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Find out more about Gabrielle

• 1) When did you start practicing? How did this passion find you?

  I started teaching while at university. My mother is a teacher and she set an example of dedication, professionalism and commitment to helping her students grow as individuals while learning a new language. Many have stayed in touch with her over the years. I have sought to help my students gain appreciation not only for the language, but the culture in its many facets.
  
  I started acting while in elementary school in school musicals. In middle school and high school, I continued to participate in the school productions until getting a degree in theatre/dance, doing a season of summerstock and going to drama school in London. My love of the language and dynamics of acting grew with each production seen and in which I took part. Travelling in time and embodying the lives of other characters with a story to tell was addictive.

• 2) Which artists or works affect you the most?

  My tastes are broad thanks to my experiences in various different countries. I was brought up listening to music from various parts of the world and watching plays and films in other languages. It would be difficult to pinpoint a single artist or work. Some of my favourite films include "Now Voyager", "Bringing up Baby", "Mrs Miniver", "Bab El Oued City", "Raise the Red Lantern", "In the Mood for Love", "Strictly Ballroom", "The English Patient", "Priscilla", "The Princess Bride", "Tango", etc.

• 3) What are the qualities and skills required to succeed in this area?

  Perseverance is crucial to survive as an artist. Commitment, empathy and patience are imperative to being a good teacher.

• 4) What is the most valuable advice you can give to help someone stay focused on creative projects?

  Training gives you a set of tools which one never completely masters. If you believe in what you're doing, you will keep playing with different combinations until you find what works for you. Believe in your process and you will produce something that reaches others.

• 5) How would you describe your passion; how does it make you feel?

  Creating, rehearsing and performing my version of any song, character or piece of text fuels me. I am in my element and though I may never feel it is perfect, I know I've done my best.

• 6) What creative achievements are you particularly proud of?

  My body of songs in twenty years as a recording artist and certain stage performances in plays stand out.

• 7) Have you ever been surprised by a student; by their ability or quick progression?

  A former student and later dear friend had little English in school, but by watching films and tv series online along with reading computer manuals, he came to me seeking to improve his writing skills. I helped him through high school and with his college applications. I was able to take pride in his academic accomplishments.
  As a dialect coach, I was able to help an Italian actress convince a director to hire her for a role for which he wanted a native speaker.

• 8) Being a Superprof is an art! What is your secret?

  Patience, dedication, empathy, focus and a desire to keep the student engaged. Learning requires work, but that doesn't mean it needs to be boring or antiseptic.