, to learn values that will make them more accomplished in life whatever their goals may be.
Through the development of Leap ‘N Learn, I have been able to help many young dancers explore moving their bodies while developing their cognitive, physical, and creative selves. I also have had the opportunity to share this work, research, and curriculum with dance teachers around the world. This aspect of my career has been extremely rewarding.
What does success mean to you?
Success is having and following a passion. For some this passion can become a livelihood. Success is being able to share your passion and make a positive influence on others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lifehouseacademy.com/
