If you are interested in learning how to dance while enjoying yourself, enrolling in Laura Teeter’s dance classes is your best option. Laura has been teaching students the proper way to get down too ballet, modern, and jazz classes at Siena since 2014. Laura is known for energetic personality and inspiring all of her students to enjoy the art of dancing.
HC: How long have you been teaching at Siena for?
I started in the spring of 2014, so this is my fifth semester.
HC: Where are you from?
Minneapolis, Minnesota
HC: Favorite food?
I love my daily breakfast of two eggs fried over hard with salted slices of avocado. But also love buffalo wings-medium spicy
HC: Favorite movie?
Labyrinth! I just saw it on the big screen for the first time at the Madison theater
HC: Favorite choreographer and why?
Sean Curran. His work is very musical and the movements are alternately flowing and quirky. He’s a very funny and compelling guy.
HC: What inspired you to pursue a career in dance?
I discovered dance was something I had a talent for. By the time I graduated from high school, I had devoted six days a week to dancing for four years. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I majored in dance at the Boston Conservatory and knew I wanted to perform as my career.
HC: What do you like most about teaching dance at Siena?
My students! I’m inspired by and proud of those who come to my classes with no training, just a love of dance and a willingness to try. And I’m happy to be here for those who do have experience, so I can provide them a chance to keep learning and doing something they love.
HC: Why did you decide to settle in the Albany area?
After college, I auditioned for a lot of modern dance companies. I got the job with the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company and moved to Troy in 2004. It was a great fit, so I haven’t left!
HC: Do you have a particular style of dance that you like to teach? Based on your answer please explain why?
I love to teach ballet the most. It’s so beautiful and logical, and there is constant room for improvement and refinement, for any level of student.
10. Are you looking forward to choreographing the spring show for Stage 3?
Definitely! I’m looking forward to working with my colleague, David Lane, on his slightly wacky premise, and it will be great to be involved with more of the Siena community.
11. As a dancer, what was your favorite piece to perform?
There is a duet that I do with Andre Robles that I love called “Dreams” but I have to say the dance that takes me on the wildest journey is “Brink”. It’s for the whole company (6 dancers) and is 35 minutes of nearly non-stop dancing. It’s jazzy and flirty and aggressive and insouciant. I get to show my range of personalities.
12. If a student wants to take a dance class at Siena but doesn’t have any experience, what advice do you have for them?
Just try it! All my classes are designed to be adaptable to any experience level. I’ve had students who have no dance training whatsoever in the same class with students who have been dancing for 15 years. My goal is to make the class fun and challenging for everyone.