March 2011
53 posts
Just untalented? Or, are you making excuses? →
You may be limiting yourself by thinking that some people are just born with ‘it’. Talented people practice… a lot.
February 2011
51 posts
“We seem to be going through a period of nostalgia, and everyone seems to think...”
– ~Art Buchwald (via steelsballet)
“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry...”
If it smells, ask WHY? 5 times or until you get a... →
@twrestleblog gives quick tips on digging deeper into a problem
Finger Turns and Shoulder Sits and Fish Dives, Oh... →
@DaveTriesBallet gives a peek into part 2 of his first partnering workshop experience
Ideas for cleaning dance routines →
via @thedancebuzz “Polishing, cleaning, fine-tuning… whatever you call it, its necessary before a performance. I thought I’d share some of my favorite techniques that I’ve picked up over the years as a student and teacher.”
“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal;...”
In case you needed another reason to not copy or... →
Google rewarding original content, penalizing duplicates more harshly. Citing and linking back is not only good etiquette but good for your site or business.
Win a Copy of the Ballet Companion →
Entering is pretty easy! @dance25blog just wants a bit of feedback on the site. Ends March 8.
Hurry Get Your Nominations In! →
@Dance_Teacher Awards deadline is March 1.
1 tag
some ideas for dance class for non-dancers to...
Ultimately, I believe that we gradually build self-confidence through achievement or mastery, regardless of age or experience. I can’t quite tell if you’re asking as the teacher/choreographer of non-dancers or as a non-dancer yourself… but either way setting before yourself (or your dancers) small, achievable goals allows you to measure progress and meet challenges. If you are...
A virus the world needs... →
WE know how important dance and movement are in our lives. Do others? And even as dancers do we fully realize the benefits of dance therapy for EVERYone? Moving Towards Understanding blog publishes a comprehensive “did you know?” list with facts, research, and links. Check it.
Ballet as foreplay? →
Rated only PG-13, promise! And this bit of fun from @adultbeginner makes a great point… I mean pointe!
Bring the classic Show and Tell to your dance... →
“When I taught at a dance studio, my little ones loved to bring in toys and stuffed animals. I used to take the toys and then give them back at the end of class. Then one day I asked a child to share her doll with the class. We talked about her texture, her angles, and curves and I asked the class how the doll would move. Every child got up and showed me how he or she thought the...
More tips on ballet partnering! →
via @TightsandTiaras and @bexking
“Pas de deux means a “dance for two” and when the two dancers seem to be interested in each other by taking the opportunity to look at each other, their performance is automatically elevated. Often a pas de deux is the dance of two lovers and there is nothing worse than watching two dancers who don’t even look interested in each other. When the man appears...
What would Isadora think? →
Austin-based Duncan dancer discusses Budgeting Education and Valuing Expression on her Tunics in Texas blog.
I've never used puppets before in dance class,... →
Informative article from Dance Studio Life (@rheegold). I’m a big fan of puppets but have never tried bringing them into the classroom. This piece makes a great case and gives good tips as well.
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is...”
Or, maybe people just really like to move... →
“As music games decline — Activision Blizzard is shutting down its once popular ‘Guitar Hero’ franchise — there’s been plenty of speculation that people just aren’t willing to pay for more casual games, and only big franchises targeting ‘hard core gamers’ can succeed. The rise of the dance genre proves that’s far from the truth. It’s just a...
Pointe shoes don't last but Freed certainly has. →
A peek into the perfect pointe shoe and a company that’s been making them for 80+ years. (CNN)
Partnering through the eyes of a beginner →
via @DaveTriesBallet
“As a guy, I’ve always though this must be the easiest part of the Ballet for the danseur – I mean he just has to stand there while the Ballerina does all the work, right? Wrong.
I want to dispel a myth right now. That partnering is easy for a guy. No way! I attended a partnering workshop today and although I can’t speak for the girls, as a guy it’s certainly a lot...
Useful partnering tips and observations from... →
Miami City Ballet-dancer and Tendus Under a Palm Tree blog author, Rebecca King and Henrik of Tights and Tiaras have team up to give you insight into the world of Pas de Deux, the art of dancing together.
1 tag
Hi, Nichelle! My daughter is 8 & recently did her...
Hi! You’re right that this is an important habit and I find that 8 is still an age where kids do need frequent attention and prompting to lengthen and put energy all the way out through their toes. However, more than even the reminders to point and more than anything which can be done at home, what’s really necessary is the frequent opportunity to work, strengthen, and stretch the foot...
The School of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet looking for a... →
The School of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, with approximately 200 students, seeks experienced children’s ballet teacher for full time employment. Must have experience teaching children ages 3-9 years of age.
Handy Leotard Sizing Guide →
Take your measurements, check the chart, and find a good fit in one of the major leotard brands.
1 tag
Hi Nichelle I have a question for you:) To do a...
I have experimented over my years of teaching as well and ultimately it depends on the age group, the dance form, and even the class ‘personality’. In general for kids in the 6-11 age range I create a sort of mix & match collection of exercises which the children do become familiar with but they’re not necessarily doing the same thing every week. For older students, it...
Following Dance Advantage on Facebook? Add your... →
Need a new tote for dance classes? →
Cool designs from @hauttotes
Grammy-winning kid CDs you might want to add to... →
via @zooglobble
5 ballets with a happily ever after ending →
Great post from Behind Ballet, The Australian Ballet’s blog.
How to help pay for your dance education →
Dance study is expensive and not every family can afford it but Ballet Scoop offers a few ideas for ways students can do their share.
Some tips for making your own dance reel →
via @helloiamadancer
“
Your reel is for casting directors, schools, dance workshops and agents to see you outside of a one-on-one audition setting. Consider it as your movement resume. You can keep it simple and showcase one particular dance style or weave several dance styles together to compile a comprehensive movement portfolio.”
Fun alphabet book for children or dancers! →
@dancebooks features my review of Pilobolus: The Human Alphabet
Introducing young dancers to the stage →
Great lesson from @mariasmovers
Need some Valentine's Day ideas for your dance... →
@mariasmovers shows how to make heart-shaped bean bags and shares a DA article with more ideas, including partner dancing and Stacey Pepper Schwartz’s special Friendship Dance.
Great story of young dancers learning persistence... →
“They wouldn’t have it. The room was noisy with problem-solving. Finally, out of the noise, a hand went up: “Why don’t we try it without the music?” They voted: a resounding yes! So we did.”
1 tag
Hi nichelle! my name is candelaria, and i am an...
Hi Candelaria, first of all know that doubts at this stage are quite normal. Sorry your question got cut off a bit but I think you might be asking if you should go to college for dance or go directly to a career (or maybe a professional school). Either way, I can’t advise what is better for you because it depends on you and your goals. You need to do some thinking about what your current...
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. ~ Eleanor...”
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with streamers in... →
Do you do celebrate the Chinese New Year with your students? I think it’s an important celebration for them to know about. I know they talk about it in school, so why not incorporate it into dance class?
Goodbye to lifeless tap arms! →
Nice article with advice from Ray Hesselink, Acia Gray, & Debbie Dee on teaching upper body. via @Dance_Teacher
Ballet Russes Film Unearthed! →
“Sure, it’s only a snippet. Granted, the dancers have the marionette jerkiness so often seen in early film. But for fans of ballet, film and design, this is big. Sergei Diaghilev’s legendary Ballets Russes company were thought to have disappeared into history without leaving a film record; Diaghilev was cagey about having the company filmed. However, a recent discovery in an online...
Dance on Camera - She →
An insectoid fantasy adapted from a live performance into a mesmerizing short using puppetry, collage, and dance. (Camera Re-work)
Add this to your queue Added: Wed Feb 02 17:44:10 UTC…
Snow Days. To Make-Up or Not To Make-Up? →
That is the dance studio owner’s question! via @thedancebuzz
Dance on Camera - Dance Plus: Arthur Elsenaar →
As the human face is controlled by a computer instead of the brain, it performs unexpected ways, bringing together dance and technology, and challenging the traditional notion of facial…
WatchA day in the life of a dance studio owner. and another day in the life.
Dance studio owners, tell a story... your story.... →
Read this article from Copyblogger. It’s not just about content marketing, it’s about communicating.
On your website, press releases, anywhere you talk about why customers should choose your dance school, don’t make generalities. Get specific - Describe the student who went away and danced professionally but came back to teach at your school. Share the time your studio families...
