The ways movement is inspired, how it is developed, edited, and finally presented is a process. Concert dance is all about the intent and the journey, which lead to the product. If this idea is new to you, here is a ten-step list of how to engage in a process from K-12 teacher, Heather Vaughan-Southard.
The Costume “Blackout” Keeps Choreography Center Stage
Students start focusing on costumes and lose sight of their choreography development and goals. But Heather has a unique method for getting students back on track. While she’s at it, she explains the importance of costuming selection and the messages wardrobe can convey to an audience.
Talking About College Dance With K-12 Students
Not all dancers become professionals. However, the arts produce creative thinkers, able to connect pathways that standard students may not initially consider and dancers tend to be successful in many other aspects of education and life. So, starting as early as Kindergarten, dance can be used as a gateway to discuss college with students. Here’s how one educator begins the conversation at different ages and includes families in the dialogue.
Smooth Start: Letting Dancers Know What To Expect
It may seem too simple but introducing class procedure is a step critical in most any class environment. It unifies the group and builds a bridge in communication between you and your students. K-12 dance educator, Heather Vaughan-Southard, outlines her Day 1 process so that you, too can set your students up for success.
Boosting Test Scores Through Movement
K-12 dance educator Heather Vaughan-Southard walks us through some ways study and exploration of dance elements like space, time, and energy can help students connect ideas to other subjects and prepare them for the “real world”, including the every day tasks of test-taking, interacting in their community, and expressing themselves and their goals.
Fall Planning With Philosophy and TV Dance in Mind
Get a jump start on curriculum planning using televised dance shows like So You Think You Can Dance as a jumping off point to connect with and educate dance students. K-12 educator, Heather Vaughan-Southard helps you frame your dance philosophies then incorporate conversation-starters about TV dance into your instruction methods.
