Katie Whitaker
Dance Educator | Performing Artist | Choreographer
Mrs. Whitaker brings more than two decades of professional dance education experience to the RMSD faculty, combining a strong background in performance with extensive experience teaching dancers throughout Northern Illinois and Southern California.
Her connection to dance began during childhood in Libertyville, Illinois, where she discovered a passion for movement and performance that would become a lifelong pursuit. Since then, dance has remained an important part of both her professional and personal life.
Education
Columbia College Chicago
Bachelor of Arts in Dance | 2004
Her formal dance education provided a strong foundation in technique, performance, choreography, and the broader study of dance as an art form.
Professional Performance Experience
Forum Dance Theater
Performer | Chicagoland Area
Mrs. Whitaker performed throughout the Chicagoland area as a member of Forum Dance Theater, gaining valuable experience as both a dancer and performing artist.
Her professional performance background provided firsthand experience with the discipline, preparation, collaboration, and artistry required to bring dance from the studio to the stage.
Dance Education Experience
Dance Educator | 20+ Years
Since earning her degree in Dance in 2004, Mrs. Whitaker has dedicated more than 20 years to teaching dance.
Her teaching career has taken her throughout:
Northern Illinois • Southern California
Over the course of her career, she has worked with dancers from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels, sharing the technical knowledge and performance experience she developed throughout her own dance journey.
Professional Journey
From discovering dance as a young student in Libertyville to performing throughout the Chicagoland area, earning her degree from Columbia College Chicago, and spending more than two decades educating dancers across two states, Mrs. Whitaker has built a career around her lifelong passion for dance.
Her experience as both a performer and educator allows her to bring a well-rounded perspective to the classroom and help dancers understand that the skills developed through dance can extend far beyond the studio.
Teaching Philosophy
Mrs. Whitaker believes dance education is about developing more than technical ability.
Her years as both a performer and educator have shaped an approach that encourages dancers to develop confidence, discipline, artistry, musicality, and a genuine appreciation for movement.
She enjoys helping students discover the joy of dance while giving them the tools and encouragement they need to grow as performers and individuals.
Her goal is to create an environment where dancers feel challenged to develop their abilities while also discovering the personal connection and creativity that make dance such a meaningful art form.
Beyond The Studio
Mrs. Whitaker currently lives in Crystal Lake with her husband, daughter, and their very spoiled dog.
After more than two decades of teaching, she remains passionate about sharing her love of dance and helping create positive experiences for the next generation of dancers.
