EDUCATOR

Teaching Philosophy

Learning a codified dance discipline is a difficult undertaking. It requires patience and inclusivity, not always prioritized in our culture. I myself, was categorized ‘deficient’ by some in the upper echelons of the Ballet world. Thank goodness, I found some believers, who in turn, taught me by way of master articulation that produced  growth that created belief and a runway to maintain my pursuit, that eventually became a career. 

Classical dance education, (Ballet, Jazz and Modern disciplines born from western centric dance aesthetic) begin with mimicry, aided by the incorporation of a mirror to ensure perfection. For many years I was inheriting students who were so focused on an external result, they were actually immobilized. They had lost their joy. In wanting to return them to the freedom and desire that began their journey, I started to dissect my own odyssey. 

It was in fact a linear trajectory of having to find my own freedom within structure that began with mental picture imagery, a meditation, in traversing the ‘in betweens’ of my body on the inside to create the shapes and pathways on the outside. This focus, never fractured by the mirror, solidified my technique, that later when expanded into personal connection, exploded it! (Thank you, Mr. Robbins!) Not only did this make me viable, it created visceral liberation and the joy that made it possible to continue my pursuit of this difficult goal. This resulted not only in a career but a focus that helped me traverse the world for everything else. 

There are no mirrors on stage. Mimicry is helpful at first but there is an organic order to becoming an artist. It is a dance all by itself. 

My desire is to illuminate and facilitate this order with the goal of continuous cultivation of joy throughout the process for all, while making art that grows the practice, the artist and the artform!

Core Skills

Articulation for beginners through professional levels as well as education of teachers.

Metaphoric principles

Storytelling

Understanding of the individual instrument and the specific pathways to success per student

Effective use and cross pollinations of many dance disciplines

Broad understanding of success and use of dance discipline to augment all art forms

Direction, Choreography and Staging- Full length productions and/or isolated pieces for dance, musical theater and plays

Collaboration

Supervision and Management of faculty and student population

Supervision and quality control for production

Curriculum Vitae

Student Quotes

I must say Tracy, I never knew how much you were going to affect my life the first day I walked into your studio. There are some comforting words you said to me. And those words have been my inspiration since I left the intersection on Yucca and Vine. Sweet Tracy know that you have been the complete definition of an Educator and the picture in the dictionary next to the phrase Inspirational Leader. I truly have complete love for you and I pray that the artist that have the honor of being in your presence can experience your gift the way I did.
Gloria Rachel Milton

I have to give you immense thanks! Your selections of material proved to be a perfect fit and through those characters I wowed my colleagues at this years Portland Theater Alliance Auditions. Through your friendly and always trusted advice I was able to land this exciting role and finally get back to my passion for the stage!
Hillary Putnam

You told me once in the midst of a slight breakdown to – “Use that anger & frustration to fuel your movement to the next level” & then said “If you have some left over, go punch a wall… just don’t damage anything you’ll have to pay for” 😉 (I wrote that one down)
Julie

“You gotta levitate” made all the difference 🙂
Sandee

“A…A1/2….A3/4″…;)
Theresa

The one that stands out in my mind – When talking about musicality: “Listen to the music! Dare to be late for crying out loud- you might surprise yourself.” 🙂
Jeni B

I just wanted you to know that in the two weeks I had your class I learned more about self expression through the body then I think I have ever learned – you are definitely the definition of a true teacher and artist and someone that inspires beyond belief – hope your doing well!
Andrew Isaac Burrill

This is random, but I just wanted to say Thank You! It dawned on me the other day that you were the one that suggested I look into Musical theater during my third semester and I’m glad I did!! That’s it, just Thank you!! and I miss you!! Know that what you’re doing is helping people.
Jeni Baker

Hey Tracy! I just wanted to say thank you. I have booked an international tour. I was in the dance call backs for this and we were taught a lyrical piece and all I could think about was you yelling “shoulders back and chest to the sky Kristina!” Thank you so much for always giving 100% in the classroom. You really have no idea how much impact you have on us.
Kristina

Tracy Silver would play this song during warm up for early morning jazz class and it is THE song to dance around in your undies when you’re full of excitement! TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT!!? I dreamed with all my might for three years of putting together a one woman show with a STELLAR/KICKASS band behind me- and it’s actually friggin’ happening. Thanks Tracy for the inspiring tune. I’ll be sharing your wisdom this evening 🙂 <333
Brittany V

Today I became once again that little kid who didn’t know a damn dance step or anything about music theory. I lost time. Who needs it? it’s just in you. Thank you Tracy Silver reminding me what music is once again.
Juan Caballer

…Your love for this craft we chose is both inspiring and infectious….Thank you for allowing me to explore and grow as an artist a creator and most of all as a human being. You will forever hold my admiration for your ability to bring concepts to life on the stage and to raise the bar in the classroom….
D Franceschi

Thank you so much for your wisdom and guidance. You’ve opened my eyes a s a dancer and a singer….two things I’ll never forget…’back body’ and POV! The best 2 cents of my 4th semester here!
P Turner

You have such a marvelous elegance and flair that I admire so dearly. Your passion and intelligence simply radiates throughout your craft and it allows those you teach to feel safe being enthusiastic.
C Hunter

Two things I learned from you, because we would be here all day if I made a list of it all:

Quote from you from 2nd semester – “be interested not interesting.”

Fine tuning your instrument by taking the time to acknowledge what is working and what isn’t, and having the patience to resolve it, rather than blaming yourself for it. (This is a run-on sentence, I’m sorry)
So much love,
Kate

I will always be grateful for the opportunity to trust myself, pushing me and allowing me to learn more about myself. Thank you for your dedication and your passion and making a positive difference.
R Barrios

“When I was visiting New York over the summer I was called in to audition for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. Not only did I get a CALLBACK for the lead, but it was a MOVEMENT callback for ACTORS. I went back to all of the skills Tracy had taught us in our dance and movement class, and I can absolutely say that without her class, and emphasis on storytelling. I would not have had the confidence or capability to listen, move well and most importantly TELL THE STORY. It was intense, quick paced choreo, but I did it, and did it WELL because of Dance and Movement with Tracy Silver.”
Jonathan Moreno

“First and foremost, I want to thank you for everything you have taught me about dance, life and myself honestly. You have opened my eyes to a whole new way of dance and it has helped me grow immensely. You have helped me transform into the dancer I am today and I will be eternally grateful for that. I will never forget our times during rehearsal where you would call me “Bam-Bam” and where we would work together to find the best solutions. Thank you for all the notes, knowledge and humanity. You have taught me how to be an artist and how to use my length to the fullest. You have pushed me in ways many teachers haven’t and you have taught me that patience is the key to growth.”
Nicco Marcantonio
“This past semester I have learned so much. All of the corrections you have given in class have really helped me understand my body. I understand body placement, posture, and alignment much better now. I finally get that my mind and my body have to work together in order to achieve maximum mobility. Before I was just focusing on what my physical outside movements were doing and not realizing that I had to work from the inside out. Once I recognized this new technique it instantly changed the way I was able to dance.”
Morgan Bronk Lutz
“From my first days at AMDA to my last, you’ve been an important mentor to me and have greatly shaped the person and dancer I am and continue to become every day. I will forever have your voice engraved into my brain saying “lift up to go out” “more back” “suspension” “use your back body” “more side body”. I hope you know your notes and thoughts have stuck with me and will be something I continue to work towards and carry on with me throughout my career.

Thank you for teaching me patience and beauty in stillness. For teaching me that its okay to do nothing, even if you feel incredibly vulnerable and uncomfortable. For teaching me to be comfortable in the uncomfortable and to never settle.
I’m so honored to have gotten the chance to learn from you and perform your work. You’re so inspiring and I’m forever grateful that AMDA brought you into my life.

Thank you for everything and much much more.”
Love,
Claire Kampschroeder

“I believe Mrs Tracy Silver is in need of the biggest “thank you” I have to offer. Thank you for challenging me. Thank you for educating me not only in this craft, but in this life as a whole. You have shown me that it’s more important to love what you do than to be the best. (But being the best wouldn’t hurt, either!) Because of you I have found a new love for ballet, and I constantly have every one of your notes playing in my mind throughout all of my other disciplines. You are simply not human!”
Savannah Kelly
“I just took a master class with Jason Samuel Smith for a week and the one thing he said to us to take away was to NEVER get comfortable. i thought to myself “wow great minds really do think a like” haha made me smile. i miss having class with you! i really do appreciate everything you taught me ESPECIALLY now that’s i’ve had a little time to actually apply it in the world!”
Tom Davis
“Met a kid in Brooklyn at an audition who reminisced with me about the great Tracy Silver. My love to you Teach. Noone at AMDA made me believe in magic more than you!”
Love Court
“Sometimes, you fall on your face and you get the job” Really she’s saying, take risks and you’ll surprise yourself aka if you’re willing to fail miserably, you’re ready to book it. So right before I prepped for the turn I said “Ah fuck it, this one’s for me” hahahaha thanks Tracy-I still live by your advice everyday!!!!”
Brittany