For Students

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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

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.

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

For Teachers/Studio Owners

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.

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. [...]

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 [...]

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.

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.

“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.

‘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).

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.