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For Students

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.

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.

Five Favorites: Music for Children’s Dance Classes Five Favorites: Music for Children’s Dance Classes

Today I’m sharing with you a list of five albums from my own class music collection. I have put these to use and would recommend them for classes with young children.

Strategies for Remembering Choreography Strategies for Remembering Choreography

One of the common struggles students face in class is recalling the sequence of choreography. Here are just a few techniques you might try the next time your teacher gives a combination.

Guest Post: Dancer “Feetness” — T.L.C for Tired Tootsies Guest Post: Dancer “Feetness” — T.L.C for Tired Tootsies

Dancers often overlook the most overworked part of their bodies. Regular care of the feet leads to fewer complaints of “tired feet”, calluses and blisters. After a dance session or exercise follow this foot care routine.

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 Young Man That Dances — Exclusive Interview with Garrett Smith, Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy and HB II Graduate A Young Man That Dances — Exclusive Interview with Garrett Smith, Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy and HB II Graduate

“I knew what I was doing with my life, unlike the boys who called me names. The teasing made me work harder to prove them wrong and to be successful. When I went to Europe at age 13, I realized that they were so wrong because I was having so much fun dancing.”

Duncan Cooper Offers Advice at “My Son Can Dance” Duncan Cooper Offers Advice at “My Son Can Dance”

My Son Can Dance author, Nina Amir, interviews Duncan Cooper.

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For Teachers/Studio Owners

Don’t Fall For This Dance Lesson Scam Don’t Fall For This Dance Lesson Scam

Are you aware of this email scam that targets instructors? How to spot a scam. What to do when you aren’t sure. How to protect yourself.

Beyond Butterfly Kisses — 12 Tunes for Dancing Daddies and Daughters Beyond Butterfly Kisses — 12 Tunes for Dancing Daddies and Daughters

A list of songs that might just be perfect for a father/daughter recital choreography, a wedding dance, or other performances. These range from sentimental to spirited. Hopefully you’ll find something new or a song you’ve never considered before.

How to Develop Musical Awareness in Dance Students How to Develop Musical Awareness in Dance Students

There are many inventive ways that dance teachers can lay a foundation for musicality and a competency in musical theory within their classes. The suggestions (or perhaps more accurately, principles) below are by no means a complete guide to accomplishing the task but, hopefully they’ll prime the pump of your own creativity.

Five Favorites: Music for Children’s Dance Classes Five Favorites: Music for Children’s Dance Classes

Today I’m sharing with you a list of five albums from my own class music collection. I have put these to use and would recommend them for classes with young children.

Why and How to Encourage Students to See Concert Dance Why and How to Encourage Students to See Concert Dance

Why creating opportunities for students to see live concert dance should be a priority for teachers, studio owners, and parents, and some ideas about how to make concert dance more accessible.

Taking Your Website into Your Own Hands — Danceregister Web Services Taking Your Website into Your Own Hands — Danceregister Web Services

Danceregister wants studio owners to see the power they have at their disposal when provided with just a small bit of guidance. “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Class Planning Part Two: Focusing on Skills and Concepts in Lesson Plans Class Planning Part Two: Focusing on Skills and Concepts in Lesson Plans

Just as strong technique brings freedom to the dancer, a strong lesson structure brings freedom to teaching. Here are two types of lesson plans that will enliven your teaching and engage your students.

Class Planning Part One: Developing a Curriculum Outline Class Planning Part One: Developing a Curriculum Outline

I begin with the goal, the endpoint, the ideal, and then decide how to get there. If I am designing curriculum for a workshop the aims may be fewer and less grand than if I’m planning curriculum for an eight-year course of study.

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For Parents

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?

GUEST POST: Life as a Dance Mom – Finding the Balance Between Friend and Fanatic GUEST POST: Life as a Dance Mom – Finding the Balance Between Friend and Fanatic

A dance mom’s thoughts on what can you do to be supportive of your child’s love for dance; how you nurture the LOVE for dance and still encourage the discipline side of it when they hit a certain age, and WHEN you know what age to take things to the “next level?”

A FREE Download for Parents of Dancers A FREE Download for Parents of Dancers

If you are a family that has welcomed dance into your household and your hearts, you may have questions and concerns about the welfare, health, and happiness of your child as they pursue their training. Download this free e-book for parents from a trusted source for quality information.

What To Look For in a Dance Studio What To Look For in a Dance Studio

Opinions on the characteristics of a good dance studio or school abound. In previous posts I have outlined what I feel are important qualities to consider when assessing where you are currently or potentially studying dance.

Children and Dance Children and Dance

Throughout my career as a teacher I have had the opportunity and the pleasure to work with very young dancers. I’ve enjoyed being able to spark imaginations and encourage little ones in their discovery of movement and dance. These young students have taught me a lot too!

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