Incorporating these different types of play into dance class doesn’t just teach kids how to dance—it helps them develop key social and emotional skills that will last a lifetime. Dance encourages children to express themselves, collaborate with others, and understand their own feelings. Plus, the physical benefits of dance contribute to better brain function and overall well-being.
Read MoreAs a preschool dance teacher, you're tasked with guiding young learners through a world of movement, rhythm, and expression. You have a unique opportunity to plant the seeds of creativity, coordination, and confidence in your little dancers. But before you dive into the lesson planning process, there's a critical step that often gets overlooked.
Read MoreAs dance educators, we all want to help our students grow and develop their technique from a young age. However, there’s an important aspect of early dance training that is often overlooked: the developmental readiness of young children for certain poses and movements. One such movement is the arabesque.
Read MoreWhen you understand child development, so many things change in your children’s dance classes. I can remember when I first started teaching preschool dance. I expected to go in and teach a mini ballet class. I thought my students would stand in lines, wait their turns, and work hard just like my older students had. Boy, was I in for a surprise!
Read MoreI think as teachers, many of us have our favorite ways to begin a preschool dance class. We bring our students into the classroom, mark the role sheet, then what?
Read MoreToday I want to give you a few quick tips for teaching tots—on helping your students wait for their turn during travelling exercises.
Read MorePlanning transitions for preschool dance classes is one of those things that can be easily forgotten in a dance class. BUT, if you teach toddlers or preschoolers, I don’t need to tell you what you already know: transitions will make or break your classes.
Read MoreWhen it comes to teaching turnout in ballet, there are many schools of thought on when to begin teaching turnout, how much turnout a student should be able to maintain while dancing, and when to introduce what positions.
Read MoreYou’ve likely heard the term “BrainDance” before, but what exactly is a BrainDance? And does it differ for toddlers and preschoolers when compared with older children?
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