As a longtime open-class teacher in New York City, Emily Bufferd has worked with dancers of every skill level. Whether someone is a working professional, a young child just discovering movement, or an adult who hasn’t taken class in decades, her philosophy is the same: Everybody is a dancer. And Bufferd is there to help […]
With restrictions on large gatherings still in place in many parts of the country, finding a way to keep classes running is very much at the top of studio owners’ minds. While hundreds have taken to online platforms like Zoom to stay in business during the pandemic, some are finding that as social distancing guidelines […]
In a contemporary dance class at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, instructor Kira Blazek Ziaii gives a stationary exercise inspired by Countertechnique, the movement system developed by Anouk van Dijk. By directing parts of the body away from each other in space, dancers learn to work with an ever-changing dynamic balance. […]
Relocating your work routine from the dance studio to your home can pose some serious challenges (after all, the bedroom isn’t exactly the ideal setting for teaching grand allégro). So, if you’re struggling to find your groove in the virtual classroom, know that (1) You’re not alone, and (2) You’re on a steep learning curve […]
Teachers from coast to coast are pushing students to move outside the constraints of popular music. There is a consensus that the earlier you introduce varied musical forms, the more adept and adaptable a dancer’s musicality will be. New York–based jazz scholar and teacher Melanie George notices that many students’ relationships to music can be […]
It’s December, people! That means it’s time to put together your wish list for this holiday season. We did some brainstorming and came up with the best possible dance teacher list we could think of. Every dance teacher/studio owner can relate! Let us know what else you’re asking for! XOXO! 1. Dancers who are prepared […]
Q: I’ve made the transition from ballet to modern and have noticed an alarming decrease in ankle stability when on relevé. I assume this is due to a loss of ankle strength. What kinds of exercises are best for strengthening my ankles to alleviate this problem? A: Modern dance often asks you to control your […]
Q: My 13-year-old daughter has always been flexible, but last year she suffered an acute injury to her hip flexor from an overstretch position. Since then I have told her not to participate in over-splits or other extreme positions. Is that the right thing to do? A: You are right to caution her. There is […]
Marshall Davis Jr.’s introduction to tap dance began at 10 years old at African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, where his father is director, in Miami, Florida. Training began in sneakers and dress shoes that Davis Jr. did his best to get sound out of. “My father was reluctant to invest in tap shoes, because he […]
Reviewing a simple recording of your voice when you’re teaching can help you hear how you sound to your students. Taking the time to play back your instructions, corrections and compliments throughout class will help you find any weak spots as well as recognize some of your strengths. It’s a great technique to help you […]