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?
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?
Self-Esteem in the Pre-Ballet Class May 13, 2016 Self-esteem is an internalizing of who and what you are. Knowing and understanding who we are is essential to the growth process of every individual. Lack of such knowledge or the internalizing of wrong ideas about themselves can cause lasting… Read More Self-Esteem in the Pre-Ballet Class
Tips For Teaching Preschool Combo Classes September 11, 2015 Rising in popularity over the past 10 years is the idea of the “combination class”. There are teachers and studio owners who love the idea, and others who struggle with teaching all that needs to be taught in such… Read More Tips For Teaching Preschool Combo Classes
Expecting Good Behavior From Preschoolers September 2, 2015 Three, four and five year olds are the most complex, delicate and fascinating students to teach! Not everyone walks into their ballet classroom and feels fully prepared for what is to come. These great points from the Level 2… Read More Expecting Good Behavior From Preschoolers
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
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"
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
Why the Wait? June 15, 2015 So, what do you do when your 7 year-olds don’t want to practice tendu, they want to saut de chat across the room like the beautiful ballerinas they saw in recital last year? I’ve had… Read More Why the Wait?
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
Progressing into Ballet Technique May 30, 2015 Teachers sometimes spend much of the year trying to figure out what should logically come next in their teaching. How can we know what they should be learning next? Moving through the natural movement sequences and into ballet technique happens… Read More Progressing into Ballet Technique
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
6 "Must Haves" for Teaching Ballet May 15, 2015 Not everyone can teach, and not everyone should. As I press on in my journey as a ballet instructor, I find the truths found in the “Level 1 Curriculum Book” to be so very pertinent and… Read More 6 "Must Haves" for Teaching Ballet
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
Training Your Dance Assistant March 6, 2015 Teachers have gone back and forth on this issue forever: Is it a good idea to use a teacher’s assistant in class? Some are like I was and would prefer that the teacher be the sole authority in… Read More Training Your Dance Assistant
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
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
Why the Rush? September 18, 2014 There is a prevalent acceptance in ballet studios these days of a sadly dangerous belief. I most definitely do not understand it, and I wish there were some way to gather all the moms, teachers, and studio owners together… Read More Why the Rush?