News: Master Teacher Thom Cobb at DT Summit
Approaching his 35th year in higher-education (currently on faculty at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania), Thom Cobb is the 2007 recipient of "The College/University Dance Educator of the Year Award" from the National Dance Association; and in 2008, he was recognized by the National Education Organization as an "Outstanding Dance Educator for Post Secondary Education." This July, he will be a guest artist at the Dance Teacher Summit in NYC.
DT: What will you be doing at the DT Summit 09?
TC: I'm teaching a character class, focused on Russian folk dancing. Also, I'll be teaching a jazz class that uses authentic and vintage vernacular used in the 20's and 30's-right out of the Savoy Ballroom-styles that have since led to familiar concert jazz dance.
DT: What do you look forward to most about the conference?
TC: It's a chance to meet new people, but also an opportunity to run into old friends. Also, sharing, networking and just being in the city revitalizes you. I love how DT presents the conference, connecting people from both higher education and individual studios.
DT: Do you set goals for your classes?
TC: I have a goal for every student in every class to realize that they are special, unique individuals and can succeed. It should also be fun, which is why after 40 years I'm still doing it.
DT: You've been on faculty at Slippery Rock University since 1978. What's one thing you do to keep your classes current and fresh?
TC:I go to conferences like NDEO and the DT Summit and listen to what's going on. I go to other universities just observing, reading and talking with other educators, as well.
You're never too old to bring something new to your class. Invent, and create and have fun exploring. If something new works out, great; if not, move on. Borrow from other styles. Our field is small and made of just dancers-not modern dancers or ballet dancers or jazz dancers or tap dancers. I look at all forms and go, "Oh, that was cool." We're all just part of the larger dance world.
