Play to Your Strengths as a Ballet Teacher
I grew up hearing a lot of "turn your weaknesses into strengths." I see the value in that. That philosophy is why we practice pirouettes on
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Geek Out, Don't Freak Out
The answer is out there somewhere--I just haven't found it yet
Sep 122 min
Effective Ballet Teacher Training Meetings
Teacher trainings are an important part of a well-organized ballet program. This sample agenda will help you plan meetings that are short...
Aug 292 min
Barre is Not the Most Important Part of Ballet Class
Barre work is helpful, but NOT the most important part of class. It comes first, but the work we do later has a much bigger impact on whole-
Aug 152 min
Simplifying Your To-Do List in Ballet Class
We've all been there. You're evaluating your teaching and the list of things you want to improve keeps getting longer and longer and longer
Jul 253 min
Clarity in Ballet Technique--Pirouette, part 2
Progressing pirouette includes what foot position you are starting from and finishing in. Here is a logical progression--although there are
Jun 203 min
When it Feels Like All You Do is Run Out of Time
Do you ever feel like your class is behind? Of course you do--we all do. But "behind" requires us to compare our class with someone else's
Jun 132 min
Teaching Steps v. Concepts in Ballet Class
Most ballet teachers cover the steps. But a top-quality ballet education needs to include steps and concepts--and not all
Jun 64 min
The Tender Hearts That Come With ADHD
People with ADHD are often hyper-sensitive to criticism. They aren't being dramatic--their brains genuinely react more strongly. So how can
May 163 min
What to Do When Your Students Finish the Year's Curriculum Before the End of the Year
Two different lesson plan models to help you best prioritize what you want to teach and what will best connect with your students.
May 96 min
Transforming Ballet Combinations from Drills to Dancing
Some teachers are really gifted at creating combinations that feel like choreography but also contain needed repetition. For the rest of us,
Mar 214 min
Creating a Sneak Peak of Future Success in Ballet Class
Another great idea from Daniel Coyle's book The Culture Code is the idea of Sneak Previews to help build images of success for your students
Mar 83 min
Tips for Teaching Adult Beginning Ballet, part 2
I'm sure he didn't mean to, but Kurt Cobain perfectly summed up my approach to adult beginning ballet: "Come, as you are, as you were As...
Feb 293 min
Tips for Teaching Beginning Adult Ballet, part 1
I love teaching adult classes! It's a completely different vibe from kids and teens. Adult classes are gaining in popularity (yay! Ballet...
Feb 152 min
The First Suggestion I Give When Teaching Ballet Class (usually)
I love getting to guest teach! I am always very excited to share what I can and I always leave inspired by the wonderful dancing I was...
Feb 93 min