Deep Dives, Not Overwhelm

I don't think there's a magic trick that will automatically get every student to maintain turnout in piqué turns. It's just attention to det

Teaching adult beginners requires constant modification and flexibility. Learn how to adapt everything from grand pliés to grand allegro for mature bodies, handle mixed-level classes, and create 'choose your own adventure' options. From somatic awareness advantages to balance considerations, master the art of keeping adult ballet welcoming while challenging.

Creating a welcoming adult ballet class means embracing Kurt Cobain's wisdom: 'Come as you are.' Learn how to build judgment-free classroom culture, handle irregular attendance, and focus on experience over perfection. From flexible dress codes to 'choose your own adventure' modifications, discover how to make adult beginners feel truly welcome in ballet class.

Starting an adult beginner ballet class? These proven strategies help you navigate the unique challenges of teaching mature students. From modified class structure to alternative exercises for limited jumping, learn how to create welcoming, age-appropriate classes that keep adult dancers coming back for more.

Confused about why ballet calls everything 'battement' when it means 'beating'? I was too until I discovered this game-changing definition: the legs aren't beating against anything - they're showing the musical beat. Learn how this revelation transforms teaching from tendu through advanced batterie, plus practical metronome exercises to help students master rhythm and movement connection.

After years of guest teaching, I've discovered one correction that transforms posture, releases tension, and improves turnout all at once. 'Imagine your hip bones as balloons and let them float upwards towards your ribcage' - this research-backed technique from Lulu Sweigard's 9 Lines of Movement replaces force with gentle effectiveness. Learn why this simple cue works better than traditional 'grip and hold' corrections.

Having one of those teaching days where everything feels blah? You're not alone. Whether your students are unmotivated or YOU'RE the one struggling with energy, these practical strategies will help you maintain standards while shaking things up. From facing different walls to switching class order, discover simple ways to reignite engagement without lowering expectations.

Tired of being told to throw pizza parties to build classroom community? As an introvert, I've discovered research-backed ways to create belonging in ballet class without draining your energy. Learn practical strategies that work with your natural teaching style - from meaningful roll call questions to student-generated imagery - that build genuine connection without the party planning stress.

Feeling like you never have enough class time? You're not alone! Learn how to strategically prioritize ballet training using the 'feeding a toddler' approach - identifying your 'water' (non-negotiable elements), planning 'fruits and veggies' (turns and jumps), and creating systematic monthly nutrition instead of stressing about daily perfection. Transform time constraints from frustration into strategic opportunity.

Think plié is just bending your knees? This common oversimplification is causing the gripping, shallow pliés, and hip flexor pain you see in your students. Discover why plié actually involves three joints working as a team, plus practical teaching strategies to transform your students' most fundamental movement into beautiful, tension-free ballet technique."

My own ballet training included controlling, unrealistic teachers - but being 'nice' to avoid that trauma isn't the answer either. Here's how research helped me discover the difference between honest, loving feedback and harmful teaching practices, plus two actionable changes that elevated my classroom culture.

Should 4-year-olds face advancement requirements in ballet class? Research on child development and the Relative Age Effect reveals why traditional testing undermines joy and creates unfair advantages. Learn why the Geeky Ballerina curriculum prioritizes developmental appropriateness over formal evaluations, and discover practical guidelines for making advancement decisions that support every young dancer's success. A: In the beginning division of the Geeky

After reading Daniel Coyle's 'The Culture Code,' I discovered three essential pillars that separate engaging ballet instruction from forgettable classes. Learn how clearly communicating your class priorities, over-stating expectations, and explicitly connecting today's work to students' goals can transform reluctant dancers into motivated learners.

When my tried-and-true teaching approach fell flat with a new group of students, I didn't panic - I turned to research. Here's how educational theory guided me to a solution that transformed apathetic dancers into engaged participants, while maintaining my commitment to inclusive classroom practices.