For many of us this is the time of year when are season is winding down and we are either immersed in the end of year performances or trying to recover from the pressures of producing choreography that makes our …
From my experiences as both a student and a teacher, what I have come to recognize is that learning the why's and how's of technique, composition, history, anatomy, etc, is what ultimately separates the dancer who watches, repeats and may …
As studio owners we all have those students we've trained from the time they could walk. We have molded them, nurtured their technique, taught them classroom etiquette, celebrated their accomplishments and wiped tears during defeat and injury. When they arrive …
With the summer season quickly approaching, a lot of dance teachers and studio owners will be able to engage in a bit of down-time as recital and competition season comes to a close and before summer sessions commence. Before you …
Teaching Musical Theatre and Theatre Jazz is an animal in itself and there are many components to teaching it effectively; technically, stylistically, historically and conceptually. This genre is a real love of mine and where my heart is at, so …
Ballet Teachers, sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day right? We become so consumed with teaching classes, meetings, rehearsals, returning phone calls, choreographing and family life that we forget our own daily exercise regime or how good it …
OK, I'm just going to talk about it. We all know it's a topic we need to address and are sometimes to afraid to because it could be infringing on what is politically correct or appropriate to discuss with our …
How easy it is for dance teachers to undervalue themselves and we probably all do it at one time or another. When the daily grind of teaching starts to wear us down and the students just don't seem to be …
It is amazing to see the positive results when we are able to inspire the people who surround us on a daily basis. Being able to bring out the best in our staff, faculty, students and their parents is certainly …
Teachers, have you ever sat down and thought about the importance of rules & procedure in the studio? It seems like a given, common sense, but often times, when we are not transparent about the expectations of our dancers in …
In a crazy, crazy world, especially at this time of year, as teachers, we often put ourselves and our needs last; trying to make sure work is completed, students' needs are being addressed, creativity is flowing, deadlines are met, rehearsals …
Part of being a well-rounded dancer is to have the ability to articulate observations and speak about dance just as much as executing steps properly. A rich, thorough dance curriculum includes one in which "dance literacy" is acknowledged; where dancers …
**Teachers, with young or beginner ballet students, the use of proper vocabulary is a must right from the start. Why not reinforce the lessons with a fun "Do-Now" or "Take-Home" task?!**
**_"Why stop dreaming when you wake up?"_ Walt Disney** What a terrific question by the man that turned his dreams constantly into reality. I am sure he had many moment of doubt. But he never let that stop him for …
For many of us studio owners this is the time of year when we need to be planning ahead to our next year by finding ways to not only retain and re- energize the customers that we currently have but …
Catch our new video exclusive with DTW faulty member and ballet teacher extraordinaire Matthew Donnell on his teaching philosophy and important advice for you and your students!
