Baby on Board — Teaching While Pregnant

Almost three years ago, when I first realized I was pregnant, many questions ran through my head. Among them, “How will pregnancy affect my dancing and teaching?” I wondered about modifications I’d have to make as I moved. I worried that aspects of the pregnancy (like morning sickness) might interfere with my duties in the classroom. I hoped that I’d be able to keep up with my rigorous schedule. And, like all moms, I wanted to provide a secure and safe environment for my child so that he or she would have the best chance for healthy development.

And, like many young moms, I turned to the internet (and to books… lots and lots of books) for the answers! Here is what these resources, others (like my doctor), and my experiences taught me. I hope, if you currently have the same questions and concerns that it will be a help to you!

Will I have to stop dancing or teaching?

Though you may be confronted with a few naysayers or complete strangers eager to tell you the horrors experienced by their friend’s sister’s cousin’s daughter’s dance teacher, the rule of thumb offered by practically everyone is that if you are experiencing a healthy, normal pregnancy, you should be able to safely continue doing what you were doing prior to conception. The key is to listen and respond to your body’s signals, communicate the requirements of your work to your doctor and discuss any problems or issues that arise, and be sensible, erring on the side of caution when it comes to possible dangers (like turning, partnering, jumping, etc). Of course, it helps to know what the potential risks and concerns are so that you can avoid them. This Q&A response from BabyCenter.com offers a brief overview of some of the changes your body goes through in pregnancy.

These are some simple modifications you can make during dance class that will reduce the risk of injury to you and your baby.

• Don’t push yourself to exhaustion or overexertion. Use this time to improve your verbal communication skills when it comes to teaching.
• Mark or modify your jumps.
• Avoid high-speed or quick-changing movement as it will become easier to pull or injure muscles and ligaments as the pregnancy progresses.
• Avoid situations in which you risk getting bumped into or in which you might fall (turning, pointe work, partnering, and contact work can be potentially risky).
• Drink lots of water and carry snacks with you (if you don’t already).
• It’s a good rule of thumb not to spend a lot of time on your back, particularly later in pregnancy.
• Avoid positions that compress the abdomen.
• Avoid inverted positions (like handstands).
• Be prepared to need a hand occasionally – this may be in the form of a student assistant, a substitute teacher, a willing parent, or other family members.

Further reading:

1. Two’s Company — Dance Teacher Magazine
2. Pregnancy Tips — Dancing Smart
3. The Pregnant Dancer — The Examiner
4. Dancing Pregnant — The Dance Primer

And if you’re contemplating starting a dance class for pregnant women, read Dancing for Two from Dancer Universe.

My experience

I became pregnant in the fall and continued to teach through recital performances in the spring, by which time I had entered the beginning of my third trimester. I continued to do mostly everything I had done before I became pregnant. I got up and down off the floor with my 3 and 4-year-olds. I demonstrated exercises for my older classes (though later in the pregnancy I did a lot more indicating than full-out demonstrating). I enjoyed sweating it out with my adult jazz classes, though I did find that I became short of breath more easily. I continued with small jumps (occasional, or non-repetitive jumps that is) for a while but easily recognized when I had to give that up. I did less turning because eventually I sensed my balance was not in the same place I left it!

My morning sickness was more like an all day nauseous feeling, during which I had no appetite. But it lasted only about six weeks (which of course seemed eternal at the time). This aspect of pregnancy (and many others) is different for everyone. In fact, you will find your own ways to deal with the discomforts of pregnancy and you will likely find that the people around you (other teachers, studio owners, parents, and your students) are immensely forgiving. Rarely will anyone fault you for those moments when you need to run to the restroom, when you need to sit down, or even if circumstances beyond your control sideline you for a while.

Overall, my pregnancy was an easy one. Teaching and dancing, I believe, helped with this. It kept me mobile and relieved the soreness and stiffness that sleeping in the same position all night caused. My first trimester was tiring, during my second trimester I had tons of energy though some things were more challenging because of my changing shape, and during my third I was more annoyed than anything as my ankles swelled like water balloons (didn’t they know I had three recital weekends to get through?). I was HUGE in my final eight weeks of pregnancy (my son was nine-and-a-half pounds… yes, you read that correctly) and I was spared teaching during that time by coincidence.

Though some days it took extra effort to feel motivated, though sometimes I felt uncomfortable or tired, though occasionally dancing was the last thing I wanted to do, I was more often than not excited and happy to experience the many changes and sensations that pregnancy brings while continuing to dance. My tired, swollen feet were a reason to treat myself to a soothing bath. My round, growing belly was affectionately patted and kissed by my youngest students who seemed as excited as I was about the baby to come. And I got to share with my unborn son my sense and experience of music, motion, and rhythm on a daily basis.

Have you taught through pregnancy?

Share your experiences to help prepare other expectant dancing moms.

Can you offer other health tips?

What about teaching after delivery?

(I have no personal experience with this… that’s how this blog came to be!)

Are you expecting? Feel free to ask questions!

Beyond Butterfly Kisses — 12 Tunes for Dancing Daddies and Daughters

Father’s Day is this weekend so in honor of Dance Dads, I’m adding 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. (And in case you think I’m neglecting these — look for father/son, mother/daughter, and other combinations in the future!)

Father and Daughter — Paul Simon; Surprise

Audiences will enjoy this bouncy tune with its affectionate message without overdosing on sugar:

“I’m gonna watch you shine; Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign so you’ll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father who loved his daughter more than I love you”

Daddy — Kristen Chenoweth; Let Yourself Go

This one is a cute jazz number that would be tongue in cheek since the “daddy” in this song is not necessarily a father figure. However, the singer wants “a diamond ring, bracelets, everything” and tells Daddy “You oughta get the best for me.” Play up the superficial stereotype of having Daddy wrapped around his little girl’s (gilded) finger and you could have a cute number on your hands.

My Heart Belongs to Daddy – Sophie Milman; self-titled

There are lots of versions of this song and you could pick one you like but I’m suggesting this version by Sophie Milman because this recent update has a tempo that moves yet maintains the feel of a jazzy standard.

Colorful — Rocco DeLuca; I Trust You To Kill Me

Not an obvious choice, perhaps. The lyrics are ambiguous but couldn’t every father say that his little girl is “the most colorful thing that I’ve seen…”?

Daddy’s Girl — Katey Segal; Room

If you’d prefer something that’s a little bit country, the genre is not wanting for daddy-daughter tunes. But this one from actress Katey Segal may not be as familiar or overdone even though she performed it on the popular sit-com 8 Simple Rules.

She’s a Dancer — Phil Keaggy; Way Back Home

Christian artist Phil Keaggy has a Beatles-esque sound. With lyrics like “As you reach for the sky, love, and pirouette ‘cross the room, just remember that you are my love, and no other can replace the face of you” this one seems pitch-perfect for a dance recital. Keaggy’s lyric is not without Christian references, particularly in the last stanza, so it may not be for everyone but, it is sure to charm most.

To Make You Feel My Love — Billy Joel; Greatest Hits Vol. 3

Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel) — Billy Joel; River of Dreams (or Greatest Hits Vol. 3)

There’s a father/daughter two-for-one deal on this Billy Joel Greatest Hits album. To Make You Feel My Love is actually a Bob Dylan tune and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including most recently American Idol’s Kris Allen and British singer Adele. These versions are sweet but I’ll always have a sweet spot for Joel’s version. Pick whichever you’d like but a male vocalist will accentuate a fatherly interpretation of this lyric, especially when performed with teen or older dancers.

Lullabye is perhaps more appropriate for choreography pairing a daughter (or daughters) with her father, and could work for both younger or older students. The song has a bittersweetness that any parent in the audience could appreciate.

Sweet Child O’ Mine — Guns n’ Roses; Appetite for Destruction

Dads will feel like the rock stars they are when dancing to this tune. It’s not your average little girl theme but could be a super sweet number all the same.

Winter — Tori Amos; Little Earthquakes

Tori Amos will put a contemporary/lyrical dance spin on the traditional father-daughter dance. It would be interesting to see how fathers could be incorporated into the dance and movement with this one. It is tender without being overly sentimental and if done well might just be a show-stopper.

Wild World — Cat Stevens; Tea for the Tillerman/Greatest Hits (or try the Mr. Big version)

This one may not be specifically written for a daughter but the lyric is close enough that it could work in this setting. Plus, those familiar with the song may enjoy this unique interpretation of a favorite tune.

When The Stars Go Blue — The Coors (with Bono); Dreams: The Ultimate Coors Collection

Again, this lyric is somewhat ambiguous but as a duet that mentions dancing in a wedding gown it could be a lovely father/daughter choreography or wedding dance. Though the Ryan Adams song has been covered by others, I’m partial to The Coors version (and not just because I will be a fan of U2’s Bono “until the stars go blue”) but because of its crisper tempo and the complimentary vocal tone of the duo. This is often found as a live track but the studio version is on the album listed above.

Have your own song suggestions? Add them below!

A Celebration of Dance Moms

On this special occasion, I’d like to share some stories I’ve collected from dance moms, dance teachers, and dancing moms. I hope they brighten your day!

My Story

My son is almost 2 years old. When I was pregnant with him, I taught classes in ballet, jazz, and tap nearly every day. My youngest students loved to pat, kiss, and hug my belly! As he grew within me, I often wondered what he felt and heard as I chassé’d, balancé’d, and skipped around the room! I’m still not certain, but there is no doubt that he is a very musical little guy that loves moving! From the time he could sit, he would bounce to a beat. He sways and swings to music, and he even tries to copy the b-boy moves he sees on Hip Hop Harry. I adore watching him move and should he ever show an interest in formal classes, I relish the thought of being able to support him in that endeavor.

Little Star

One of my fellow Twittermom Dance Moms, Tracey, is also a dance teacher. She shared an endearing story with me that I think most moms will appreciate!

I had a very shy child in one of my preschool ballet classes. It was so hard to get her to participate in the routine or to even learn it. When recital time started and it was her time to go out on stage. She looked at me and said, “But Miss Tracey, I’m scared.” I knelt down to her and said, “Do your best smile and have fun and remember you’re the star!” She stood there with her head down. The curtains opened and her eyes got so big. She stepped in front of the class and did the whole routine! (I didn’t think she even knew it!) The music stops and she’s blowing kisses bowing to the audience screaming “Hey, Mom! Miss Tracey said I’m the star!” I will never forget that as long as I live..the power of words.

Chips Off the Block

A good friend of mine, Suzanne Gerety, is a mom entrenched in the dance biz – she helps her own mother run her very successful dance studio and she runs DanceStudioOwner.com, a great site that provides the necessary tools SO’s need to operate a thriving business (you can read more about the site here). Apparently, she is rubbing off on her children!

My 4 year old son and 2 year old daughter love it when I play the tunes on my iPod. We dance around the kitchen and my son looks at his reflection in the dishwasher and he says he’s a ‘hip-pop’ dancer [yes 'pop']. Too cute. They particularly love the revival songs from the kids movies including “I like to Move it’ from Madagascar and “Kung Fu Fighting” from Kung Fu Panda. Watching them dance together is not only a highlight of my day, but they really think they’re putting on a show and ask me to sit in the chair and watch.

From Babes to Ballerinas

Twitter pal, Catherine (@cpmomcat) is a long-time dance mom. She shares two of her favorite “ballet mom” stories:

My daughter was performing as a Polichinelle in the NYCB Nutcracker and, of course, we were not allowed to video tape.  A classmate’s grandmother snuck a video during a performance, but her eyesight was so bad that she recorded my daughter instead.  So, I had a nice video of my daughter with only a small twinge of conscience.

My three daughters studied ballet, and while my two older daughters loved every minute of it, Sarah, my youngest, dropped ballet in favor of horses.  Being the youngest, she was dragged along to rehearsals, etc. and at one photo session, one of the four little Swans was delayed and the photographer was about to leave.  The A.D. came over to us and asked if Sarah would put on a costume and her sister’s pointe shoes and pose with the three young swans who were waiting, worried that they would not be photographed without a fourth.  He assured us that going up on pointe would not be necessary, that she was almost the exact right size and, of course, my daughter agreed to help out.  After several lovely shots with four little swans, and lots of praise for retaining her good posture and technique, Sarah turned to the A.D. and said, “So . . does this mean I’m in it?”  The entire room burst into laughter, but that didn’t bother Sarah.  To this day, she claims that she could have leaned the dance and could have performed it the next day!  That was the first and last time she had pointe shoes on her feet – I wish I had a copy of those photos.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

Melsmomma at DanceMom.com offered this story from the trenches:

During my daughter’s first year of competition 7 yrs ago, on the morning of a competition in Raleigh, NC, I was taking a shower at the hotel while my daughter was getting dressed. I was all soaped up and trying to shave my legs. I reached out to grab the shower bar to steady myself, my hand slipped, and I fell backwards… out of the shower… in all my glory… onto the floor. It made quite a large thud! My daughter ran to the bathroom, opened the door and saw me laying butt naked on the floor. She put her hand over her mouth and tried not to laugh as she asked me if I was OK. Luckily, I wasn’t hurt, although I could have died! I asked my daughter not to tell anyone and of course, she did… EVERYONE !

To make matters worse, later that morning at the competition, while trying to apply my daughter’s fake eyelashes, I accidentally glued one of her eyes shut! A mom got it undone rather fast. Then during lunch, I walked over to the corner to a fast-food restaurant to get lunch. While walking under a group of trees, a bird pooped on my head! My fellow dance moms decided I was bad luck that day!

Still My Baby

Another DanceMom.com user shared this with me. I think it eloquently sums up the mix of pride and joy and bittersweet emotions all moms experience as we watch our little ones grow. May you enjoy a wonderful Mother’s Day with your young dancer(s) and your families!

Last night I was watching my daughter’s ballet class (from the window so she couldn’t see me). They had learned a new combination, and she was waiting for her turn to go across the floor. As each girl went across, my daughter was watching and marking it from her place in line. About halfway through her wait, she let loose with a huuuuuge yawn which reminded me so much of how she used to yawn when she was 2 years old. So cute! But what cracked me up was that she just kept right on marking all the way through this gigantic yawn. It was the contrast of advanced-level semi-bored robo-ballerina vs. sleepy-head little girl ready for bed. After I got done laughing, I just wanted to hug her.

She’s officially a senior in high school as of today, but if I watch carefully I can still see my baby once in a while.

Thanks moms, for sharing your stories!

Do you have one you’d like to share? Place it in the comments below this post!