Ballet Positions Giveaway September 9, 2015 As we launch into the 2016-2017 year of classes, The Ballet Source would like to provide teachers with a few FREE resources. The first four levels of the Ballet Arts for Young Children Curriculum use these feet… Read More Ballet Positions Giveaway
Organizing and Running a "Happy Class" July 27, 2015 Children need structure. This is especially true in the pre-ballet years, as they prepare for a more disciplined class. The less “free time” they have in the class period, the better. They should know exactly what they’re supposed to… Read More Organizing and Running a "Happy Class"
6 Classroom "Attention-Getters" to Watch Out For March 29, 2015 Every dance studio is different with its own set of rules and expectations, but one thing remains the same throughout: children will be children. No matter where I teach, I find that there are certain little tricks… Read More 6 Classroom "Attention-Getters" to Watch Out For
Don't Be A Skipper, Teach Them To Skip! February 7, 2015 Skipping requires balance, symmetry in muscle use, self-esteem and some natural coordination. It is often used as an indicator of ‘readiness to learn’ academic subjects. It is expected that children in a dance class will learn to skip. Read More Don't Be A Skipper, Teach Them To Skip!
Planning Your Lessons January 6, 2015 Let’s face it: we don’t have time to do detailed planning for every class. Class just isn’t the same if you walk in without a lesson plan. The students don’t get as much out of the time you have… Read More Planning Your Lessons
Release Day 2015 January 3, 2015 It’s finally here! The release of the first ever digital ballet curriculum and lesson plans!… Read More Release Day 2015
5 Principles of Classical Ballet for Young Children December 19, 2014 Even at the earliest age, ballet students are absorbing the classical principles we instill in them. From as early as age 3, there are fundamental movement and artistic elements that can be cultivated in order to shape how that student learns and… Read More 5 Principles of Classical Ballet for Young Children
Teaching Pre-Ballet is a Challenge! December 2, 2014 It is a challenge for creative teachers to keep the ballet and other choreographic movements within the abilities of young dancers! It is worth your time and effort to do so. The end result will be better dancers in your… Read More Teaching Pre-Ballet is a Challenge!
Six Choreographic Guidelines for Threes November 16, 2014 It surprised me this year how much of a struggle it is to choreograph for three and four year olds! Doesn’t seem like a huge task; after all, they’re only preschoolers! They’ve hardly scratched the surface of ballet technique, what… Read More Six Choreographic Guidelines for Threes
No-Stress Performance Prep November 10, 2014 In my last blog post, (The Dance Teacher’s Secret Weapon) I gave out the secret that every dance teacher should grab a hold of and use the moment any students begin to show signs of burnout or boredom. Having… Read More No-Stress Performance Prep
Ballet Began In Italy September 25, 2014 Say what?!Yes, indeed. Some people think that, because ballet terms are in French, that France must have been the origin of ballet. Of course, we ballet teachers know this, but remember, some of our students do not know that the… Read More Ballet Began In Italy
Point Your Toes vs. Point Your Foot September 20, 2014 It may not be such a good idea to use the phrase “point your toes” in pre-ballet class. How many of us have encouraged our little ones to “point your toes”, and we still don’t see the results we desire?… Read More Point Your Toes vs. Point Your Foot
The Triangle of the Foot September 19, 2014 “Don’t roll your feet! Keep your arches lifted!” I’ve received the correction myself, but I’ve not been able to find a good way to explain it to my younger, beginner/intermediate students. Ruth Brinkerhoff’s “Pointe 1: An Introduction to… Read More The Triangle of the Foot
Ballet Student Personalities: "The Sponge" September 18, 2014 She’s your every dream come true. She’s “The Sponge.” There is one particular student that I think of when I use this term. She is not perfect. She is not there yet. But, my,… Read More Ballet Student Personalities: "The Sponge"
Ballet Student Personalities: "The Puppy Dog" September 18, 2014 Have you ever corrected a student and received an emotional breakdown in response? If you haven’t yet, you most likely will at some point. Children, just like adults, carry around quite a bit of baggage, and… Read More Ballet Student Personalities: "The Puppy Dog"
Ballet Student Personalities: "The Apathetic One" September 18, 2014 Why the long face? Though some of us would like to believe that we are bringing up the next generation of flawless ballerinas, the fact remains that they will not all love to dance, and… Read More Ballet Student Personalities: "The Apathetic One"
Ballet Student Personalities: "Who, Me?" September 18, 2014 Deer in the headlights, anyone? It seems she cannot comprehend why you would ever correct her in the first place. “What could I have possibly done wrong?” These “Who, Me?” students are the children who may not… Read More Ballet Student Personalities: "Who, Me?"
Ballet Student Personalities: "Not Listening" September 18, 2014 Even as the words are coming out of your mouth, you can see all the signs that her mind is trailing off in some other direction. The student that simply will not stay engaged with the lesson is particularly puzzling (and patience-testing). Read More Ballet Student Personalities: "Not Listening"