Gary Reed
Primary Discipline: Dance
Areas of Specialty: Creative Movement, Modern Dance, Musical Theater
Additional Disciplines/Specialties: Musical theater
Based in: Seattle
Phone: 206-723-8311
Email: harpreed@w-link.net
Biography: Gary Reed is a professional creative movement specialist, modern dancer, and musical theater choreographer and performer. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1978 with a BFA in Modern Dance and has been dancing for 32 years. Reed began teaching in 1977 with the NEA’s Artist in Schools program in Ohio, South Dakota and California. He is a rostered dance artist with the Washington State Arts Commission and has been teaching through residencies in Washington for 25 years. He has also worked with the Very Special Arts program in Washington. Reed has worked with many national and Northwest choreographers. He danced with Co Motion Dance for 19 years in Washington, throughout the United States and in Chongqing, China. He has performed on the 5th Avenue Stage in Seattle and has choreographed over 10 musicals.
When asked about his approach as a Teaching Artist, Mr. Reed wrote this: “Watching students learn how to move their bodies inspires me. I want to teach them to move with intent and expression and I want them to experience how immediate and rewarding dance can be. Dance offers a means of expression and a connection with others. It teaches self-control, focus, community and collaborative skills. It is challenging and fun. My distinctive strengths as a teacher are my experience and my ability to provide a role model for a male dancer. I like children and I have a sense of humor. I enjoy and welcome collaboration. Although I take my work seriously, I feel that dancing should be fun. I bring a structured and well-planned curriculum to the classroom so that I can enjoy the students and the teaching experience.”
Suitable for Grades: K-5, 9-12
Preferred Grades: K-5, 9-12
Curriculum Integration Possibilities: Literacy, Reading, Writing, Math, Other Arts Disciplines
Additional Interests/Experience:
- Leading Professional Development workshops for K-12 Teachers
- Working with students with special needs / disabilities
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