As dedicated dance teachers, our job day-in and day-out is to move our students forward, teach them the next lesson, prepare them for the future, progress their technique, etc. etc. Often we apply this same mentality to our own lives …
Ballet. Tap. Jazz. Contemporary. Lyrical. Hip-Hop. That's the basic core curriculum for many dance studios. While a well-rounded dance education is key for nurturing a well-rounded dancer, many times the idioms included in their training can lack, shall we say, …
In a time when the climate of the world is anything less than calm, each one of us battles divisiveness, negativity and uneasiness to ensure our students that their studio is a place they can always come for inclusiveness and …
I am the most competitive person out there. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like to win. Who doesn't? Nobody goes into a competitive situation and says, "Come to think of it, I'd actually like to lose." As …
Understanding the difference between dance education and dance training is a pivotal distinction. In turn, this understanding affords a dance teacher the knowledge to incorporate both (equally important) agendas into a studio’s curriculum; thereby cultivating a cohesive program. So what …
The hamstrings are muscles which cross more than one joint; making them susceptible to frequent muscles pulls, tears or strains. These injuries can be caused by a variety of reasons which include but are not limited to: improper technique, muscle …
Everyone is replaceable. That's the truth. We gently remind our dancers of this during their training so they realize that without professionalism, dedication, a good attitude, hard work and consistent practice there is always someone with equal or greater talent …
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 …
This is not always a negative thing if done in a healthy mindset with tons of positive support behind it. Now, the balance to this is to ALWAYs reaffirm and remind students that no dancer should obsessively compare themselves to …
Let's be honest. We all have students who, in class, execute movement with ability, are focused enough to demonstrate they are retaining information and seem to comprehend the lessons being taught. They move well, show promising physical agility, travel across …
The work your faculty puts out on the stage is a direct reflection to your name and reputation. The concept, music, choreography, costuming and overall appearance is to be considered with great weight and compromise. Deciding "what kind of studio …
With the summer of 2016 coming to a rapid close, now is the perfect time for dance teachers and studio owners to rev up for the upcoming new season. From personal experience, the fall always seems to be the time …
Whether you have the most advanced students or those that are beginner, there is something to be said for instilling the concept that hard work reaps rewards. In a time when many children are rewarded just for showing up, it's …
It's always a balancing act when, as studio director, you must decide on the advancement of a dancer. They are many factors to consider in this decision. Unfortunately at times, the pressure of a parent and the risk of losing …
We're baaaaackk!! The time is finally here everyone! We are so thrilled to kick off the 2016 Dance Teacher Web LIVE Conference & Expo at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas! This year, we're back on the west coast …
