Competition Nationals time is approaching. While coming up with clever concepts and original choreography is a given, sometimes once all the “genius” is out there, the upkeep and “polishing” can get lax when we’ve now run it a million times. …
Often times we see pieces and wonder what sets them apart from others. What gives them that magical, slight edge of polished nuance compared to others? I often harp on the notion with my dancers that it really is not …
With every year I teach, the more and more I realize how important it is for the fundamental building blocks of technique to be taught. It’s not the tricks or the flashy turns or the “advanced” lessons that are most …
When we teach young dancers and they are starting to execute movement, often times the comprehension of that somatic initiation and execution takes a while to sink in. We all have had dancers who can replicate a piece of choreography …
Our dance students look to us as the beacon of creativity. Particularly at the start of a new year, dancers await the delivery of new pieces, concepts, movement and music. It is a very exciting time of the year for …
As we wind down from recital season, we have also reached that point when it’s time to say goodbye to graduating students. Our beloved senior dancers, who many of us have trained since they were little, now stand before us …
Remember when you were little and would twirl and spin just because it was fun? Remember those first pair of ballet slippers and the excitement of being in dance class following your teacher in the front of the room? Remember …
Teachers! If you’re excited at the thought of introducing improvisation to your dancers, here are three popular exercises to get you started with beginners at any age! Each can be adapted to age/level and will get dancers exploring the space …
Why do you dance? It’s a simple enough question with an infinite amount of answers; unique to the individual being asked the question. Think about how many times you’ve been asked that question throughout your life. Go on. Give it …
I have a new rule in class- you are not allowed to bring in your phones to video a rehearsal while learning choreography. This hasn’t always been the case, in fact videoing is in fact quite helpful (for myself included) …
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 …
Dance Teachers, have you ever experienced this? Dancer eagerly asking, “Can we add on now?” “When are we adding on?” “Do we have to do technique today? Can we just get to the dance?” Or, “I think I’d like to …
Let’s be honest. Who doesn’t like to win? Nobody goes into a competitive situation and says, "Come to think of it, I'd actually like to lose." As a teacher, I love to see my dancers excel. There's no greater feeling …
As teachers, we all love when our students excel and have a stellar performance year. A year where we see the student blossom and have that “A-HA” moment when everything starts to click for them in class. It’s wonderful to …
In a crazy, crazy world, we dance teachers 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 are running smoothly, etc. There is …
Ever think of what you can do to enhance the learning curve in your dance class? While dancers are often taught “how” sometimes we forget the “why’s,” “when’s,” and “where’s” things came from and happened….
