Why Study Dance

Why study Dance?

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Dance engages the mind, body and spirit and provides opportunities for the development of physical, expressive, “critical, imaginative, appreciative and perceptive abilities” (Bannon & Sanderson 2000). Students develop Continue reading

Teaching Pirouettes

All City Opera's production of Cinderella
All City Opera’s production of Cinderella

I teach a lot of pirouettes from 5th position because, as my theory goes (and you’re welcome to weigh in), a pirouette is a balance that turns. Therefore, you must find that balance over the supporting leg first. At an advanced level, Continue reading

The Changing Face of American Dance

I live in the American heartland and much of the dance instruction is not what those of us on this forum grew up with. However, the major companies of this country are hiring students Continue reading

The Real Reason I Teach Young People

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The real reason I teach ballet isn’t to create ballet dancers. My students DO learn the best skills – don’t get me wrong. I am a professional teacher and I take my work very seriously. But there are few jobs Continue reading