Engaging Preschoolers with Puppets

IMAGE A bunny puppet IMAGE

 Puppets are powerful to young children. They are magical, which could be why I like them so much too! A few years ago, I had to face it. I am not as cool as a puppet. It’s fine, really. Who wouldn’t like a colorful, soft animal that moves and talks? I have been incorporating puppets [...]

Celebrating The Arts: Decorating The Dance Room While Connecting to Class Content

IMG_1142

If I had a studio space to call my own I would have a lot of fun decorating it. Big empty walls and mirrors, windows and doors at my disposal. I would be in dance studio heaven. Since I don’t have my own walls, my refrigerator is decorated with splashes of color and drawings of [...]

Sunday Snapshot: Opening Circle

© Peter Voerman

In 1999 he published a duo-tone series of his three sons which remains his most honored work. Since then he has published more than seven photography collections. Exhibitions of his work, including The Beauty of Ballet have toured throughout The Netherlands.

Art Is Kids Play

kidsplay-hopestones

Easy access to drugs, internet, lack of phone and computer regulation and other challenges facing children and the teachers and parents entrusted with their care make all youth “at-risk” in Weiner’s eyes. And so, her programs at the Hope Center are open to any child on a first come, first served basis. Many Kids Play participants are recruited, however, from local organizations such as Archway Academy and Chinquapin (schools for troubled and disadvantaged youth), Baylor Pediatric AIDS Initiative, Baylor International Adoption Center, and group homes like Casa de Esperanza. “We love the mix of cultures and socio-economic levels,”

Let’s Get Moving! GIVEAWAY

mamaheart

‘Tis the season for giving, and giving big. So this time I’m bundling some great giveaway items together. Each one has a unique strategy for inspiring children to investigate different movement forms, including ballet, creative dance, and yoga. These products encourage creative ways for kids and adults to explore movement together and are sure to spark a child’s interest in the physical practice, art, and delight of moving.

DVD Review: My First Ballet Collection

firstballetcollection

My First Ballet Collection is a great choice for those wishing to nurture enthusiasm for ballet among children of all ages. Younger children will enjoy being introduced to colorful characters and beautiful dancing. Older children will benefit from the opportunity to sample a mélange of ballet specimens.

Trick or Treat Tracks for Halloween

800px-HouseAndDancingSkeletons3

I love holidays in the dance studio and Halloween can be especially fun. Here is a list of songs and albums that may inspire you to get a little ghoulish in your classes this year.

Back to School — Props and Classroom Aids

star_red

Dance classes (and the experience of your students) can be enhanced with the use of props. This article lists products, links, and tips for various classroom aids, plus links and suggestions for homemade props.

Your Lobby Library — 9 Dance Biographies for Students

The lobby of your studio is a great place for waiting dancers and families to learn a bit more about dance, its history, and its artists. Picture books are a great way to introduce your dancers and perhaps inspire them to learn more and dig deeper into the lives and legacies of important figures in dance.

Richard Maddock Music — CD Review and Giveaway!

Music for Movement & Imaginations: Ballet Class and Creative Movement for Children 3 & Up

Richard Maddock is an accomplished musician as well as a seasoned dance class and exam accompanist. He has graciously offered five of his CD’s for review here. To top it off, he agreed to donate nine CD’s to give away to nine lucky Dance Advantage readers!

Five Favorites: Music for Children’s Dance Classes

51vt18c3jcl_sl160_

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.

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.