Articles

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

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

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

Dancing with Partner Cards

December 14, 2015

Ever had issues in your pre-ballet classes with students who always choose the same partner? For many ballet students, the experience of class is a very social one that can shape who they become. Not being chosen as… Read More

Dancing with Partner Cards

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

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

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

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