Faculty Feature: Meet Marc Spaulding, Department of Dance
"Students that take my class should come into the space with an open mind. They should be prepared to explore, move and create. I love moving with the dancers in my class."
Marc Spaulding, M.F.A., began his formal dance training at the prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., under the direction of Lynn Welters. He later earned a B.F.A. in dance (ballet performance) from the University of the Arts and completed his M.F.A. in dance at University of California, Irvine.
Who or what inspired your passion for dance?
My initial passion for dance was inspired by watching Michael Jackson perform on Motown's 25th Anniversary Celebration and seeing the movie Breakin'. I was very young during that time, but I remember being captivated by these performances. Hip hop culture from the '80s and '90s had an enormous effect on me. These initial experiences eventually led me to start training in ballet, modern and jazz at Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C., and later into an 18-year professional dance career.
How do you incorporate your professional experience into the courses you teach at Point Park?
In all the courses I teach, I do my best to create a balance between industry knowledge and pedagogical practices. I use all of my professional dance experiences to shape my lesson plans, class discussions, etc. However, I also use my pedagogical/teaching training to craft the in-studio lessons for the specific needs of each student.
What’s it like training the next generation of artists in the George Rowland White Performance Center?
I enjoy working with all of my classes. It's an extra perk to have such spacious, well-built dance studios to move in! Dance continuously evolves and I love seeing the next generation of dancers take ownership of their own artistry.
What can a student expect in your classes?
Students that take my class should come into the space with an open mind. They should be prepared to explore, move and create. I love moving with the dancers in my class. I am passionate about the craft of dance.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Make the most of your undergraduate experience and dance training. Yes, you can continue to train once you leave school, but you will never get this time back. Live in every moment!