Deep Dives, Not Overwhelm: My Collection of Teaching Insights

The summer slump is real - but it doesn't have to be a free fall. Discover the science behind technique loss and practical strategies to help dancers maintain their progress while still enjoying vacation time.

Developing ballet turnout is a delicate balance. Push too hard and dancers get hurt; don't challenge enough and they never reach potential. Here are the systematic signs that guide safe turnout development.

Confused students, conflicting teaching methods, and spinning wheels in ballet class? The problem isn't your curriculum - it's unclear priorities. Here's how to set and communicate clear ballet teaching goals.

Should you teach Cecchetti AND Vaganova? Most studios think more styles = better training. Here's why focusing on one method actually accelerates progress and creates cleaner technique in your dancers.

As children mature, the shift from "baby ballet" into "big kid ballet" can take some of them by surprise. There are steps teachers can take

Should you teach pirouette in cou-de-pied or retiré first? Learn why starting with cou-de-pied prevents lifted hip problems while building core strength. Discover systematic progression that creates technically correct pirouettes and maintains diversity in advanced training.

When should you start teaching pirouettes? Learn systematic progression from Beginning Division spins to Elementary en dehors/en dedans. Discover why teaching one direction first, coordinating across genres, and organizing turns by class (not unit) creates faster student progress.

Students begging to learn advanced steps they saw on TikTok? Learn how to turn student requests into systematic skill-building opportunities. Discover the 'building blocks instead of no' approach that keeps students motivated while maintaining curriculum integrity and technical progression.

Teaching individual ballet steps without underlying concepts leaves students confused and struggling. Discover the missing link in ballet pedagogy: how to connect vocabulary to foundational concepts so students understand WHY steps work. Learn systematic approaches that create spiraling momentum in learning and help students progress naturally.

Tired of toxic dance studio culture? This elite studio had zero trophies on display but created an environment where dancers are 'smart, kind, and hard-working.' Learn how celebrating dancers instead of wins, focusing on character traits, and clear values create the culture that actually produces excellence.

Overwhelmed by ballet student assessments? Learn why focusing on a few foundational expectations works better than comprehensive testing. Discover how strategic advancement requirements indicate readiness, simplify evaluations, and provide clear feedback to students and parents about progress and placement decisions.

Think systematic ballet curriculum is only for large studios? Think again! Small studios face unique enrollment challenges, but that doesn't mean you can't implement structured, age-appropriate training. Learn practical strategies for combining levels, adapting programming for different studio types, and maintaining educational integrity even when you can't fill every single level.