I recently received a question from a reader who is interested in approaching her studio owner with a proposal. She felt that she and her fellow students could use a designated time each week for conditioning their bodies in addition to regular dance classes. Her proposal was to volunteer her own time and lead this [...]
How to Conduct Oneself as a Professional – Part II
September 26, 2008 By 5 Comments
This is a continuation of Part I of How to Conduct Yourself as a Professional which dealt with leadership, positive attitude, and work ethic. Generosity When I think of someone that displays ultimate professionalism, I see a person who is generous with their gifts, generous with their time, and generous in spirit. This person is [...]
How to Conduct Oneself as a Professional – Part I
September 26, 2008 By 5 Comments
What does it mean to conduct oneself as a professional? Someone that is consummate professional in their career and in their life is essentially a strong leader. Years ago I was the drum major for my high school band (Yes, I know my geek quotient just went up but I wear it proudly). In preparation [...]
Dance of Independence
August 31, 2008 By 5 Comments
As children prepare for preschool and begin to participate in more structured activities, dance class may be the first time he/she is separated from you. As a parent, you may be unfamiliar with the procedures of a dance class or operations within a particular studio, but whether you have had experience with dance in your [...]
A Dancer’s Guide: How to Decide on a College
July 10, 2008 By 2 Comments
A Dancer’s Guide: Tips for College (Part III)
July 9, 2008 By 2 Comments
This is the third installment in my Tips for College series. Please see Part I and Part II for more of my thoughts and advice on the college experience. This post will focus on academic classes both within and outside of a dance major, as well as general advice about life on campus. Theory and [...]
A Dancer’s Guide: Tips for College (Part II)
July 1, 2008 By 3 Comments
Tips for College Part I dealt with what to expect in technique classes and performance rehearsals, as well as some tips for success in these areas. In continuation of the series, I will highlight two aspects of dance in higher education with which many incoming students have little experience. Improvisation Improvisation may be an entirely [...]
Bullying in Dance Class
May 4, 2008 By 14 Comments
What does a bully look like? We tend to picture a bully as a big, tough, boy that picks on those smaller or younger than himself. However, there has been a lot of discussion lately within educational circles about bullying and we are slowly learning that bullies come in many forms. Although dance can foster [...]
Finding Quality Dance Instruction – Middle Ground
April 16, 2008 By 5 Comments
I come from a small town and have taught in some small cities where dance studios struggle to maintain integrity and keep their business (or non-profit) afloat. Access to educated and experienced dance teachers is sometimes minimal. Below, I’ve listed some circumstances that occur in dance studios across the country. They are not absolute deal-breakers, [...]
Finding Quality Dance Instruction – Deal-Breakers
April 15, 2008 By 5 Comments
When researching dance schools or studios, there are certain things I consider, instruction deal-makers. Here I will investigate the possibly more controversial deal-breakers: An instructor is consistently condescending and sarcastic, frequently uses put-downs or yelling to get results, or is insensitive to safety and health/weight issues. Classes appear out of control – little ones have [...]
Finding Quality Dance Instruction – Deal-Makers
April 14, 2008 By 2 Comments
Image via Wikipedia People don’t usually open a studio or attend a dance school if they don’t think it is a quality product being offered. However I’ve found that those in the dance world have strong opinions about what is or is not quality dance instruction. I consider myself a pretty diplomatic person and I [...]
