Faculty Spotlight: Robert Greer

As we continue to celebrate BBT's 40th Anniversary, we are delighted to share thoughts and memories from the generations of BBT faculty members, current and past.

Is there a faculty member you'd especially like to hear from? Submit your faculty questions and requests to info@berkeleyballet.org.

I moved to the Bay Area in 2007 as a freelance dancer. I had started teaching while I was dancing in companies and looked forward to getting more experience. I had heard from my friends in the area that BBT was a great place to teach. It turned out someone was needed for the school pas de deux class.

My role grew when I substituted in the Adult Open Division program one evening and hit it off with the adults. I ended up teaching for two hours, and everyone was wondering when the class would finish! Since then, I was drawn to teaching in the AOD program.

First and foremost, I have been a teacher for BBT. I have taught all Levels from 3 and above and have set choreography for the "Nutcracker" in the Youth Division program. I have also taught all AOD levels and have choreographed each year for the AOD showcase. In particular, BBT has given me the wonderful opportunity to develop AOD's lower levels, creating new classes and workshops along the way. I have also danced in a number of different pieces, including Cavalier for "The Nutcracker," La Boutique fantasque, Les Patineurs, and contemporary choreography for Sally Streets.

With respect to the beginner level, I am always looking for the most direct and simple way to teach the foundations. I focus on activating the body in a fairly demanding way as soon as possible. I think it's absolutely necessary to become familiar with the way your body works first and get a physical outline of what you are trying to accomplish. As you begin to understand why you are doing what you are doing, more information such as vocabulary and the details of the technique can be added. With more advanced students, my main focus is on getting them to move and feel like dancers–through coordination, breathing, and continuing to work on the technical details. I do my best to push every individual to their next level in the most positive way that I can. My goal for all of my students is to feel expression and freedom in their movement and technique.

What distinguishes BBT is the desire to give real ballet information to every student that shows up. I have often been amazed at watching other teachers and how dedicated they are with extra time and energy. The number of teachers that put in their full effort to explaining quality information sets apart both the Youth and AOD program.

I love the silly moments that happen in class and during rehearsal. For example, once I was choreographing a classical piece called "Midsummer Festival" for the AOD showcase. While encouraging the students to really perform the happy, whimsical feeling, I suggested, "Imagine being peasants. You are joyful because the king and queen are bringing wild boar for dinner. And you have never had wild boar! You are so excited for this feast!" The room burst into laughter. To this day, everyone still refers to the piece as "Wild Boar for Dinner." Many fun and silly moments like this have occurred over the years.

I am so thankful for the BBT community and the many cherished friends I have made along the way. I appreciate as well your continued dedication to this online dance we're doing and look forward to seeing everyone in the studio again.