Teacher’s Top Three: Little Movers

Maria Hanley holds a Master’s degree in dance education from New York University and a Bachelor’s degree in dance performance from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. She is an independent dance educator around New York City and is currently a teaching artist in public elementary schools for New York City Ballet. In addition, Maria teaches tap and creative dance at Mark Morris, she is a movement specialist for 2-3 year olds at York Avenue Preschool and teaches the ballet program for young families at the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan. Recently, Maria has started her own creative ballet classes called Maria’s Movers for young children.

You may remember the feature I did on Maria’s blog Move.Create.Educate., one of my favorites because Maria is journaling her daily experiences, inspirations, and challenges as a teacher. This time, I wanted to pick her brain a bit and find out which three CDs she just couldn’t live without in her work with young children. Here’s what she had to say:

“If you are a teacher you probably know how hard it is to find great music to use in your classes that are all on the same album. Here are my top 3 picks that have it all. They are creative, inspiring, and leave a don’t-forget-it-at-home impression on me. I am always looking for new music to spice up my classes, so I hope these will help you! I tried to feature a little something for everyone!”

Maria’s Top Three

1. Wee Sing and Pretend

This is my all time favorite. I use this in all of my preschool classes, creative dance classes, and baby ballet classes. It has everything from a dinosaur dance to a song about a washing machine. Every song takes young dancers on a new adventure, or to a new place. I love it most because it gives room for their imaginations to grow, my philosophy as a teacher of young ones.

Note from Nichelle: Incidentally, I happen to use this CD with my little ones too! The variety of topics is a really nice feature. To adult ears, I have to say they may not seem like much, but my kids got really attached to the ones I used in class most often — particularly Row, Row, Row Your Boat and Jack-in-the-Box.

2. pas de tot

This CD is a great addition to a PreBallet class. I use it for everything from teaching the positions to across the floor steps like chassé. There is a song for every exercise and it even repeats the song over for teaching the other side or repetition of a step. I love to use the Reverence song to end my class. It’s such a refreshing CD to have on hand whenever you are looking for the perfect song!

3. Tap Your Troubles Away

I love this CD because it has something for every level. I use it for the little ones, right up through the teenagers. I find it to be progressive through the exercises and many of the songs have an even beat for counting purposes. I love to choreograph combinations and parents day showings to this CD. A well rounded CD for any tap teacher!

Bonus!

Maria couldn’t resist sharing a few more recommendations. Check these out too!
Baby Jamz: Nursery Rhymes, Vol. 1: Solange Knowles
Wake Up and Wiggle: Marie Barnett

Do you teach little movers?

What are your Top Three?

Blog Spotlight: Maria Is Moving, Creating, Educating

I love finding new dance blogs and I love, love, love that I’m encountering teachers who are using the platform to process and share ideas. Blogging, like journaling, is a remarkable tool for dance instructors to document and assess what they learn along the way (oh yes, teachers do a lot of learning too).

I was immediately drawn to the material over at Move. Create. Educate for its emphasis on creative movement for young children and began interacting with Maria, the teacher and blogger behind it all.

I discovered that Maria is an independent dance educator around New York City who holds a Master’s degree in dance education from NYU. I discovered that Maria is currently building her own business called Maria’s Movers where she offers creative ballet and creative movement to children around NYC. I discovered she is a teaching artist in public elementary schools for New York City Ballet, a creative movement and tap teacher for Mark Morris Dance Group in Brooklyn and a movement specialist for 2-3 year olds at York Avenue Preschool on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. And then, THEN, I discovered she and I both received our undergraduate degrees in dance from Slippery Rock University! Needless to say we’ve had a lot to talk about.

I thought you might like to get to know Maria a little better too so, I caught up with her to ask a few questions about her blog and her life as a teacher.

DA: What inspired you to start your blog?

Maria: I was inspired to start Move. Create. Educate. because I was looking for a place to share my ideas about dance education. I had so many ideas, frustrations, and questions that I needed to write them down. I was feeling alone in this profession, but I knew that wasn’t true. So I set out to just write, write, write — not really knowing if anyone would read it. I think of the blog as my journal. I try to write everyday, as I think of it as an extension of my job as a teacher. Now that I have been blogging for a while, I think it is so important to share and connect with dance educators everywhere. I hope the blog will build a community of teachers and become a place to talk about challenges and accomplishments of dance educators. It was just the outlet I was looking for!

DA: What is the biggest challenge you face as a teacher?

Maria: My biggest challenge right now is being able to get all of behind the scenes work done. If you are a teacher of any kind you know that just because you leave work, it doesn’t mean your work is done. Planning, playlists, e-mails, and evaluations, it all has to be done in between or after the day of teaching is over. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. The challenge is making time and space for all of this work. I use my New York apartment as my office/planning place. If you know New York apartments, you know that space is limited! Oh and did I mention I carry my dance room on my shoulder? A challenge in itself!

DA: What do you love most about what you do?

Maria: This is such a tough question! I love it all! I love when the kids see me and their faces light up with a huge smile and offer me a huge hug. I love when the parents tell me that all they talk about at home is ballet and that they sing the point and flex song to fall asleep at night! I love parents days and performances because the kids feel so accomplished. I love to see my students of all ages engage in the creative process. I love to hear them laugh. I think what I love the most though is just knowing that everyday I get to teach dance and make a living. It was always my goal, and I finally have reached it!

DA: Name three items that in your work with little ones you just couldn’t live without.

Maria: 1) Hand drum: I bought a hand drum when I first graduated from NYU and was first hired to work with preschool age kids. I wasn’t sure what I would use it for, but I knew I could figure something out and it would come in handy. It is now a regular part of every class. The sound of the drum signals for them to stop, look, and listen. We practice jumping on the beat, and they love to play it too. If I have a new class, I begin with letting them play the drum. Works like a charm! This also works with older kids, and I have used it in all types of classes — ballet, tap, and creative movement.

2) Star spots: My life saver, but so heavy to carry around in my bag! These star spots keep everyone organized and in a happy place. We sit on them to start, but then I incorporate them into the class. They put them on their heads, we balance them on body parts, I put them in charge of their star. They keep it the whole time, so they know exactly where they need to be. I think of the stars as my special “assistant.”

3) Stickers: My students love stickers (better than stamps, the ink gets all over) after class. I started this a few years back when they come to me at 2 years old for behavior modification. As they grow, they never forget about them. They always want the “pink” stickers. I try to buy stickers that are all the same size and color, so no one gets upset! If I forget the stickers, I am in trouble!

If you teach dance, and particularly if you work with young children, you’ll want to keep and eye on Move. Create. Educate. too!

Help! My Child Doesn’t Listen to the Dance Teacher!

Concerned parents sometimes send questions regarding their child’s dance education. Keeping in mind that email questions often paint a limited picture, I do my best to offer sound advice based upon my experiences as a teacher. Recently a reader approached me with a series of questions. Based on her daughter’s difficulties with listening to the ballet teacher, this particular mother was wondering if perhaps ballet was just “not right” for her four-year-old daughter and was considering discontinuing her involvement, but wanted a second opinion.

Without observing the class or the child, it is obviously impossible to offer more than guidelines or things to consider when a child is not responding or responding negatively to instruction. Knowing that other parents may be asking themselves similar questions, I am offering an expanded version of the advice I gave to the parent mentioned above.

My child is not listening to the teacher. Is this a developmental phase?

Children do test limits and this is not limited to preschoolers – How does one know where a boundary is and feel secure that it will always be there if one does not occasionally walk to the edge of it?

Teachers and parents help children by making boundaries and expectations clear (often before the child has a chance to test them). When a child continually resists or pushes, even when limits are clear and consistent,  I suspect that something is interfering with the child’s ability to respond accordingly. A wide variety of things could be the source of this interference. Taking steps to discover what is going on with an individual child and what does work for him or her is a big step toward improvement of the child’s behavior in class.

I suggest you make an appointment with the child’s teacher to discuss what he/she is seeing in class, as well as set up a time to observe the class if possible. It is important for teachers and parent(s) to work together on possible solutions.

Is a preschooler (under 5-years old) too young to be expected to listen?

Absolutely not – in fact, the benefit of an early start in dance has more to do with the practice of following instructions in a class format than it does with preparing for later success as a dancer (some of the greatest professionals have had “late” starts). I’ve rarely encountered a child that does not enjoy moving (and learning about the principles of movement) when it is presented in a developmentally friendly way. This, in my humble opinion, should be the focus of early dance education.

What can I do if my child isn’t following directions in class?

1. 

   Image by Oude School via Flickr

   Keep your routine at home as predictable and peaceful as possible. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep, eating well, and try to relieve any stress or anxiety he/she may have at home or in class (is this a new teacher from last year, is there conflict between your child and another, has the class environment intensified in some way?) Sometimes even small or unexpected things can affect a child’s attention and behavior.

2. Be clear and consistent with expectations at home and compare these to the class expectations. Of course, your style at home and the way your child’s teacher runs his/her class will not be identical. However, communicating and receiving (with an open mind) ideas about what works (or doesn’t) for a particular child can enlighten a plan for how to help a child cooperate, both at home and in the studio. If the rules/guidelines at home or within the studio are not in line with each other (for example the child is expected to not interrupt the teacher while talking but this behavior is pardoned at home, or at home a “countdown” warning is given before leaving or moving on to another activity and in class activities change without warning), the child may become confused about what is expected of him/her. Consistency is key.
3. Help your child establish a good relationship with his/her teacher. On her website, Dr. Laura Markham offers some tips on how to include your child’s teacher in daily conversation in a way that will help your child form an emotional and familiar attachment with him/her. Click here to read the article, which also includes other ways you can help your preschooler learn to listen to a teacher.

I have a bit more to add on this subject. Tomorrow, look for the continuation of this post in which I discuss class structure for young dance students and how certain experiences may discourage your child’s attentiveness in class.

Write for Dance Advantage!

Do you have something you want to share with dance students, teachers, or parents?

Did you know that I accept submissions for guest posts and contributions here at Dance Advantage? You don’t have to be a fellow blogger. You don’t have to be a professional writer. You don’t even have to be a dancer. What is required is a passion for your topic and preferably for dance or education itself. I welcome posts from other dance teachers, students, parents, professionals, those knowledgeable in related fields, or… I don’t know, surprise me! Why? Because I don’t know everything (oh boy, is that true!) and because I believe in sharing ideas, presenting a wide variety of perspectives, and learning from one another.

So here’s the thing, if you think you have something to say on a particular subject, let me know! Can you use the exposure to promote your blog, website, studio, product, etc.? Sure, your byline is a great place to do that. However, refrain from scattering self-links throughout the post. Content here should always be informative and useful to the reader, first and foremost. When I write posts, I write as someone who has been (and still is) on the other end of things, searching for tools and tips that will improve the work that I do as a teacher, as a writer, as a dancer still learning, and as a parent. If you think you can do the same, then let’s chat.

Will everything submitted make it onto the blog?

Nope. Here are some guidelines that will improve your chances, though: Submitting a Guest Post. If you are new at the whole blog-writing thing, I can help tweak a post that contains good information. If the article or concept isn’t right within the context of the blog, however, there’s not much I can do.

Can I contribute regularly or just once?

That depends. You are, of course, welcome to submit more than one post and to do so whenever the moment strikes. I’m open to forming relationships with those who have an interest in a recurring role. I’d rather this happen organically. I don’t have any positions that I’m trying to fill, in other words.

Suppose you accept my article, will I be paid?

Sorry, but no. Guest appearances can help bring awareness of your site or business to my readers. And you’ll be “paying it forward” by sharing your expertise.

What kind of articles are you looking for?

Primarily, posts must be relevant to the core audience of the blog (it helps if you’re familiar with what goes on around here). Beyond that, the sky is the limit. There is no age limit or qualifying experiences required so write about what you know. If you are a student, feel free to write from that perspective. If you have an experience to share that would benefit others, let’s hear it. If you know how to do something, guide us. Don’t be afraid to write with your own style but take note of the positive tone of this blog.

I’m in!! How can I contact you?

Don’t forget to do your homework on Submitting A Guest Post.

Then Contact Me. Put “Guest Post” in your subject line. This helps me keep track of submissions, increasing your chances of getting published.

Thank you! I look forward to reading your submissions!

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, most doctors will tell you 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, 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 are potentially risky).
• Drink lots of water and carry snacks with you (if you don’t already).
• It’s a good idea 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’d 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 sheer 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 soon 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!

The Thought That Counts

Decisions, Decisions

Parents often agonize each year about what to get for the vast number of people that work among, care for, and interact with their children on a regular basis.  School teachers, coaches, dance instructors, den mothers, classroom aides, daycare workers, on and on and on!

If you are a parent wrestling with what to get your son or daughter’s dance teacher, you will have to decide how to spend (or not spend) your money this year. Who to give to, what to give, and how much to give are personal decisions each family must make. It is my opinion, however, that less is almost always more. I’ve heard over and over that people are concerned with the amount of clutter in their lives and in their home. Yet, often out of obligation, we add to our stress and our stuff during the holidays. Givers feel exasperated and overwhelmed, but remember that those receiving may also be feeling overrun by gifts. I can’t offer any hard and fast rules about gifting at the holidays, however, I will suggest that simplicity can be a gift to yourself and others. Perhaps keeping this in mind will help to reduce your stress and guide you in your choices.

The Low-Down on Loot

Teachers, especially, get a lot of stuff at the holidays, particularly candles, mugs, and bath/body products. These are great, but one runs out of places and opportunities to use these. As a dance teacher, I appreciate edible treats (healthy snacks like granola or trail mixes are very thoughtful) but remember that it is not always safe to assume that everyone will appreciate food items. For those with allergies or special diet concerns, holiday treats often go to waste. In addition to treats, I prefer items that are small, personal (something obviously purchased with the recipient in mind), consumable (movie passes, coupons, certificates), or handmade by my students (like cards, jewelry, or artwork). Holiday ornaments and decorations were nice when I was a young teacher and didn’t have a lot of my own yet, but now that I have been teaching for a number of years I’ve amassed plenty of these.

If you are planning on spending a bit of cash for a dance teacher (perhaps one that you really think is special or has made extra effort for your child), gift cards or certificates are usually well received. I know that sometimes it feels like $5 is too little for a gift card, however, I think you’d be hard pressed to find someone who didn’t appreciate that bit of extra pocket money. Just keep in mind what type of card you are buying. If the items in the shop cost well over the amount on the card, the recipient may end up spending money that they otherwise would not have just to make use of the card.  Choose a card for an establishment which you know the teacher frequents. For example, a coffee shop, the eatery near the dance studio where he/she grabs dinner on the run between classes, a dancewear shop, bookstore, or music site like iTunes®.

Alternative Gift Ideas

Rather than individual gifts, a class can consider organizing a collective gift for a teacher. This cuts down on the amount of individual items given and ultimately can result in a more useful or meaningful gift. A collective gift does not need to cost a lot of money. The class can work together on making a scrapbook, card, or craft with a holiday theme. Each member of the class could take a turn cleaning the studio mirrors or staying a few minutes after the last lesson to assist with tidying the studio. Get creative!

Another alternative gift idea that is becoming more popular is making a donation in someone’s name. This type of giving/getting is not for everyone. Some are for donation gifts and some are against the idea. You may want to consider if this gift is right for the recipient. If you have a creative way of telling someone that you’ve made a donation in their name, be sure to tell us about it in the comments for this post. Typically the gift recipient receives a card or note about the charity to inform them of the contribution made in his/her name. Another suggestion is to buy/make a small item that is a representation of the charity (for instance, a school-themed magnet for an educational charity).

Something to consider if you receive an abundance of gifts each year is to ask others to donate in lieu of a present. Teachers could hand out a card or note prior to the holiday season and encourage those who would like to give a gift to donate to an organization instead. Providing a short list of charities from which to choose will ensure that both you and the donor are happy about where the money (or item) is going. Changing the Present is one online not-for-profit site on which you can set up a registry/wish list, letting others know you’d welcome a donation made in your name.

The Thought That Counts

More important that gift-giving or receiving, the holidays are a great time to say thank you to the people who spend time with and care for you or your kids in all of their activities. These folks deserve a show of appreciation but saying “thank you” with money or stuff isn’t necessary. I’m going to write that again… Teachers, caregivers, and the people who spend time with you or your kids deserve your thanks but do not need money or stuff to feel appreciated. If they did, they would probably not have chosen a career working with children! Have your kids take the time to write or decorate a card/note and offer your sincere thanks for their time, care, and energy. For most, this gesture of appreciation will be worth more than any thing you could give! Here are some tips to help you or your child write the perfect “thank you” note.

So what are your thoughts?

• Do you give teachers gifts at all? (I know some schools have a policy discouraging this)
• What types have you given in the past?
• What are you planning to give this year?
• Do you make homemade gifts, crafts, or other creative presents? Post your ideas in the comments!