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#MonthlyMessage: Love in Action
I did something that felt a little bit radical back in January: I bought a day planner. Yes, even...
A Letter to My Dance Students in 2021
To My Dancers, Hi, it's me. Your Dance Teacher. Maybe it's been a while since we've seen one...
A Letter to My Dance Students in 2021
To My Dancers, Hi, it's me. Your Dance Teacher. Maybe it's been a while since we've seen one another face to face in the dance studio like old times. Even if we have been fortunate to gather for in-person classes, you may not remember what my smile looks like behind...
Injured? Under the Weather? What to Do When Your Dance Students Need to Sit Out
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...
Tax Basics for Independent Artists, Part 2: Business Expenses
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...
3 Thanksgiving Dance Activities to Encourage Gratitude
Thanksgiving is, hands down, my favorite holiday. Yummy food, time with family, no pressure to find the perfect costume or gift ... what's not to love? But Thanksgiving has never been an easy holiday for me to celebrate in the dance classes I teach. Wedged between the...
Tax Basics for Independent Artists, Part 1: Income
This is the first in a guest blog series by Jonathan Cain, Chartered Financial Consult(R), 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...
5 Ways to Make Your Dance Studio More Gender-Inclusive
Like many in the dance world, I was appalled by Good Morning America's recent coverage of Prince George and the fact that he takes ballet classes. I was sad for George and all the little boys who might feel ashamed because someone says that what they love to do is...
Letting Kids Be Kids in The Dance Studio
A quote from Phylicia Rashad has been on my mind for some time now: "Before a child talks, they sing. Before they write, they draw. As soon as they stand, they dance. Art is fundamental to human expression." I see this quote in action every day raising my son. He's...
Summertime Self-Care Strategies for Dance Teachers
Hello, Sweet Summer! With the official start of the summer season last week, it's my hope that all of my dance teacher colleagues are getting ready to enjoy at least something of a break - or at least a change of pace for the summer months! If you are in the #doneclub...
5 Fantastically Fun Dance Games for Summer
Summer is a fantastic time to for students to engage in the serious study of dance technique. Camps, intensives, and workshops allow students extended time to refine their dance skills, study new dance styles, dive into the nuances of creating or learning...
5 Ways to Help Your Students Rock Their Recital Dances!
It's almost recital time! Creating choreography for and with my students has become one of my favorite parts of teaching. But if we are being honest with one another, it can also be one of the most stressful aspects of the job. There can be a lot pressure to make a...
Simply Splendid Springtime Dance Games
Springtime is just about here, according to the calendar at least, and the best way to celebrate this (or any!) season is by dancing. More sunlight, gentle breezes, and the emergence of colorful flowers and bright green grass spark joy - especially for kids who have...
10 MORE Choreography Adventures to Hone Your Compositional Skills
Creativity is a muscle, and just like any other muscle, it need to be exercised in order to get stronger - that is the theory behind the #ChoreographyAdventures. These short, simple movement prompts are designed to get you into the studio and make informal work -...
“Making Dance Now”: ASTC
“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...
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