Lauren went from teaching young dancers ballet to teaching college students how to exercise. Surprisingly, teaching the “pampers” crowd was great preparation. Here are four things she learned that have helped make interactions with her university students successful.
preschool dancers
Making The Case For Barefoot Preschool Dance
Tie my shoes! My Feet Hurt! Sound Familiar? Maria makes a case for why teachers should toss the dance shoes aside and ask preschoolers to dance barefoot.
Helping Your Young Students Through Tragedy
Maria’s little dancers have experienced their share of tragedy lately. She shares her experiences and how she helped her young ones cope, plus some resources to help you help your students if or when tragedy strikes.
Become The Ultimate Trickster
One of my mentors once told me, “if you make em’ laugh, they will listen to you.” It’s so so true! In honor of Halloween, I thought I would post my secrets of being the ultimate trickster dance teacher and making my students laugh. Think magicians are the only ones who get to be tricksters […]
“No, Don’t Go!” Ideas For Easing Separation Anxiety
Teachers of young dancers are always looking for creative ways to ease the separation anxiety children feel when their grown-ups drop them off for class. Maria shares what’s worked best for her and acknowledges those times when a child just isn’t ready to separate.
Choices, Choices: Growing Independent Dancers
Yellow or Pink? Maria teaches life lessons and manages behavior by giving her young students a balance of direct choices and free choices during dance class. Apply these tips for growing independent dancers in your own classes.
