Michelle Slay
Dance

michelle.slay@sarasotacountyschools.net

Michelle Slay is a Native Floridian who began dancing at the age of nine. She has trained over the years in many different forms of dance but mainly in ballet, classical jazz, tap, and modern dance. She is a certified level 1 mUvmethod trainer. In 2004 she was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dance Education K-12 from The University of South Florida. After graduation, she was hired in 2004 to teach and direct the dance program at North Port High where she currently teaches the VPA Dance Technique courses and is the VPA Musical Dance Director. She also serves as the North Port High Visual & Preforming Arts Coordinator.

 

Mrs. Slay's performance experience includes dancer/singer for Sesame Street Live with Bob McGrath, character dancer for Kings Island Production Tours, and Company Dancer for Sundancers Performing Arts Company. She has worked as a dance adjudicator for the Florida Federation of Colorguard Circuits, and as Master Choreographer for The Historical Roseville Theatre in Roseville, California. As a Freelance choreographer, she has set work on several show choirs, pageants, colorguards and theatrical/musical performances.  Her teaching career has provided experience in both studio and public-school settings for over 30 years, in both Florida and Northern California.

 

Mrs. Slay is a 2010 recipient of the Bates Dance Festival Teacher Fellowship Award and The 2023 Barancik TIME Fellowship. She has served on the course writing team for the Florida Sunshine State Standards, The Sarasota County Schools Standards writing team and the research/writing team for The Florida State Dance Assessment. She is an active member of the National Dance Educators association, and Florida Dance Educators Association since 2002. She currently serves on the Sarasota County C/SPA Committee, and North Port High’s Guiding Coalition Team. Her current goals are to complete her Master’s Degree in Arts Administration. 

 

Mrs. Slays mission has been to develop a strong, supportive dance training program at NPHS regardless of personal challenges that students might face. She wishes for every student to become confident, independent learners, who are prepared to follow their dreams.  

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