The Kabul Dance Studio began in the fall of 2008. There is a need for girls in Afghanistan to have more to focus on than just survival. Girls face enormous pressures living in Afghanistan. Lack of safety, freedom and gender equality are felt on a daily basis. We decided, with the help and support of many back home, to open Kabul Dance Studio.
The expression of movement through dance is an art form that crosses all cultural lines. Dance is a physical release that builds confidence, grace and poise. Our goal is to provide a positive learning experience and an appreciation for the art of dance through instruction of basic ballet and tap classes to girls of all ages.
It is our desire to always be culturally appropriate for the country in which we live. We at the Kabul Dance Studio value modesty and seek to be sensitive to cultural values as we study the art of dance.
For more information or to receive monthly KDS updates please contact us at kabuldancestudio@gmail.com
MEET ERIN JENSEN - FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
Although Erin is passionate about nursing, her first love has always been dance. She understands dance can empower children to express themselves when there simply are not words. Living in a country that allows few freedoms for girls, Erin knew she had a wonderful opportunity in Kabul to offer her own daughters and other young girls the same outlet for safe, modest, artistic expression. As a result of working with these young dancers and seeing them come alive through dance and teamwork, Erin has been inspired to reach more girls.
Erin loves to challenge, inspire and motivate her dancers and staff to find the beauty that lies inside each and every one of them.
MEET THE KABUL DANCE STUDIO INSTRUCTORS
Hannah Cooper 2010-Present
Hannah grew up in a classical ballet studio and performed in many productions including The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, La Bayadere, and The Sleeping Beauty. She began teaching ballet classes and running dance camps in 2006 and was thrilled to join KDS in 2010. After a long day of teaching first grade at ISK, Miss Hannah loves to release stress by teaching ballet and tap to her young dance students whom she adores. KDS is a special place in the midst of Afghanistan where girls can learn to express themselves freely and develop poise, confidence, and a respect for themselves and others. At KDS, dance quickly becomes like a second language (or really 3rd or 4th language for most of our students) that is able to join us all (teachers and students alike) from different cultures and backgrounds in harmony to the rhythm of the music. Miss Hannah is excited to return for a third year at KDS and continue to share a love for dance with her students!
Abby Northcott 2011-2012
Abby is a dance educator and performer. She graduated from Cornish College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance in 2010, going on to work for Pacific Northwest Ballet as a part of the Community Education Programs team. Abby has been dancing for most of her life, training with Pacific Northwest Ballet School and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. She had the opportunity to study at Laban in London in 2008, where she took courses focused on Community Studies. Abby is dedicated to fostering creativity in students and seeing students become healthy, confident, informed people. She believes in dance as a vehicle to start conversations leading to self-awareness. Currently, Abby is living in Huston and working with a dance company, she hopes to someday return to Afghanistan and work with the Kabul Dance Studio.
Jessica Fuller 2009-2011
Jessica studied jazz, tap, lyrical, ballet, acrobatics and pointe growing up and was a member of the Ann Brown Company Dancers and the Lee High Dance Magnet Company. After high school, she began teaching Creative Movement and Ballet while earning a degree in Elementary Education. She came to Kabul to teach first grade at the International School, but was thrilled when she learned that there was a dance studio she could also be a part of! One of Jessica's favorite things about KDS was seeing the girls' confidence grow exponentially after performing in the year end recital. They work so hard throughout the year to get the steps just right, and when they strike their final pose you see their faces beaming. KDS is helping girls to grow up and become confident, beautiful women; inside and out.
Rebecca Mangin 2008-2012
Rebecca is a lover of the arts, but it wasn't until she was a young adult that she truly discovered and explored the beauty of dance while attending the University of Washington. She never imagined she would have an opportunity to continue being involved and around dance until she met Erin and her dream to open a dance studio in Afghanistan. Rebecca considers it an honor and pleasure to be able to assist teaching girls and ladies dance and fitness in Afghanistan!
OUR FIRST YEAR (2008-2009)
It began with a dream and an open roof top...
...and ended at The Kabul Serena, "Let's Go Fly A Kite!"
OUR SECOND YEAR (2009-2010)
We began by adding new classes including a boys dance class and an Adult Lyrical class! We ended the year with over 70 students (from over 14 different countries) and a second recital at the Kabul Serena, "Be Our Guest!" along with a special performance at Camp Eggers!
OUR THIRD YEAR (2010-2011) "Climb Every Mountain" We ended the year with over 100 students and we were able to begin offering classes at a local orphanage in Kabul.
