Clik here to view.
Children and Dance
Photo by Leslie Duss Throughout my career as a teacher I have had the opportunity and the pleasure to work with very young dancers. I’ve enjoyed being able to spark imaginations and encourage little...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Space: Inside, Outside and Through
I am happy to introduce Stacey Pepper Schwartz as a new columnist here at Dance Advantage. You may recall that we featured Stacey’s DVD, Up Down & All Around on the blog recently. During our...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Teaching Dynamics: It’s All In The Effort
I sat on the front steps. I watched. The rain came down. The ground got soft. I stood up and jumped in the puddle. I went into the house with wet clothes. Not such an exciting story. I gave you the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Bringing Native American Dance into the Classroom for Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, there is no better time to bring cultural dance into the classroom or Native American culture into the studio! It is important that children understand that Native...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Preparing Little Dancers For The World of Clara and Beyond
I have never performed in The Nutcracker. I have never worn a tutu and am fascinated with the ones that stick straight out. I have taken pointe class. It was in college and I was 19 years old. I never...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Convincing Parents to Value the Creative Dance Process
If you’ve ever taught creative dance, or concept-based movement to children, you’ve probably encountered parents who just don’t seem to “get it.” A room full of children improvising, imagining they are...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Teacher’s Top Three: Learning Fun and Games
Caroline Creggan has been a qualified dance teacher for two years and is principal of her own dance school. Caroline Creggan Dance School (C.C.D.S) is based in Northern Ireland. In it’s second year,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Tips for Teaching Toddlers Accompanied By Adults: Part 1
The favorite part of my week is teaching creative movement to my littlest students. I have taught 1 and 2 year olds for five years and have crafted a class that is progressive, creative, and fun for...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Performance Formula: Successfully Showcasing Young Dancers
Growing up, my favorite weekend of the year was recital weekend. Since I lived in a small town, my recital was 45 minutes away. My family would pack up the car and stay the weekend in a hotel. Those...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Why You Should Jump, Play, And Roll On The Floor With Your Students
Have you ever counted how many times you get down on the floor and get back up in one 45 minute class? I have, and it’s close to 15 times. 15 times! 15 x 6 classes a day = 90! That’s a lot of up and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Celebrate Birthdays With Creative Dance
Princess Ballerina? Gymnastics? Sports? Ice Skating? Art? Soccer? So many choices for birthday parties these days. Right? Why not creative movement? For whatever reason, this year I have been asked to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
“I Hate Dance;” Finding Common Ground
Right before break, a fifth grade boy chose not to participate at all in my 30 minute class. At all. We had a familiar conversation that ended with him saying, “I hate dance. I am never going to dance...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Growing “Thinking Dancers” in Preschool Classes
A grandma came to watch her granddaughter in class a few weeks ago and on her way out she commented to Amelia. “Amelia, you did so much thinking and dancing in your class. I really enjoyed watching...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Review: Music For Movement and Imaginations Volume Two by Richard Maddock
Dance Class Music for Ballet and Creative Movement (Children 3 and up) In 2009, I published my first official class music review and giveaway on Dance Advantage. After receiving the album, Richard...
View Article
