Kathy Follensbee shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kathy, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think the business of teaching is misunderstood by students, parents and the public. I believe that public education is a right for all people, and that the value of education is priceless. Yet, Public School teachers are being asked to solve all of societies issues during the school day. What we really need to focus on, is how do all of us together, collaborate to educate all people. I feel that Dance Education within the Public School arena is invaluable for all. To see students completely transform in four years together is rewarding!!!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Kathy Follensbee graduated from FSU and has an MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University. She is the Dance Director at Dr. Phillips Visual & Performing Arts High School, an adjunct professor of Ballet/Modern with Valencia College and is President of the Florida Dance Education Organization. She has served on writing teams for the Florida’s Next Generation Sunshine State Standards, Race To The Top, OCPS Dance Common Final Exams and the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards for high schools across America. With 40 years of service in the public school educational system, Kathy is passionate about teaching Dance Arts through a curriculum focusing on creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication skills.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
My brother was murdered the summer prior to my starting my first job with OCPS in 1985. I took 3 months to decide if I wanted to focus on gun advocacy or continue with my plan of teaching. I decided that teaching was a calling – that I wanted every student to feel seen and I wanted to find ways to create a safe space for all bodies with no judgement.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. After 40 years, I have seen major changes in the profession of teaching. Honestly, it is heartbreaking.
However, as long as I know and can see how the four years of my program touches students for a lifetime, it keeps me encouraged. Senior exit portfolios and alumni have been instrumental in helping me understand how important a true Dance Arts Education is for all.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That Public Education is not important, and that the Arts/Dance are not important. The Arts/Dance are seen as ‘fluff’ in our society and in terms of education at all. I beg to differ. I see the Arts/Dance as a fundamental right for all bodies. The ability to have a safe space, that is non-judgemental for all persons, where all learn to communicate honestly and authentically, create and critically think are skills needed in any society, for any job.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
That all people are creative and brilliant – all people have unique gifts. Perhaps students have not seen or discovered their voices or gifts yet, but I feel that once they know who they are, love who they are, they discover those gifts!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dpdancemagnet.ocps.net/index.html
- Instagram: dpdancemagnet
Image Credits
headshot – Letitia Rossi
all other 8 dance photos – Kiesha Stephens
