We can never give our dancers enough core building exercises as the core is the source for strength, flexibility and balance. It’s surprising how many young dancers face a disconnect when it comes to utilizing their core in their technique …
It’ time for setting numbers for competition and we also need to give thought about the ones that are just about finished. While coming up with clever concepts and original choreography is a given, sometimes once all the “genius” is …
As a teacher, competition judge and spectator I decided it’s time to reach the masses with my compiled list of do’s and don’ts before heading into another competition season. Use this as an inside glimpse into what adjudicators are really …
We’ve all walked into our classes and seen a myriad of things going on with our dancers. Sometimes good, sometimes not optimal. Just as we set a standard of excellence and expectation during class, what we should be requiring before …
Those with the calling, talent & patience to teach dance to toddlers will tell you it requires a skill set all its own. A special, dedicated subgroup of dance teachers, the knowledge and training necessary to teach these little's while …
The basics aren’t so basic anymore. Somewhere along the line, many young dancers have been showcasing a lack of knowledge for the fundamentals to which many other building blocks are added upon. The importance of this is a dwindling concept …
We all know that a good rhythm and thought-provoking lyric can prompt a heartfelt and intuitive response to compose movement. As dancers, music goes synonymously with dance. What happens though when we break the mold a bit and think outside …
Is faculty music selection a constant stress? Do you approve all music choices to avoid teachers choosing the same music or inappropriate content, music that does not match your recital theme, dated/overdone songs, etc.? How do you diplomatically suggest to …
Spotting is perhaps one of the most challenging concepts for young dancers to grasp and often to teach as well. Without it we are at a standstill in terms of improving and progressing turning ability so taking the time to …
Having dancers who are “sinking,” or “sitting,” in their hips on their supporting leg is a common problem dance teachers see frequently. Often, improving the position of the pelvis by stretching and strengthening the core muscles and hip abductors will …
Whether you have the most advanced students or those that are beginner, there is something to be said for instilling the concept that hard work and dedication reaps rewards. In a time when many children have become accustomed to instant …
An attendee at this year’s DTW conference recently asked me where we as a dance industry should collectively be headed in the near and far future. I thought this was an extremely poignant and timely question as there is always …
Well....What an incredible few days it was at our 2021 DTW Live Conference & Expo! It was so amazing to be back all together, doing what we love most. We are just so overjoyed and honored you spent this time …
Expectation. It’s a word in which we often tip toe around. Especially in regards to our younger generation. Are they expected to handle too much? Do too much? Manage too much? Cope with too much? Be responsible & accountable for …
Been thinking about site specific work with your young dancers? There is no better time to change it up a bit and introduce the magic of site-specific dance to your students. The genre, made popular by modern based choreographic pioneers …
Many dancers in the studio setting strive to achieve the illustrious company status at some point in their training. Determining who is ready to advance and who needs some more time "marinating" is an important decision based on a variety …
