Caitlin Trainor

I genuinely love this woman to death. I've had no prior dance experience, but she made everyone feel welcome and comfortable. One of the best classes I've taken at Columbia/Barnard.

Fabulous, fabulous class. Caitlin is fun, smart, helpful, and extremely talented. She went at a great pace and made sure everyone in the class was involved and active, while never being overbearing or going too fast. She is clearly an intelligent woman (Skidmore alum, I believe?) and isn't afraid to physiologically explain what goes on for those who better understand dance in that way. She caused me to totally connect with my body in a different and deeper way. I still often find myself doing versions of some of her exercises. This class was a great workout, but not a stressful or impossible one. Nobody in the class was any Baryshnikov so don't feel bad if you don't have any dance experience. If anything, some of our best dancers didn't. I would recommend it to anyone.

Caitlin is one of the best teachers I've had in any subject throughout my entire academic career. I was interested in learning ballet, since I love to watch it, and so I took Caitlin's Ballet 1 class just for fun. I had no idea I would fall so in love with the dance. Caitlin has a talent for instilling passion in her students by showcasing her own love of dance, and by instructing with both precision and unshakable patience. She makes it clear that she expects more of her class than they generally think they can give, which is flattering, challenging, and encouraging. Somehow she tends to be more apt at estimating my ability than I am. She is an incredibly sweet person--so much fun to talk to, dance with, and learn from. Her classes were always the bright spots in my week. She stays after class to answer questions, and she also answers emails in an timely fashion, which is helpful. One of the best things about taking a beginner dance class from Caitlin in college is that she actually started dancing when she was a college junior. Most ballerinas start dancing shortly after learning to walk, and that can be discouraging to someone trying to start in their late teens/early twenties and feeling very behind. It is so inspiring to have a teacher who is a beautiful, talented, and graceful dancer, even having started so late. Caitlin is brilliant, and if you have the opportunity to t…

I am not a dancer and all of my praise will support everything else on here, but I really do want to stress how phenomenal Caitlin is as an educator. I had never danced before and it was hard enough to do so on Zoom - but I was continually impressed by her focus on accessibility, her versatility in the face of tech problems, and her consistent emphasis on the ways personal experience/upbringing/cultural differences affect one's relationship with movement.

Caitlin Trainor was an AMAZING Modern I dance teacher. She has Paul Taylor influences, and her class is very athletic and open. Don't be shy! She'll make you feel very welcomed and comfortable. After class, she would often stay to answer questions and go over some techniques with dancers. I had so much fun in this class (didn't miss a single class!) and it made me consider doing a Dance concentration (I'm an Econ major).

AMAZING Professor! So welcoming and willing to help you learn, especially if you have no dance background whatsoever. Her class is so great that I am taking it another semester! Caitlin is so enthusiastic and passionate for dance and things involving dance, it really shows in the class. I have never not wanted to go to her class when the time came.

You have to see 2 dance performances (one of which needs to be professional modern dance) and write a final paper (the class is pass-fail though so I wouldn't sweat it too much). Also, there are a lot of restrictions when it comes to absences so be prepared to make every class.

Oh my gosh I love her! For someone who had no background in dance, but loves dance, I've learned a lot about movement and the body in her class. Modern I fulfills your PE requirement and honestly is one of the best classes I had my first semester. The class has such a nice environment and relaxing after a long day sitting behind desks and listening to lectures. Trainor teaches new content but also incorporates old material into the new stuff so it's not overwhelming. She also goes over any routine if you ask because sometimes she goes a little fast or the moves are a little hard to see. She gives individual advice when making rounds and is very caring towards her students. Make sure to come to class with dancing clothes, makes movement easier.

Required to watch 2 professional dance performances, write 1 reflection essay (of any length). She is strict on class participation, though, so be there on time and be there mentally as well as physically. (Graded on a P/F system)

Caitlin is a special person, a real gem. She is enthusiastic, encouraging, endearing, and helpful-- a truly great dancer and wonderful instructor. I always looked forward to attending her class because it was simultaneously relaxing and energizing. Caitlin managed to create a familiar routine, while still spicing things up and challenging the class. She offers positive feedback and constructive criticism and makes dancing fun. I would highly recommend this class to both advanced dancers and beginners alike. It's a must!