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
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 Halloween madness and Christmas craze, there isn’t a … More 3 Thanksgiving Dance Activities to Encourage Gratitude
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 choreography, and work on conditioning and flexibility. However, it is important to balance … More 5 Fantastically Fun Dance Games for Summer
It’s finally feeling like spring in most of the U.S., and there is no better way to celebrate in our dance classes than with some fun seasonal activities. Young dancers, especially pre-school and early elementary ages, tend respond well to games and activities that reflect the spring season. Here are a few of my favorite … More Simply Splendid Springtime Activities for Young Dancers
It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and if you are anything like me, you have no idea how, or even if, you will celebrate with your significant other, but you definitely know what your lesson plans for the week look like! Or, maybe you don’t … and if that’s the case, here are three activities that you … More Three Sweet Valentine’s Day Activities for Your Dance Class
It’s hard to believe that winter and the holidays are upon us again! While we might be feeling a little overwhelmed with shopping, cooking, decorating, and the other demands of the season, our students find this a most magical time. Holidays … school breaks … the first snowfall … it’s pretty much a kid’s dream! … More 3 Wonderfully Whimsical Winter Activities for Your Dance Class
Is anyone else feeling the mid-semester slump right now? Classes have been in session for a few weeks, or a few months, depending on what part of the country you’re in. The novelty is wearing off and the exhaustion is setting in. Winter break seems light years away and many of us are deep into … More 3 Frighteningly Fun Halloween Activities for Your Dance Class
The arrival of September officially marks the arrival of the back to school season. The start of a “new year” affords us the opportunity to create brand new communities in our classrooms and studios. So often, we are tempted to immediately jump into technique and choreography, but taking time for team-building exercises and community building … More My Favorite Introduction Games for Dance Classes
Most people might be reaching for their Pumpkin Spice Lattes right about now, but dancers know that it’s already Nutcracker time! Love it or hate it, the seasonal favorite is here again, with tiny tots and professional dancers alike heading into the rehearsal studio to perfect their performances as party guests, snowflakes, candy canes, and … More Visions of Sugar Plums: Using a Nutcracker Workshop to Teach About Ballet
In 2012, I had the opportunity to I had a chance to present my research on a new method of teaching ballet to “recreational” dance students at the National Dance Education Organization’s National Conference. For the purpose of my study, the term recreational was used to describe a group of my students, age 6-10, who took … More Play in Ballet? Yes Way!
