Van Kuren practices West African dance during a dance appreciation class at Penn State. / Photo by Yi Rong

Van Kuren teaches an adult ballet class in the Movement Studio. She corrects the posture of Emily Brassington. / Photo by Yi Rong

Van Kuren helps her son, Evan, with his math homework in the living room of their home in State College. She majored in math in college before she became a professional dancer. / Photo by Yi Rong

Van Kuren accompanies her son, Evan, to a dance class at the Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania in State College. / Photo by Yi Rong

Evan Van Kuren helps his mother move equipment from a storage room. / Photo by Yi Rong

Van Kuren holds a mother-child session in the Movement Studio. / Photo by Yi Rong

Van Kuren corrects the dance move of Olivia Bradaschia, age 6. / Photo by Yi Rong

Van Kuren grades midterm exams at Webster's Bookstore Cafe in State College. / Photo by Yi Rong

Organized stacks of paperwork await Van Kuren’s attention in her home. / Photo by Yi Rong

Van Kuren’s responsibility includes more than teaching. She is also responsible for cleaning the bathroom and mopping the floor. / Photo by Yi Rong