Morgan W., Kent State BFA Candidate, class of 2018:
At Kent State University I have had the pleasure of being taught by Professor Rockland and I have thoroughly enjoyed his classes. I came to know him when the Dance Division students and I voted for him to become a faculty member here in Kent State’s School of Theatre and Dance. Professor Rockland is honest, driven, and an incredibly hard-working professor who I respect greatly. Beyond that, he is an impressive collaborator and supporter of all the student’s. He is always working within and outside of the university to make sure we have many educational opportunities which I have found extremely helpful. This spring ’17 semester Professor Rockland was able to bring in the Jon Lehrer Dance Company, a professional dance company from New York, and the Joffrey Ballet School to Kent State. Myself and many other students auditioned for these intensives and gratefully received scholarships to their summer intensives and trainee programs. If it wasn’t for Professor Rockland’s persistence in providing opportunities for the dance students, I wouldn’t have some of the education and training that I do now. Professor Rockland is a highly esteemed professional teacher and choreographer who has solid experience within the field of classical ballet. His knowledge of Ballet and expertise in attaining connections outside of the university has helped me and many other students acquire yearly and summer education. He puts this skillset to work in order to provide his students with the absolute best education here at Kent State University. Professor Rockland’s dedication, high energy and generous spirit, combined with his knowledge, natural skills and experience from a career as a performing artist makes him an excellent, inspiring and unconventional professor. Along with Professor Rockland’s undeniable talent in dance instruction, it has always been an absolute honor to be taught by him. His professionalism, passion, enthusiasm, and good nature have made him an excellent ballet teacher and mentor.
At Kent State University I have had the pleasure of being taught by Professor Rockland and I have thoroughly enjoyed his classes. I came to know him when the Dance Division students and I voted for him to become a faculty member here in Kent State’s School of Theatre and Dance. Professor Rockland is honest, driven, and an incredibly hard-working professor who I respect greatly. Beyond that, he is an impressive collaborator and supporter of all the student’s. He is always working within and outside of the university to make sure we have many educational opportunities which I have found extremely helpful. This spring ’17 semester Professor Rockland was able to bring in the Jon Lehrer Dance Company, a professional dance company from New York, and the Joffrey Ballet School to Kent State. Myself and many other students auditioned for these intensives and gratefully received scholarships to their summer intensives and trainee programs. If it wasn’t for Professor Rockland’s persistence in providing opportunities for the dance students, I wouldn’t have some of the education and training that I do now. Professor Rockland is a highly esteemed professional teacher and choreographer who has solid experience within the field of classical ballet. His knowledge of Ballet and expertise in attaining connections outside of the university has helped me and many other students acquire yearly and summer education. He puts this skillset to work in order to provide his students with the absolute best education here at Kent State University. Professor Rockland’s dedication, high energy and generous spirit, combined with his knowledge, natural skills and experience from a career as a performing artist makes him an excellent, inspiring and unconventional professor. Along with Professor Rockland’s undeniable talent in dance instruction, it has always been an absolute honor to be taught by him. His professionalism, passion, enthusiasm, and good nature have made him an excellent ballet teacher and mentor.
Katelyn C., Kent State BFA in Musical Theatre, class of 2017:
Professor Rockland challenges all of his dancers to reach goals that we don’t even realize we are capable of achieving. He is constantly pushing us to strive to be not only the best dancer we can be at our university, but also to be the best dancer we can be in the very competitive field we are about to enter. I have seen great improvement in both my own technique and the technique of my fellow dancers under his tutelage. His classes provide us with challenging, but achievable material that will propel us through our professional dance careers.
Professor Rockland’s care and concern for his dancers extends beyond the several hours spent in the classroom, though. He is consistently providing us with supplemental materials to use outside of class to work through injuries, strengthen aspects of our body or technique that we may currently be struggling with, and other various support that shows how dedicated he really is to his dancers. He also provides us all with so many resources for master classes, performances, auditions, and intensives that allow us to continue to grow as dancers year round. It is very clear through this plethora of additional actions outside of our courses that Professor Rockland has a true passion for our success as professional dancers in any career path we may choose to pursue. All of these resources are so beneficial in taking our dance abilities to the next level.
Professor Rockland challenges all of his dancers to reach goals that we don’t even realize we are capable of achieving. He is constantly pushing us to strive to be not only the best dancer we can be at our university, but also to be the best dancer we can be in the very competitive field we are about to enter. I have seen great improvement in both my own technique and the technique of my fellow dancers under his tutelage. His classes provide us with challenging, but achievable material that will propel us through our professional dance careers.
Professor Rockland’s care and concern for his dancers extends beyond the several hours spent in the classroom, though. He is consistently providing us with supplemental materials to use outside of class to work through injuries, strengthen aspects of our body or technique that we may currently be struggling with, and other various support that shows how dedicated he really is to his dancers. He also provides us all with so many resources for master classes, performances, auditions, and intensives that allow us to continue to grow as dancers year round. It is very clear through this plethora of additional actions outside of our courses that Professor Rockland has a true passion for our success as professional dancers in any career path we may choose to pursue. All of these resources are so beneficial in taking our dance abilities to the next level.
Dr. Steve S. Dr., cardiac-rehab , Fit at the River , age 71:
"Jeff rockland is a unique trainer who has university teaching experience . In all aspects of personal training he one of best I have seen."
Martha D. Early 50's, Mother of Three Teens:
"Jeff teaches by example. He shows us what to do and then proceeds to work as hard as we do. In this way he encourages each of his clients to achieve their personal best." Martha Delamere.
Kathy P. Early 60's, Retired Business Owner:
"I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy training with you. You keep me motivated by your own enthusiasm and encouragement. You also make it fun by using different techniques to achieve my fitness goals, from weights to bands to hikes in our beautiful Tucson mountains and canyons! Best of all (!!!), I definitely see noticable results in the areas of strength, balance and flexibility. I'm really looking forward to continuing our training partnership. You just need to stop making me laugh so much - it interferes with proper breathing! See you soon." Kathy
Kathleen W., Middle Aged, Tucson Author:
"Jeff - Your Thursday evening ballet class at Sunrise and Swan is wonderful. We need more of them. Beginners or adults with training, this is the place to be."
Jennifer B., Early 50's, Mother of a Teen Ballet Student:
"Jeff's clarity and positive approach make him an outstanding teacher. I have been very pleased with my daughter's progress under his tutelage. By continuing to challenge her in a positively charged environment, he has imbued her with a passion for the arts and a zest for learning."
Elizabeth K. F., Early 30's, Dance Studio Owner (former University Student of Jeff's):
"Students receive very challenging dance classes from Jeffrey that prepare them for the tough battle ahead. Dance skills of students improve dramatically under Jeffrey's instruction. Students know and respect Jeff as a valuable Professor and Mentor."
James S. 50's, School Athletic Director:
"Jeffrey has taken our daughter from a "burned out, ready to quit" young dancer and excited, ingnited, and transformed her into one of Greeley's finest ballet dancers."
Gary R. 30's Actor/Dancer:
"He more than equipped me with the tools which I needed...he was always a teacher who pushed me to my limits! He was instrumental in my obtaining a scholarship to Joffrey Ballet's summer program in NYC."
Sarah Tallman, 33, Professional Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher
"I started training with Jeff when I was 14, and can honestly say i would not be the dancer I am today without his guidance, and coaching. Jeff constantly pushed me to be the best i could be, and had a great sense of humor while doing so. He encouraged me to use my training for all aspects of the professional dance world including performance, teaching, ballet mistressing, and choreographing. Thank you Jeffrey!"
Junko F., 85, Ballet Student
"Jeffrey teaches with passion and positive spirit. With Jeffrey's guidance in ballet, you can nurture your being to be physically and mentally fit and graceful. To me, classic ballet training is the best form of physical and mental disclipline and a way to strengthen your body and spirit. Each class is a self-renewal process. The class hour goes by fast because it is so enjoyable. My ageless passion for ballet makes me continue at 85 and also because of Jeff's being Jeff."
Susan and Stuart B., Both 70, Retired
"Susan and I would be delighted to recommend you to anyone who wants to maintain or increase their fitness level. Your expertise included a great deal of patience and good humor. We look forward to seeing you in the Fall."
April S. 30's, Doctor of Acupunture and Oriental Medicine.
"Jeffrey trained me in ballet as a college student. His teaching style combined with his expertise in human physiology and movement of the human body enhanced my skills as a professional dancer and dance instructor. Furthermore, the confidence I attained while training with him has carried through to my secondary professional career as a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine."
BethAnn W., Make Up Artist.
"I believe I was 10 or 11 when you were at The Bristol Ballet. I am 39 years young now so that would have made it 1980 or 1981. WOW, It was so long ago but you were an amazing instructor who was very patient and good with us bratty girls..lol. When we would practice on the bar I remember MaryAnn did formations on the bar for us to follow in the back of the room where the record player was and when we changed sides we would follow you while you did the routine on the bar next to the door where you entered the studio. I wanted to be able to dance like you cause you were so incredibly gifted."
"Jeff rockland is a unique trainer who has university teaching experience . In all aspects of personal training he one of best I have seen."
Martha D. Early 50's, Mother of Three Teens:
"Jeff teaches by example. He shows us what to do and then proceeds to work as hard as we do. In this way he encourages each of his clients to achieve their personal best." Martha Delamere.
Kathy P. Early 60's, Retired Business Owner:
"I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy training with you. You keep me motivated by your own enthusiasm and encouragement. You also make it fun by using different techniques to achieve my fitness goals, from weights to bands to hikes in our beautiful Tucson mountains and canyons! Best of all (!!!), I definitely see noticable results in the areas of strength, balance and flexibility. I'm really looking forward to continuing our training partnership. You just need to stop making me laugh so much - it interferes with proper breathing! See you soon." Kathy
Kathleen W., Middle Aged, Tucson Author:
"Jeff - Your Thursday evening ballet class at Sunrise and Swan is wonderful. We need more of them. Beginners or adults with training, this is the place to be."
Jennifer B., Early 50's, Mother of a Teen Ballet Student:
"Jeff's clarity and positive approach make him an outstanding teacher. I have been very pleased with my daughter's progress under his tutelage. By continuing to challenge her in a positively charged environment, he has imbued her with a passion for the arts and a zest for learning."
Elizabeth K. F., Early 30's, Dance Studio Owner (former University Student of Jeff's):
"Students receive very challenging dance classes from Jeffrey that prepare them for the tough battle ahead. Dance skills of students improve dramatically under Jeffrey's instruction. Students know and respect Jeff as a valuable Professor and Mentor."
James S. 50's, School Athletic Director:
"Jeffrey has taken our daughter from a "burned out, ready to quit" young dancer and excited, ingnited, and transformed her into one of Greeley's finest ballet dancers."
Gary R. 30's Actor/Dancer:
"He more than equipped me with the tools which I needed...he was always a teacher who pushed me to my limits! He was instrumental in my obtaining a scholarship to Joffrey Ballet's summer program in NYC."
Sarah Tallman, 33, Professional Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher
"I started training with Jeff when I was 14, and can honestly say i would not be the dancer I am today without his guidance, and coaching. Jeff constantly pushed me to be the best i could be, and had a great sense of humor while doing so. He encouraged me to use my training for all aspects of the professional dance world including performance, teaching, ballet mistressing, and choreographing. Thank you Jeffrey!"
Junko F., 85, Ballet Student
"Jeffrey teaches with passion and positive spirit. With Jeffrey's guidance in ballet, you can nurture your being to be physically and mentally fit and graceful. To me, classic ballet training is the best form of physical and mental disclipline and a way to strengthen your body and spirit. Each class is a self-renewal process. The class hour goes by fast because it is so enjoyable. My ageless passion for ballet makes me continue at 85 and also because of Jeff's being Jeff."
Susan and Stuart B., Both 70, Retired
"Susan and I would be delighted to recommend you to anyone who wants to maintain or increase their fitness level. Your expertise included a great deal of patience and good humor. We look forward to seeing you in the Fall."
April S. 30's, Doctor of Acupunture and Oriental Medicine.
"Jeffrey trained me in ballet as a college student. His teaching style combined with his expertise in human physiology and movement of the human body enhanced my skills as a professional dancer and dance instructor. Furthermore, the confidence I attained while training with him has carried through to my secondary professional career as a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine."
BethAnn W., Make Up Artist.
"I believe I was 10 or 11 when you were at The Bristol Ballet. I am 39 years young now so that would have made it 1980 or 1981. WOW, It was so long ago but you were an amazing instructor who was very patient and good with us bratty girls..lol. When we would practice on the bar I remember MaryAnn did formations on the bar for us to follow in the back of the room where the record player was and when we changed sides we would follow you while you did the routine on the bar next to the door where you entered the studio. I wanted to be able to dance like you cause you were so incredibly gifted."