Annalisa Brinchmann

I have taught dance classes to a range of students, from 2-year olds to elders suffering from dementia. Every student looks at the world through a completely different lens.  The dementia patients left me in awe.  While their behavior resembled that of a child, I knew their life experience was worlds larger than I could even imagine. Through my experiences with a diverse range of abilities, I have gained an immense appreciation and become passionate about exposing people of every age, ability and participation level to the arts.

Growing up in the Seattle Public Schools, I was lucky enough to learn firsthand as an eight-year-old how powerful the arts can be. I had the opportunity to participate in a number of the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Outreach programs from DanceChance to Discover Dance, as well as a number of outreach programs through the Seattle Children’s Theater, the Seattle Repertory Theater and Jet City Improv. PNB’s outreach programs in particular changed my life, not only did they propel me to train at the Pacific Northwest Ballet for the next eigth years, but eventually choose dance as a career. 

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Teaching dance classes and camps in the Seattle community as well as holding leadership roles in various productions at the University of Washington, have given me an appreciation for the organization and preparation necessary to engage successfully with large groups. As a dance captain for Roosevelt High School I learned very quickly the importance of using creativity and enthusiasm to motivate people; there’s nothing like corralling over sixty chorus members that included twenty non-dancing football players.

From experiencing outreach programs as a student, to seeing them through as a teacher, I can honestly say the benefits of exposing everyone to dance and the arts are immeasurable. Because of these programs I have watched children develop the essential skills of confidence, engage their imagination, find joy through movement and exercise, and face fears of public speaking.