There are times when we are in the studio teaching and progress seems to be at a halt, our dancers’ focus is lacking, the passion and spirit we want to see is dwindling and the frustration of it all can …
Beginning pointe is a super exciting milestone in a young dancer’s life. Receiving your first pair of pointe shoes is definitely a time students don’t forget and will always remember. It should certainly be celebrated and met with enthusiasm and …
When we head into competition season we are usually engulfed in setting pieces, rehearsing, ordering costumes and perfecting every last detail so that it is show ready. We spend countless months coming up with concepts for our dances, organizing schedules …
It’s always inspirational as choreographers to walk into rehearsal and feel confident you have dancers who are both technically and artistically mature enough to handle the material you are about to give them. What excites us more is having those …
As we begin a new year, after a time of reflection and pause, we look to where we were and where we are headed. As we look forward, we should be looking towards a direction of dance which is new, …
Dance teachers are clear on our role to teach students proper technique and performance skills. However, as generations continually evolve, so is the world in which they are growing up in. It is still my belief that certain etiquette, good …
Here is a version of my beginner musical theatre warmup. It’s always important to remember to include a solid technical warmup as well as stylistic, cardiovascular and performance elements into your class. This will create a well-rounded foundation and get …
There are many components to teaching musical theatre effectively; technically, stylistically, historically and conceptually. This is especially true when introducing it to the preteen demographic. This genre is a real love of mine and where my heart is at, so …
We train our dancers to take everything with a grain of salt; to take the compliments and the criticisms, to not get too high or too low about accomplishments and failures. We prepare them for the harshness of the outside …
Being a studio owner clearly involves the constant juggling of many hats; often all at the same time. When everyone is connected, excited and full of team spirit, you feel on top of the world. However, that sense of camaraderie …
Dancers innately can barrel through things and have a perseverance and determination to just do what needs to be done, to make it work. We keep going. We are good about listening to our bodies, but we are warriors and …
Any student at any level can always use a refresher when it comes to turning technique. It is also especially essential when teaching younger students the basics as well. Every teacher has their own special way of teaching turns, but …
Anytime you are dealing with children and adolescents who spend an enormous amount of time together, you are bound to hit rough patches, clicks, disagreements and gossip. It’s inevitable. What our dancers must remember is that they are team. They …
This year has been…well…a lot. With the holidays upon us and the end of this tumultuous year coming to a close, it’s a great time to take pause with young dancers and give thanks for all that we are afforded. …
It’s inevitable. At some point in owning your dance studio a student is going to want to part ways and stop dancing. If you’re lucky, it may happen only a handful of times over the course of your career, but …
At different points in a choreographer’s career, one discovers how they create best; what works for them and what doesn’t; in terms of the creative process. When one is just starting out, the ways in which we use trial and …
