Where to Put All the Tiny Humans January 13, 2017 I once taught a class of three year olds who I called my Sparkly Marbles. They were very proud of their title and often referred to themselves as Miss Robyn’s Sparkly Marbles. One class a dancer asked, “Miss Robyn, why… Read More Where to Put All the Tiny Humans
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
Inside the Pre-Ballet Mind: Letter From a Dancer-to-Be September 2, 2016 It’s “back to school” season on this side of the pond, and like many dance teachers, you’re probably busily gearing up for the year ahead. This is an exciting time for some and a daunting one for others. Your little… Read More Inside the Pre-Ballet Mind: Letter From a Dancer-to-Be
How Young is Too Young? August 29, 2016 That 3-year old shouldn’t be spinning pirouettes any time soon. So what should you teach her? What can you do for the dancer-to-be to prepare her for the technical demands of the years to come?Choosing the right age to start… Read More How Young is Too Young?
Find the Causes of Their Actions August 4, 2016 All Behavior is Learned Out of the clear blue, your student throws a tantrum. Another student sulks shyly and avoids eye contact. What do you do? Understand that all behaviors result from an underlying cause. Come to class armed with… Read More Find the Causes of Their Actions
Why Wait to Teach Ballet Technique? July 22, 2016 Young ballerinas need strict technique training too, right?Several years ago, I went for an interview for a teaching position at a local dance school. I wanted to expand my horizons and gain experience teaching at as many schools as possible. Read More Why Wait to Teach Ballet Technique?
Music and Memory in Pre-Ballet February 12, 2016 Choreography for our youngest students can sometimes feel like the hardest choreography we do! The skills of moving in time to music, and of being able to remember the order of steps in a dance develop… Read More Music and Memory in Pre-Ballet
Preventing Injuries December 18, 2015 An article by BBC News has recently been circulating regarding the high risk of undetected injury in ballet students if they have been taught by an unqualified teacher. This article speaks volumes because… Read More Preventing Injuries
Presentation is Key! October 25, 2015 When teaching little ones, presentation definitely counts! A young child will often reflect the amount of enthusiasm and energy you are showing them in your teaching. How can dance teachers create an environment of exploration, creativity and fun… Read More Presentation is Key!
Use of Feet and Turnout in Pre-Ballet August 1, 2015 Forcing too much turnout in young children is not only unsafe, it is also unnecessary. Their bodies allow for a gradual progression with a projected 90º turnout achieved by the age of 7 or 8. As they get older, teachers… Read More Use of Feet and Turnout in Pre-Ballet
Hints for a Happy Class July 24, 2015 Would you say you teach a “happy” class? When your students leave your classroom, are they overly tired and restless, or do they feel a sense of accomplishment? Pacing your class, implementing creative rest periods, and taking your students’ ever-changing needs… Read More Hints for a Happy Class
10 Ways to Make the Most of Recital Night June 3, 2015 An article has gone around the internet with some funny, sarcastic tips on how to make dance recitals “suck less”. In my honest opinion, the whole recital experience can be painful, drawn out and excruciating, it’s… Read More 10 Ways to Make the Most of Recital Night
Improving Behavior With Consequences May 29, 2015 Just imagine: A class full of unruly 4 and 5 year olds that don’t listen, don’t mind you and have a lot of trouble staying attentive. Sound familiar? Sounds like a nightmare! In the teaching help section of… Read More Improving Behavior With Consequences
Teaching Pre-Ballet Arm Positions May 2, 2015 It’s not easy to create the proper lines and shapes required in classical ballet, but there are many concepts we can impart in class that they can grasp and accomplish even at a very young age. Ruth Brinkerhoff’s Article… Read More Teaching Pre-Ballet Arm Positions
20 Ways to Create a Comfortable Class April 27, 2015 Most of us can remember being in a class where we couldn’t focus or understand what was being presented. It wasn’t much fun, was it? A dance class can feel that way to a young child. Childrens’ brains… Read More 20 Ways to Create a Comfortable Class