Author: shannondoolingdances

Shannon Dooling-Cain is a dancer, choreographer, writer, and dance educator based in Arizona, with roots in the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. metro areas. She specializes in ballet, modern dance, contemporary dance, jazz, dance history, improvisation, and creative movement for all ages and skill levels. Her choreography has been featured in venues throughout New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Phoenix, AZ. On her blog, she provides resources for dance teachers including curriculum ideas, lesson plans, dance activities, choreography ideas, and reflections on the intersection of dance, art, society, feminism, and motherhood. She is available to teach dance workshops, create and set choreography for students and professionals, and provide consulting to dance studios, K-12 programs, individual artists, and small companies.

protest dance

Dance is/as Protest

June 21, 2020

I believe that dance is the ultimate form of protest, especially in our modern world. … More Dance is/as Protest

Why We Still Need to Dance – Even If It’s Online

April 5, 2020

Like author Alice Walker, I believe that “hard times require furious dancing.” I have written, time and time again, that dance has the potential to empower individuals, unite communities, and be a force for good in the world.  But when I first learned that schools and studios would be transitioning to online classes in the midst … More Why We Still Need to Dance – Even If It’s Online

How to Help Your Dance Students Improve Their Performance Skills

February 24, 2020

Have you ever watched a dancer who was just stunning technically – extensions to to the ear, super coordinated, gorgeous use of weight and space, incredible jumps and turns – but just doesn’t make you feel anything? It happens all the time, especially in the age of TV competitions and Instagram. Some people may believe … More How to Help Your Dance Students Improve Their Performance Skills

Ideas for bring a friend dance class

5 Strategies for “Bring A Friend” Dance Classes

February 13, 2020

Confession time: I absolutely LOVE introducing new students to dance. I am the teacher that eagerly signs up to teach the beginner dance classes. There is something magical about welcoming a new dancer into the studio, helping them learn the basics of technique and artistry, and instilling in them lifelong love of dance. For this … More 5 Strategies for “Bring A Friend” Dance Classes

Making Dance Now: Errant Movement

February 8, 2020

“Making Dance Now” is an occasional blog series profiling choreographers and small dance companies to explore the challenges and rewards of creating, producing, and presenting choreography in today’s culture and economy. It’s my hope that this series will spark a dialogue about the importance of dance-making today, and how we can better support choreographers. Errant … More Making Dance Now: Errant Movement

what to do when students need to sit out of dance class

Injured? Under the Weather? What to Do When Your Dance Students Need to Sit Out

January 21, 2020

We’ve all been there … Ms. Shannon? My (stomach, big toe, left elbow, eyebrow, etc.) hurts so bad I can’t even move right now!  Or … Ms. Shannon? I fell off my bike two days ago and banged up my knee and my mom says I can’t dance until I go to the doctor for my … More Injured? Under the Weather? What to Do When Your Dance Students Need to Sit Out

Taxes business expenses dancers dance teachers

Tax Basics for Independent Artists, Part 2: Business Expenses

December 21, 2019

This is the second in a guest blog series by Jonathan Cain, Chartered Financial Consult®, cellist, engineer, and (if I may add) husband extraordinaire! The goal of this series is to provide basic information on taxes for independent artists, such as performers, dance teachers, and choreographers, to answer some common questions about income, expenses, and … More Tax Basics for Independent Artists, Part 2: Business Expenses