Roger Turner

Roger Turner started dancing at age 12 as a CMDE scholarship student. After CMDE, he attended Rowan University where he studied theatre, dance, and psychology. During his college years, Roger performed in local Repertory Theatre and toured as a dancer for a Hip-Hop group. He went on to join the United States Army, and later worked in marketing for a music label. Returning to the performing arts, Roger joined CMDE's faculty in 2000, where he has taught and choreographed for a variety of classes, including Hip-Hop, Real Men Dance, and Afro-modern, and has co-directed CMDE's summer programs for boys and teens at-risk since 2002. He also teaches dance at various after-school programs and at New Jersey City University. He is currently a member of the Seventh Principle Performance Company.



Instructor Spotlight....


When did you start teaching at Center for Modern Dance? 

 I had only been home for a few weeks after a long and serious stent in the hospital. I was recovering from muscle atrophy and taking short walks in my neighborhood when I happen to be walking near CMDE. Shirley Ubell saw me and immediately recognized me as a former CMDE scholarship student, and Repertory Company dancer. Completely oblivious of my condition, she invited to climb the, at that time for me difficult, flight of stairs and into the office to catch on all the events of my life since I graduated high school. We talked about my short dance career during and after college and I regretfully told her how I had given up dance to pursue other things. She quickly responded,"That's ridiculous! You should be dancing in some company! Become famous and tell everyone you started here." She sent me out the door with a class schedule in my hand and invitation to take any class for free. A couple weeks later I was not only taking class but assistant teaching. Eleven years later I'm still teaching with CMDE. During that time I did start dancing with a company again and developed a full-time dance and teaching-artist career. I'm not famous but I do tell people I started at CMDE. Sorry, that was a really long answer. 

What types of classes do you teach?

This year at CMDE, I teach Hip-Hop dance for children. I teach Creative Movement, Modern, African/Modern, Beginner Ballet, West African, Jazz/Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop dance and Choreography/Dance Composition at other schools.  

 

 Do you teach all ages?

CMDE has given me the opportunity to explore my talents as a teacher. Because of that opportunity, I can say I have taught and still teach every age group from toddlers to senior citizens.

 

What is your proudest moment as a dance teacher?

I am Co-Director of CMDE's Summer Star's for Boys Camp and have been for the past 8 years. It's a free dance camp for boys with a 'need'. The needs vary among the boys. One year we had a boy with some emotional issues. His frustrations would very quickly turn into uncontrollable rage. Outside of those moments he was a talented and passionate dancer. His first year of camp his frustrations didn't allow him to complete the program. But he returned the following summer. He and I sat down, we came up with some plans and agreements to help him with camp's two-week full and sometimes frustrating schedule. He completed the camp successfully that summer and continued to take classes with us the rest of year. 

 

For someone that has never taken a dance class, why would you recommend it?

Everyone should experience the ability to creatively move through a space. Dance is an experience that's has physical, emotional, intellectual and yes even spiritual benefits. Dance can only enhance your life, if you let it. 

 

What are your other passions besides dance? 

I come from a musical family so I enjoy singing. So many things make keep me active like fitness and exercise, politics, sports, cooking, long walks on the beach (just kidding about that last one) but my passion is acting. I've trimmed down my teaching schedule this year to give me time to more actively pursue an acting career.