Jordan Daugherty leads students through a dance warm-up.
Dean Brown | The Lima News
LIMA — The purpose of Liberty Arts Magnet School is to provide students with a specialized education that focuses on the arts. Liberty allows students to develop their artistic talents and pursue careers in the arts. Often offered are specialized courses and workshops taught by professional artists and educators.
Jordan Daugherty, who is a professional artist and educator, worked as a resident instructor of dance for three days this week at Liberty. Daugherty is a dance teacher for a Washington, DC public charter school and freelance contemporary dancer. Her professional credits include three seasons with the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s Second Company, Cincinnati Black Theatre Company, Rockville Musical Theatre and DC Contemporary Dance Theatre.
Daugherty said, “It’s really important for kids to get exposure. I think it’s important for me to also make sure I’m putting myself out there because I have a wealth of knowledge to share. No one is the encyclopedia on any grand topic. Everyone is an expert or a master to a certain point, but no one knows it all.”
Liberty teacher Amanda Sroka said, “I saw some movements that she has done the last two days that I’ve taught my kids. I’m like, “Okay, they’ve done this before.’ Maybe when they try it with her it may click in a different way.”
Students Chevohlier Carpenter and Amayah King both sensed the energy in the presentations. King said, “I feel she has the energy of like a positive effect on you. So nobody’s sitting around; everybody’s participating.”
Carpenter said, “She’s very energetic. She gives us a lot. We do a lot of different things.”
Liberty Arts Magnet aims to provide a unique and enriching educational experience that empowers students to pursue their passions and achieve their goals. Exposure to Jordan Daugherty may produce a professional dancer from Lima.
Reach Dean Brown at 567-242-0409
