Sunday, February 25th, 2024

11 am-12pm Contemporary Movement Class by Robert Poe

2:45-3pm Closing Movement Session

Start the day breathing and moving together while focusing on expressiveness and fluidity in your body. You will explore different spatial dynamics that encourage self-expression through the use of your entire body to convey emotions and storytelling. This class prioritizes versatility and a strong connection between mind and body. It is an open-level class and a wide range of dance experience is welcome.

About Robert

A native of Aiken, South Carolina, Robert Poe has enjoyed a professional dancing career since 2004. For almost 17 years, he has performed with Columbia City Ballet, Cedar Lake II, Nashville Ballet, and the Nashville Opera before coming to St. Louis to dance with Missouri Ballet Theatre. In 2011, he became a founding member of The Big Muddy Dance Company and spent 9 seasons rehearsing, performing and choreographing with the company before leaving to flourish his own non-profit dance organization, Ballet 314.

In February of 2019, Robert co-founded Ballet 314, St. Louis' newest ballet company, and serves as Co-Artistic Director with Rachel Bodi. Through this company, he has co-published a children's book, "The Nutcracker and the 1904 World's Fair", based off of the ballet he co-created and premiered in December of 2019, spearheaded a community initiative entitled Project Change which encompassed the premiere of his first full-length ballet entitled "Ragtime, the American Experience" in July 2021. Ballet 314's mission is to celebrate local talent in the community and to start showcasing diversity and equity in the classical dance arts.

Sunday, February 25th, 2024

12-12:45pm Increasing Engagement in the Classroom by Monica Sauer Anthony

Boost engagement and uncover the essence of inspiration as we delve into qualities that shape teachers in their personal development. This mini-course not only guides participants in cultivating the skills and values to inspire their students but also explores diverse engagement and learning styles. Become the hero for your students and clients as we navigate the art of meaningful connection and impactful teaching

12:45-1 (mini break plus unpacking discussion )

About Monica

Monica Sauer Anthony is driven by her pillars of leadership: Community, Change, Reflection, and Balance. She recognizes that when the community and relationships are strong, the work is inspiring and exciting. She believes change allows for growth and innovation, but there needs to be reflection in order for change to be effective. With change, we must seek balance to restore ourselves and remain centered. As Arts Director and Vice Principal of Student Services at ASA, Monica focuses on culture, community, the unified standards rooted in the school’s mission and core values, and the interdependence of academic and arts instruction. Before joining the ASA leadership team, Monica taught in the band department for 13 years, Band Team Leader, Technology Trainer, New Teacher Trainer and Mentor, Honorary Board Member, Showcase Producing Director, Conservatory Prep Program Advisor, and Professional Development Writer. Ms. Anthony also enjoys an active performance career as a flutist specializing in chamber music.

Sunday, February 25th, 2024

1-2pm Trauma-Informed Teaching by Connie Flachs, LMSW

Through shared insight and guided discussions, we’ll navigate the nuances of incorporating trauma sensitivity into movement instruction, promoting a holistic approach to well-being. Together we will draw from diverse perspectives to enrich our understanding of trauma-informed teaching practices. We will explore concepts of safety and discuss fostering a supportive and inclusive environment in group movement classes.

If you plan to attend Connie’s workshop, please fill out this preliminary survey as Connie tailors to our specific interests: https://forms.gle/9CLKUiEYGVJmxHU19

About Connie

Connie Flachs believes positive impact comes through connection – to oneself, to others, and to the communities we live in. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker and currently works as a therapist at McCallum Place Eating Disorder Center, helping people rebuild connections to their bodies.

Connie Flachs also danced professionally with Grand Rapids Ballet for eight years. In her time with the company, she performed leading roles in classical and contemporary works by George Balanchine, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Paul Taylor, Val Caniparoli, Olivier Wevers, Kirk Peterson, Brian Enos, and Mario Radacovsky. You can find her in the St. Louis community teaching adult ballet classes at Big Muddy and on the dance floor at a tango milonga.

Sunday, February 25th, 2024

2-2:45pm Relentless Solution Focus by Dr. Ellen Reed

Take your teaching and experience in the classroom up a notch with a Relentless Solution Focus. Train Your Mind to Conquer Stress, Pressure, and Underperformance through guided tools from Dr. Reed. The one characteristic all phenomenally successful people share is Mental Toughness as they are solid at making decisions quickly and with effective results. They possess the uncanny ability to control what goes on between their ears. in Relentless Solution Focus Dr. Reed will guide you to train your mind to conquer stress, pressure, and underperformance and open up the path for you to do your best work in your field of expertise.

About Dr. Reed

Dr. Ellen Reed Mental Toughness Expert. Performance Coach. Bestselling Author. Speaker. Former Professional Dancer

Dr. Ellen Reed is a top performance coach for over 15 years and Co-Founder of Level Up (levelupgameplan.com), working alongside Dr. Jason Selk. With a background in professional dancing, Dr. Reed brings the rare combination of deep academic and athletic background to help clients achieve success, health, and happiness.

Her clients include CEOs, Olympic and professional athletes, entrepreneurs and other top-level executives, students and young athletes. Through Level Up, co-developed with Dr. Selk, she also has turned their private coaching lessons, techniques, and strategies to help countless clients achieve success who normally would not have access to their limited private coaching. Dr. Reed’s book Relentless Solution Focus, written with Dr. Selk, was released in January 2021, and it has since hit the best-seller list several times. With her background in academia and the performing arts, she helps athletes, students, and business leaders reach their peak performance by developing mental toughness. Dr. Reed received her PhD. in experimental psychology, with a focus on memory and cognition, from St. Louis University.