It is a pleasure and a privilege to work with very young dancers – to spark imaginations and encourage little ones in their discovery of movement and dance.
Young students will teach you a lot too! When working with small children you must go back, break-down, and dissect movements that have for years been ingrained in your own body and mind. It is a process that usually leads to new discoveries about yourself, your technique, and creativity.
Young dancers also teach valuable lessons in patience, working with parents, and not taking yourself too seriously!
If you love working with children in dance, you’ll love these 5 articles:
Dance of Independence
This article discusses situations a teacher or parent may encounter with the youngest dancers (preschool children) as they begin their dance experience. It offers some solutions on dealing with children who are not willing to participate at first, or hesitant to allow their parent(s) to leave. It also gives parents an idea of what they might encounter with their own child and help prepare them for dealing with their child’s, and possibly their own, feelings of uncertainty.
What is Creative Dance?
I am a strong advocate of utilizing creative dance principles, not only in programs for young children, but for all age groups within a dance school. If you are not familiar with creative dance, its purpose, or its methods, this post serves as an introduction. If you know or have experience with creative dance, this article may assist you in discussing the benefits of creative dance with parents or others, and hopefully encourages you to consider its use for older dancers as well.
Structuring Your Preschool Dance Class
Why it’s important to have a clear structure when teaching preschool dance class and how to create a dance class structure that works for you.
How’s Your Pitch? Using The Power of Your Voice
Tone of voice and the way you use your voice when you teach is so important! If you had no props or music could you still teach a class? Here are four ways to use your voice with her preschool-aged students and tips on when to incorporate each one.
Become The Ultimate Trickster
“If you make em’ laugh, they will listen to you.” It’s so so true! Secrets to making your dance students laugh, listen, AND learn.
Everyone Starts Somewhere
Just a sweet reminder that everyone, including New York City Ballet dancers, start somewhere.
We have so much more for you to see!
Check out all of our articles on Creative Dance.
Nichelle Suzanne is a writer specializing in dance and online content. She is also a dance instructor with over 20 years experience teaching in dance studios, community programs, and colleges. She began Dance Advantage in 2008, equipped with a passion for movement education and an intuitive sense that a blog could bring dancers together. As a Houston-based dance writer, Nichelle covers dance performance for Dance Source Houston, Arts+Culture Texas, and other publications. She is a leader in social media within the dance community and has presented on blogging for dance organizations, including Dance/USA. Nichelle provides web consulting and writing services for dancers, dance schools and studios, and those beyond the dance world. Read Nichelle’s posts.
