Maria Hanley holds a Master’s degree in dance education from New York University and a Bachelor’s degree in dance performance from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. She is an independent dance educator around New York City and is currently a teaching artist in public elementary schools for New York City Ballet. In addition, Maria teaches tap and creative dance at Mark Morris, she is a movement specialist for 2-3 year olds at York Avenue Preschool and teaches the ballet program for young families at the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan. Recently, Maria has started her own creative ballet classes called Maria’s Movers for young children.
You may remember the feature I did on Maria’s blog Move.Create.Educate., one of my favorites because Maria is journaling her daily experiences, inspirations, and challenges as a teacher. This time, I wanted to pick her brain a bit and find out which three CDs she just couldn’t live without in her work with young children. Here’s what she had to say:
“If you are a teacher you probably know how hard it is to find great music to use in your classes that are all on the same album. Here are my top 3 picks that have it all. They are creative, inspiring, and leave a don’t-forget-it-at-home impression on me. I am always looking for new music to spice up my classes, so I hope these will help you! I tried to feature a little something for everyone!”
Maria’s Top Three
by Pamela Conn Beall, Susan Hagen Nipp
1. Wee Sing and Pretend
This is my all time favorite. I use this in all of my preschool classes, creative dance classes, and baby ballet classes. It has everything from a dinosaur dance to a song about a washing machine. Every song takes young dancers on a new adventure, or to a new place. I love it most because it gives room for their imaginations to grow, my philosophy as a teacher of young ones.
Note from Nichelle: Incidentally, I happen to use this CD with my little ones too! The variety of topics is a really nice feature. To adult ears, I have to say they may not seem like much, but my kids got really attached to the ones I used in class most often — particularly Row, Row, Row Your Boat and Jack-in-the-Box.
by Steven Mitchell
2. pas de tot
This CD is a great addition to a PreBallet class. I use it for everything from teaching the positions to across the floor steps like chassé. There is a song for every exercise and it even repeats the song over for teaching the other side or repetition of a step. I love to use the Reverence song to end my class. It’s such a refreshing CD to have on hand whenever you are looking for the perfect song!
by Kimbo Music
3. Tap Your Troubles Away
I love this CD because it has something for every level. I use it for the little ones, right up through the teenagers. I find it to be progressive through the exercises and many of the songs have an even beat for counting purposes. I love to choreograph combinations and parents day showings to this CD. A well rounded CD for any tap teacher!
Bonus!
Maria couldn’t resist sharing a few more recommendations. Check these out too!
Baby Jamz: Nursery Rhymes, Vol. 1
Wake Up and Wiggle
Do you teach little movers?
What are your Top Three?
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About Nichelle (admin)
I have some suggestions for children’s music.
1. A Fantasy Garden Ballet Class by Rosemary Boross- Wonderful music, lyrics and singing. There is another volume also. I never tire of this cd.
2. Mermiads and Butterflies by Gayle Corkery and Steven Mitchell.
3. The Princess in the Tower by Gayle Corkery and Steven Mitchell.
4. Getting to Know Myself by Hap Palmer
5. Finis Jhung presents Scott Killian Kids 1 & 2
I also use Fantasy Garden – Rosemary Boross’s CDs and videos are well done.
And I’m a big fan of Hap Palmer as well.
I’ve heard of the Mermaids and Butterflies but not the Princess one. And I’ve not tried the Finis Jhung CDs either. Thanks for the suggestions and for stopping by, Isabelle!
Thanks for the great recommendations!
We have a special program for our 3-5 year olds called ‘Dance Magic’. Its a program I have written and perfected over the last 8 years and now we have 17 classes a week…. part of its success is that we use many pieces for the TIME FOR DANCING CD (1 &2) (timefordancing.com) and also BALLERINAS ON THE MOVE (by creativemovementanddance.com or cdbaby.com) I very rarely use the tracks as they are suggested (ie Ballerinas has a piece called Snow Angel and suggests Tendus… the music is beautiful and fluid and I couldnt think of anything worse than standing still and doing a tendu to it!! We use scarves and move like the wind, swaying and spinning – if you hear the track I am sure you would agree! ) Yours in dance!
I was not at all familiar with Ballerinas on the Move. I’ve often “repurposed” tracks – there are some wonderfully gorgeous barre selections out there that work well for creative movement. Thanks so much for sharing these resources. I will check them out!
I am a dance teacher working in the San Diego area. I teach both Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet for very young dancers…My 3 favorite CDs to use for
Pre Ballet and Creative Dance for young children are:
Critters & Countries (Caroline Eaton & Steven Mitchell). The students beg to do the “Cat & Mouse” dance each week! I like the musical selections from different countries. Good for both Pre-Ballet & Creative Movement classes. This CD is also good for ages 3 – 7 yrs. old.
JAM Music for Movement with Children – Charity and the Jam band. Great fun, upbeat music and lively lyrics. Very creative & inspirational – a nice break from the typical Pre-Ballet music out there. This CD is good for very young ones (especially 3 & 4 yr. olds). This would also be great for a Mommy & Me class.
Music for Movement & Imaginations by Richard Maddock. Thanks to Dance Advantage – I found out about the wonderful music of Richard Maddock. I use this CD for both Pre-Ballet & Creative Movement classes. There are lots of selections for all kind of exercises. My favorite (and the children’s') are the songs that have stop time – where we walk & freeze, run & freeze, or bounce & freeze. Lots of fun. Beautiful music. Richard is working on a new children’s CD – so be on the lookout!
Diana Nicastro
San Diego
Thanks for adding these, Diana! I’m so glad you like Richard’s CD.
If anyone else is interested in more info, Diana is referring to a previous post: http://danceadvantage.net/2009/06/25/cd-giveaway-richard-maddock/