Play and Ballet December 30, 2016 There is an alert on my phone that goes off each Friday at 11:50am. The alert reads as such: “PreBallet 12:00-1:15”If that alert reflected my reality, however, it would read:“TIME TO PLAY!!! (and teach ballet) 12:00-1:15”Anyone who has taught young kids ballet… Read More Play and Ballet
Away With The Lesson Plan! November 29, 2016 Twenty something years of teaching ballet has taught me plenty of things. As educators in the arts we speak often about how life lessons are learned so well through the arts. What a beautiful thing. I could probably… Read More Away With The Lesson Plan!
Thoughts on Musicality November 7, 2016 Ah. . . music. It holds some kind of special magic. Want to liven up a party? Put on some music. Want to relax? Put on some music. Want to feel motivated at the gym? Put on some… Read More Thoughts on Musicality
Introducing the Ballet Barre November 7, 2016 For our youngest dancers, the barre should be kept a mystery. Little girls rush into their first ballet class and all they want to do is hold on to that barre. It’s a fun part of being a ballerina, but… Read More Introducing the Ballet Barre
Why Natural Movement? October 28, 2016 Historically, ballet styling and technique developed slowly from that of folk dances and court dances. Ballet styling was added to those dances by adult dancers, whose basic movement and coordination skills were complete and in place. Children were… Read More Why Natural Movement?
Maximize Learning Retention October 21, 2016 If students are not retaining the new skills we teach them, it could be because we as teachers are not honoring their natural flow of learning. Learning new skills follows a logical pattern, and we have to address the “why” and… Read More Maximize Learning Retention
Basic Principles for Older Beginners May 6, 2016 I taught a very interesting new class this year. The group was ages 12 and up, and they were all beginners. I haven’t taught this kind of group in about 4 years, so I had to review some of the… Read More Basic Principles for Older Beginners
The Five Families of Jumps April 25, 2016 Ballet consists of movement families. Once a student has learned some of the basic forms of jumps, they can begin to explore all of the different ways we jump in ballet. Use this guide to teach your intermediate to advanced… Read More The Five Families of Jumps
