For Students

Introducing the Iliopsoas Introducing the Iliopsoas

The iliopsoas is the only muscle (well, technically group of muscles) that attaches to the spine, pelvis, and femur (or, thigh). The three muscles which make up the iliopsoas are deep, running very near the spine and beneath other major muscle groups. Therefore, awareness of the iliopsoas must come through visualization.

As Young As You Feel As Young As You Feel

If you are an older adult and find these videos inspiring, let me assure you that it’s never too late to get moving… literally. However there are some things you may want to take into consideration before diving into dance.

Guest Post: The Professional Dancer’s Survival Kit Guest Post: The Professional Dancer’s Survival Kit

Do you have an interest in taking your dancing to the professional level? Here are some inside tips on what you need to survive in your career as a professional dancer.

Ballet — Its Origins and History Ballet — Its Origins and History

Ballet Comique de la Reine (1581) was choreographed by Balthasar de Beaujoyeux and is credited as the first ballet because it had a central story around which sets, costumes, and music were built. Ballets de cour peaked during the reign of Louis XIV, who was passionate about dance and its artistry.

Dance Little Sister — Working With a Younger Sibling Dance Little Sister — Working With a Younger Sibling

It is challenging to work with a younger sibling when creating or rehearsing for a performance. Here are the keys to avoiding frustration.

Back to School 2009 — Student Edition Back to School 2009 — Student Edition

As you enter a new dance season, here are some past Dance Advantage posts that will prepare you for the year ahead.

How and Why to Strengthen the Inner Thigh How and Why to Strengthen the Inner Thigh

Focused work can encourage awareness and therefore improvement of technique and strength. I am including some exercises that may help you develop such an awareness of the various muscles in your inner thigh.

How NOT To Ask a Question in Dance Class How NOT To Ask a Question in Dance Class

The do’s and don’ts for getting your teacher’s attention in class. Examples of appropriate moments. How to recognize an emergency situation.

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For Teachers/Studio Owners

Streamlining Competition Registration with DanceSignUp.com Streamlining Competition Registration with DanceSignUp.com

So, with a sneaking suspicion that you might be interested in something that could help streamline the process, and because I see a lot of potential in this this newly developed site, I chatted recently with Bret Robertson. His design company, Honu Studios, is responsible for bringing DanceSignUp to life.

Ballet, One Exercise at a Time Ballet, One Exercise at a Time

Image by dalbera via Flickr

Some people collect stamps, others collect toys, Tammy Stanwood apparently collects ballet exercises. It’s a good practice actually for teachers and students to record dance combinations for later use.

“I found the single most valuable way to learn how teachers put combinations together is to begin recording them in a notebook. [...]

A Window into Dance Teacher Wages A Window into Dance Teacher Wages

Kiner Enterprises, a dance teacher staffing agency, has produced a report on industry salaries and trends in the New York City Metropolitan area. The report is simple and to the point, covering average hourly wages for teachers with less than 5 years experience and more than 5 years experience, as well as the average number [...]

Back to School — Props and Classroom Aids Back to School — Props and Classroom Aids

Dance classes (and the experience of your students) can be enhanced with the use of props. This article lists products, links, and tips for various classroom aids, plus links and suggestions for homemade props.

Back to School 2009 — Teacher Edition Back to School 2009 — Teacher Edition

As you put together and plan your classes for the coming dance season, here’s a look back at some Dance Advantage articles that may be of use to you.

Baby on Board — Teaching While Pregnant Baby on Board — Teaching While Pregnant

“How will pregnancy affect my dancing and teaching?” What the internet, and books… lots and lots of books), others (like my doctor), and my experiences taught me.

Are You Following Me? — Getting Twitter to Work for You (Part I) Are You Following Me? — Getting Twitter to Work for You (Part I)

‘m sure a lot of you are not really positive what it IS, even if you currently have an account. Don’t worry. You are not alone. Many people joined the site, injected one lonely tweet into the twittersphere, said to themselves, “Now what?,” and left (never to return).

Where Can Teachers Continue Their Education? Where Can Teachers Continue Their Education?

Highlighting a few of the many continuing education programs and events for dance teachers, as well as links to many more, and alternative ideas for refreshing and inspiring your teaching over the summer.

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For Parents

Help! My Child Doesn’t Listen to the Dance Teacher! (Part Two) Help! My Child Doesn’t Listen to the Dance Teacher! (Part Two)

Appropriate class material is essential for engaging young dancers. Consider the structure and style of your child’s dance class and its teacher before deciding that dance isn’t right for your preschooler.

Help! My Child Doesn’t Listen to the Dance Teacher! Help! My Child Doesn’t Listen to the Dance Teacher!

Is a preschooler too young to be expected to listen? What can I do if my child isn’t following directions in dance class? Is this a developmental phase? Your questions answered in part one of two articles.

Parents, Which Type of Helicopter Are You? Parents, Which Type of Helicopter Are You?

Blogger, Vicki Nelson recently did a three-part series about “Helicopter Parents.” As I read the articles, the dreaded term “stage mom” came to mind. Parents of university-bound students are not the only ones who “hover.”

9 Posts for Parents 9 Posts for Parents

A collection of past articles on Dance Advantage that are particularly useful for parents of dancers.

Accentuate the Positive Accentuate the Positive

#responsiblesports asks “As a parent, how do you encourage and reinforce the positive aspects of youth sports?”

College Days Ahead? Don’t Miss “College Parent Central” College Days Ahead? Don’t Miss “College Parent Central”

Its focus is on arming the parents of college students with the tools they need to assist their college student. The information within, though, is just as relevant for students who wish to prepare themselves for what lies ahead.

When Should My Child See A Doctor for Dance Injuries? When Should My Child See A Doctor for Dance Injuries?

It is normal to have temporary muscle soreness after a challenging class or when working in a new way. Often small injuries become more severe because proper care is not administered early or because dancers continue self-care despite warning signs that more specialized care may be necessary.

Backstage Bliss: 11 Rules of Thumb for Students in a Dance Recital Backstage Bliss: 11 Rules of Thumb for Students in a Dance Recital

Recitals can be hectic and stressful for those trying to make the day/evening go off without a hitch. Adhering to these rules helps a performance run smoothly for you and the others around you.

A Celebration of Dance Moms A Celebration of Dance Moms

Dance moms, dance teachers, and dancing moms share sweet, funny, and poignant stories about young dancers and the dance mom life.

Appraising the Value of Praise Appraising the Value of Praise

is there such a thing as too much praise? How can one instill confidence without creating a dependence on external approval?

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