TERRI BEST

Jazz

Terri Best's career as a dancer, choreographer and teacher spans over three decades. Her television, commercial and stage credits include: Star Trek: Phase 2, McDonald's, The Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers Christmas Special, The American Choreography Awards, the 15th Annual Golden Eagle Awards and numerous music videos for recording artists including, most recently, for NBC’s The Voice Season 12 finalist Lilli Passero.  Terri is Artistic Director of the Lester Horton Award winning company Terri Best Dance, which has performed to critical acclaim and enthusiastic audiences throughout Southern California.  Her choreography has been described by the L.A. Times as “Thrilling, in your face…with a soaring sense of promise” and has been honored four times at the prestigious Dance Under the Stars Choreography Festival.

Terri is the honored recipient of the 2008 Stanley Holden Award for Distinguished Teaching, presented by Edward Villella at the 9^th Annual L.A. Dance Invitational.  She has been on faculty at EDGE Performing Arts Center since 1993, during which time she has trained and prepared numerous dancers for professional careers.  She conducts master classes and workshops throughout the U.S. and abroad, including the International Summercourses at Balettakademien in Stockholm, workshops at the Performing Arts Studios in Munich and Estudio Profesional de Danza Ema Pulido in Mexico City, and at Peridance and Broadway Dance Center in New York City.

Class Description:

Terri Best’s class incorporates elements of ballet, modern and Luigi jazz techniques, including turns, jumps, extensions, floor work, isolations and gestures.  Emphasis is on movement motivation (moving from the inside out), musicality, shape and line, flow, attack and use of the breath.  Dancers are encouraged to not merely imitate the movement, but to find within themselves an impetus for the honest physical expression of the passion, joy, or whatever emotion the music and choreography may suggest or inspire.  The learning environment is supportive and encouraging - never judgmental or competitive – which allows every student, whether they aspire to dance professionally or recreationally, to feel supported in taking the risks that will enable them to grow, and to become articulate, passionate and fearless movers.

www.terribestdance.com

Picture and bio courtesy of the teacher.