Parent and child. Mommy and Me. Whatever you call the class, teaching tiny dancers comes with a unique set of challenges. Maria to the rescue! She’s been teaching this group for 5 years and has some fantastic tips to share.
History Moves: Using the Creative Process to Explore Dance History
December 8, 2011 By 1 Comment
When working with students on choreography it’s possible to get them thinking beyond steps to a more robust concept of creative process that encourages thoughtful choices about all areas of production. Heather demonstrated this with her previous article. This time, she goes a step further, showing you ways to connect these ideas with dance history to enrich students’ understanding.
Creative Process: 10 Ideas for Moving Beyond the Steps
November 11, 2011 By 3 Comments
The ways movement is inspired, how it is developed, edited, and finally presented is a process. Concert dance is all about the intent and the journey, which lead to the product. If this idea is new to you, here is a ten-step list of how to engage in a process from K-12 teacher, Heather Vaughan-Southard.
A Head Start On The Holidays
October 29, 2011 By 1 Comment
I know it’s Halloween weekend but with so much to do, it can’t hurt to think ahead to the holidays. If you need music, choreography, or class activities, we’ve got you covered. The ghosts of Christmases Past and Present can even point you to some gift ideas for dancers and dance teachers!
The Costume “Blackout” Keeps Choreography Center Stage
October 12, 2011 By 9 Comments
Students start focusing on costumes and lose sight of their choreography development and goals. But Heather has a unique method for getting students back on track. While she’s at it, she explains the importance of costuming selection and the messages wardrobe can convey to an audience.
If Silence Is Golden, My Studio Lobby Is Violet
October 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Tired of the noise coming from your dance studio lobby or viewing area disrupting your classes? You’re not alone! Ranging from traditional to creative, here are suggestions for keeping parents, students, siblings – did I say parents? – occupied or motivated to stay quiet. Try them out and see what works for you.
You Must Love Dance to Stick to It — Talking About College Dance
September 8, 2011 By 3 Comments
Not all dancers become professionals. However, the arts produce creative thinkers, able to connect pathways that standard students may not initially consider and dancers tend to be successful in many other aspects of education and life. So, starting as early as Kindergarten, dance can be used as a gateway to discuss college with students. Here’s how one educator begins the conversation at different ages and includes families in the dialogue.
11 Ways To Create A Positive Atmosphere In Your Dance Classes
August 31, 2011 By 3 Comments
Words of encouragement and a positive atmosphere helps students think more positively about themselves. Our guest writer offers some suggestions to help instructors foster a healthy self-esteem in their students. Plus there’s lots more related reading linked in the text so that you can start your new dance season on a positive note.
How To Help Your Students Conquer First Day Jitters
August 22, 2011 By 5 Comments
Everyone is nervous on the first day of a new class but it can be especially hard for young dancers. This article is packed with great tips for teachers as Stacey Pepper Schwartz shares her methods for easing the anxieties of the children in her classes as well as how she addresses a crying, timid, or non-participating child.
Smooth Start: Letting Dancers Know What To Expect
August 11, 2011 By 7 Comments
It may seem too simple but introducing class procedure is a step critical in most any class environment. It unifies the group and builds a bridge in communication between you and your students. K-12 dance educator, Heather Vaughan-Southard, outlines her Day 1 process so that you, too can set your students up for success.
Teaching Happiness With Every Leap
July 25, 2011 By 1 Comment
“Raising Happiness” is a parenting book but Stacey Pepper Schwartz shows that teachers can take away some of its lessons, too. For example, how to effectively recognize achievement, model optimism, convey positive messages, create a joyful atmosphere, resolve conflict, and promote gratitude among your young students.
Boosting Test Scores Through Movement
July 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment
K-12 dance educator Heather Vaughan-Southard walks us through some ways study and exploration of dance elements like space, time, and energy can help students connect ideas to other subjects and prepare them for the “real world”, including the every day tasks of test-taking, interacting in their community, and expressing themselves and their goals.
