Brendan Kennedy, Resident Faculty

"I have had the distinct pleasure to work with Mary Page Nance on multiple sides of the classroom. I’ve worked with her as an administrator, as a collaborator, and I’ve even had the opportunity to take her class! Regardless of the setting, though, it’s hard not to be in awe of what Mary Page brings to the classroom.

 

Here at the School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community (SPARC) – where she took performing arts classes herself once upon a time! – Mary Page has generously offered her time on multiple occasions to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of aspiring performing artists. Mary Page has the ability to not only engage students, challenge them, and push them further than they might have expected, but to also encourage a sense of ease through her genuine smile and approachability.

 

As a program manager at SPARC, I come across a lot of varying styles for classroom management and communication with students. For me, though, cultivating an environment in which students will take risks, dare to be wrong, and “try again harder the next time” is what it’s all about. I can say without a doubt that when Mary Page is teaching, she effortlessly creates such an environment. Our students grasp for her every last word and continue to thrive under her guidance. Mary Page has a wealth of knowledge to share, and I can only hope that she continues to be such an amazing asset to us here at SPARC. "

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Evelyn Dumeer, SPARC Student

"Mary Page is not only an incredible dancer, she is an incredible teacher. She works to your level, while providing you with challenges at the same time. Her skill set is incredible, and there isn’t a dance step she can’t do! She is personable and kind, and always has a smile on her face. I always love working with Mary Page for many reasons, but mostly because she is the type of performer that I aspire to be; dedicated, extremely talented, and a wonderful person- everything you would want in a teacher and more!"

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