We all have taught those amazing classes where we leave feeling inspired because the energy in the room that day was so electric. You know, the ones where all your dancers are little sponges and retain everything, are focused, ask …
Why do our dancers struggle with holding their relevé? This is an ongoing question we often ask ourselves and an aspect of training that we continually try to improve upon with our dancers. It is also one of the most …
Dancers are often known for their shapely, flexible, powerful legs. They are one of our most vital instruments. And while flexibility is often given great attention to, we must help our dance students balance that with strengthening exercises as well. …
One of the most wonderful things about dance is that it can be used as a vehicle for many interdisciplinary subjects. That crossover especially holds true within other areas of the arts. Even starting with your youngest dancers, we can …
Improvisation is still one of those areas of dance which mystifies some studio dance teachers and terrifies dance students (mainly older students.) Most of the time you’ll get an, “I love improv” or an “I hate improv” from the crowd …
Tell me if this sounds familiar. “Can we get up from the floor this way instead of that way because it’s easier for me?” Or, “Oh good, I can come on from that side? It’s easier.” Or, “Can we just …
Enjoy this beginner-intermediate modern technique lesson plan template for your students.
With every new challenge comes reflection and insight. Coming out of what has been a grim era for dance teachers and studio owners, we can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. So what now? Well, …
When lesson planning for any class, there are vast avenues a teacher can take to teach the genre effectively. Jazz itself, in nature, is one of those idioms where teaching the technique correctly should also be compounded with other important …
When we choreograph for our students, particular multiple numbers in the course of a season, it’s easy to rack your brain coming up with concepts for those pieces. While we are often inspired by music, life experiences, various other art …
Finding a beautiful, moving piece of music is a wonderful feeling for any choreographer. To actually envisage movement coming to you in your head and pouring out, where the piece is essentially choreographing itself is what we all dream of. …
Occasionally, even the most creative, provocative and innovative artists need a dose of inspiration at one time or another. Where that surge of inspiration comes from, are frequently, unexpected places. As a dance-teacher and choreographer myself, when I embark on …
This weeks’ DTW Blog answers some of the most FAQ’s regarding the R.A.D. Ballet training method with our very knowledgeable and amazing DTW Co-Direstor, Angela D’Valda Sirico.....
As dance teachers we are constantly giving to others. While it is in our DNA and it is what drives us there is also the possibility that all of that giving can lead us to not focusing on ourselves.
Teachers are human. We are indeed the ones our dancers look to for training, motivation, discipline, artistic inspiration and guidance, but indeed at the end of the day we are human. We are not immune to creative blocks, bad days, …
Part I of a Three Part Series. The top dance teachers create amazing classroom environments. Learn how to create, build and maintain a terrific setting that will make learning and teaching inspiring and fun!
