Claire Johannsen Gentile

As a child, Claire refused to step on the dance floor to take the classes her parents had so generously provided. After that experience, she did a complete about face, and as a youngster, embraced the world of dance. A native of New York, and a graduate of Alfred University, where she earned her BFA in Ceramic Art and Graphics, Claire moved to Alaska in 1968. She taught twenty-five years for the Anchorage School district, and a number of years for Anchorage Community College. Years into her career she spearheaded and directed a successful and award winning Dance Program at East Anchorage High School.

In 1978, as a teacher for the Anchorage School District, Claire was assigned to School-Within-A- School at East Anchorage High. As part of the curriculum expansion, each teacher within this alternative program was asked to create a special interest course offering. Claire chose Body Awareness. As its name suggests, it was a course presented as a means for students to become in touch with their bodies for wellness and being fit. Goals were achieved through movement, including a variety of dance forms. Sown were the seeds for the Dance Program at East Anchorage High.

The class was popular, and soon more sections were offered. Students from various backgrounds (including those with years of private dance class experience to those who never stepped on a dance floor) signed up to join. Claire advocated personal best for each of her students. Positive results manifested, especially with students at risk. At the time it was developing, Administrative and Community support helped to boost its success. From a small classroom, the classes were moved to the cafeteria or vacant school hallways. At this time in its development, monies were available to contract Artists in the Schools. Claire arranged to plug in as many dance professionals as possible to enhance the growing program. Interest grew beyond SWS. In 1980, Claire was asked to transfer from SWS to East Anchorage High School, home to a very diverse student population. In her new position, she enjoyed celebrating this culture diversity through dance. Classes focusing on a variety of cultural dances; Alaska Native, African, Asian, Folk and Polynesian, were offered and authenticated with the assistance of Community Leaders. Young student teachers took an interest in the program, and Claire was fortunate to host them for certification. By this time student interest in dance had elevated to the point where she was teaching dance full time, and had engaged a very active after school performing group, Dance Contempo. Not only had the dance offerings multiplied; persistence and concerted efforts realized an actual Dance Studio in the heart of the school. Over the years, the Dance Program and Dance Contempo were recipients of multiple District Merit Awards, and were showcased in feature Daily News articles.

In 1990 East Anchorage High School was selected by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The Dance Program and Dance Contempo, included with the Fine Arts at East Anchorage High School, received further recognition by being named an Exemplary Fine Arts School by the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition to her career with the Anchorage School District, Claire was active with Moving Company North and Alaska Contemporary Dance Company as a Board Member, Advocate, and frequent poster and advertising designer. Since her retirement in 1993, she has enjoyed being part of the audience and enriching the lives of those she loves.