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ICE-T : This Dance Teacher’s Acronym for Technique Development

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Teacher article

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Dance teachers are always creative in terms of how we teach and approach the delivery of lessons. We also know every student is a different kind of learner. So, providing them helpful ways which work best for them to retain and apply information is a crucial part in being an effective teacher.

This year, my own dancers and I are focusing on the following concepts. One “tricky” way I have been able to help them remember some of these things is by giving this little acronym which encourages the retention of what we are aiming to achieve! It’s also fun, easy and works with every age group! We put it up on our whiteboard so it’s always visible and we are able to return to it whenever we need. Thought you might find it helpful too! It has been working wonders both in class and choreography rehearsal!

 

This dance season’s acronym is ICE-T

I = Intention (Moving with intention.)

C = Clarity and Control (Movement clarity and movement control)

E= Execution (Are we executing movement correctly, cleanly and properly?)

T = Transitions. Transitions. Transitions.  (Thoughtful transitions make our piece complete and fluid)

 

Give it a try and let me know how it works out in your own classes!

Good luck!

See you in the dance studio,

Jess

 

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Author

Jess Stafford

Jess Stafford

Jess Stafford is a native New Yorker and has her MA in Dance Education from NYU. She also earned a BFA in dance performance from UMASS Amherst. Following a wonderful professional dance career, Jess now teaches and choreographs nationally and internationally, bringing her love of movement and creating to all her classes. Jess’ favorite performance credits include: The National Tour of Guys & Dolls, The European Tour of Grease, West Side Story, Cabaret, Sweet Charity, Salute to Dudley Moore at Carnegie Hall, guest-dancer with the World Famous Pontani Sisters and IMPULSE Modern Dance Company. She has been on faculty for the Rutgers University Dance Department, Perichild Program at Peridance and was Company Director at Steffi Nossen School of Dance. Jess has also taught creative movement therapy in Uganda and was a featured instructor at the Queen's Kampala Dance School. She has conducted workshops for the cast of LA REVE at the Wynn, Las Vegas and has been on faculty at the IDS International Dance Teacher Conference at The Royal Ballet, MPower Summer Dance Intensives and annual Dance Teacher Web Conferences. Jess has also served as Master Teacher & adjudicator for various dance competitions. She is the Chief Editor and contributing writer for the DanceTeacherWeb.com blog and is also an original in-house Dance Teacher Web faculty member. Jess’ latest venture has called her to become a Board Certified Integrative Health Coach, 500HR RYT and RPYT. She is also the creator of her private practice, Rebel Wellness. Her latest passion project includes creating the “BE WELL” Yoga + Wellness School and Dance Studio Program, which fosters mental health & emotional wellness for today’s youth. www.rebelwellnessny.com

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