When it comes to teaching young people the wonderful art of dance, there are many aspects to consider when creating choreography tailored for their specific age groups. Too many times we see young people on stage dancing in inappropriate ways, in inappropriate costumes to inappropriate songs about adult topics. This can not only make the audience uncomfortable, but can be detrimental to their development as a performer, if we introduce these topics too soon in performances.Continue reading
Building Dancers Through Self Motivation
“The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards.”
– Anatole France
Due the physical and mental demands it takes to achieve a high level of dance, it is important that young bodies and minds are nurtured with clear expectations and positive encouragement through the emotional up and downs of an art form such as dance. From the teacher’s perspective, we see the immeasurable potential in students and have no other mission but to awaken the mind and set it free through the education and expression of dance. Students often are distracted by the rigors or physicality of dance. Creating a motivated class room based in positive reinforcement and expression, will not only create a positive environment, it will create an environment conducive to learning and trying.Continue reading
Overcoming Stage Fright
Stage Fright can be a terrifying experience for any performer. Regardless of age or experience performance anxiety, or stage fright can effect up to 50 percent of performing artists. Whether it’s caused from a previous injury, past bad experience or the overwhelming pressure performers can feel at an important performance; it can hit you anytime, even mid career.
Some of these symptoms include sweaty or cold hands, increased breathing rate, rapid heart beat, trembling, dry mouth, throat and inability to focus.Continue reading
A Parent’s Survival Guide to Your First Dance Competition
Dance Competitions are a great way to get on stage and help develop your dancers performance qualities.
If you are new to dance competitions, it may be a nerve racking experience at first, but here are some tips, tricks and resources to help you get through this long, difficult but very rewarding weekend.
How to Make the Most of Your Dance Class
Do you feel stuck in a dance class rut? Changing aspects about how you take class can help you to reach past the limits you have set for your self. Whether you like to occasionally drop in and take a class or you are a serious studio dancer, here are some ideas and tips to get the most out of your dance classes.
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5 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling Your Child in Dance Class
Choosing a dance studio for your child can often be confusing with all the studio choices and skill involved with this beautiful and graceful art form.
Here are 5 questions to ask any dance studio owner before enrolling your child in class that can help you asses if a dance studio is right for your child.Continue reading
5 Questions to Ask Your Dancer After Dance Class
Competitive Dance: Quality VS Quantity
The Principal is about competing against yourself. It’s about self improvement, about being better than you were the day before – Steve Young
Competitive dance can introduce your dancer to a whole new and exciting world. Opportunities for achievement and growth are everywhere as young dancers are exposed to numerous dance professionals from around the country. The stage time alone will help to build your dancers skills and give them the confidence and perseverance they need to succeed not only in dance, but in whatever they choose to do.Continue reading