The Key to Unlocking the Creativity Within

By even just glimpsing at the videos to the right, it’s not hard to see that BAE teaching artist Brett Tubbs is doing incredible work with his dance students in New York City. His work is a shining example to teachers everywhere of how to get young people excited about learning in a way that honors their cultural capital, builds their self-worth, and encourages discipline. But these stunning videos represent only a tiny portion of the story. They are the happy ending of a long and challenging journey.

Starting out, Brett was immediately impressed by how talented his young dancers were, but found it hard to keep them engaged, focused, and disciplined in the classroom:

“One thing I'm learning as I work in NYC schools is there seems to be a lack of any discipline culture. I mean that in both disciplining students for negative behavior, as well as setting guidelines that foster self-discipline…

Showing up on time for school is effectively not required. Attendance is overlooked as long as work is turned in by the end of the grading period. Many students are coming to school late or leaving early for jobs because they are expected to start contributing financially to the household at 17 years old.

There is a culture in this city where kids are forced to behave as if they are adults as early as possible, yet there is a serious lack of education and guidance on how to even become an adult.”

Luckily for his students, Brett is just as comfortable standing in front of a classroom as he is behind a camera. Brett decided to give his middle school students the opportunity to bridge the gap between student and professional by taking center stage in their very own professionally-produced dance video.

His students weren’t disengaged in the classroom because they were “lazy” or “bad”, they just needed to be given the opportunity to rise up to their full potential. Giving them a chance to work in a professional setting, with professional lighting, videography, and production, was just the thing they needed to foster discipline and growth.

“I realized it would be special when I saw the girls enter the production studio space we rented out for the dance shoot. I could see them realizing how 'legit' it was going to be and getting excited about the next few hours of work.”

It was like a switch had flipped. The students were a powerhouse of creativity. Their ideas were flowing so rapidly that it was hard to even get the students to settle on their final music and choreography!

“I was torn between being a nervous producer and a collaborator in awe.”

At the end of the day, their newfound hard work and discipline created this STUNNING final product. After the shoot, they were able to debrief about the entire process. They showed an increased appreciation for and understanding of the work it takes to make something you are proud of. They had the capabilities all along, they just needed the right teacher to bring it out of them.

Congratulations, Brett, on your amazing work in the classroom and beyond. Our students are so lucky to have you!

Brett's in his first year working with BAE as a substitute and support teacher for all of our NYC programs. His first big project with BAE was creating a professional dance video with middle school students.

Brett is a native of Indiana who has made NYC home for the past nine years. He trained in musical theatre, acting, and dance at Purdue University, FW. Today, on top of acting, Brett also writes, produces children's podcasts including script writing and song writing, and works as a portrait, headshot, and event photographer. Brett lives in upper Manhattan with his partner Luis and their pup, Bella.