Ellen Robbins’ modern dance classes for kids and teens are legendary in New York City. Robbins, who has been teaching kids how to dance since the 1970s (and whose pupils included the actresses Claire Danes and Julia Stiles), takes the standard recital model and turns it on its head. Her students—ranging in age from 8 […]
As a young ballet dancer, Peter LeBreton Merz would often get into trouble for taking his shoes off in school and picking up pencils with his toes. “I was born flat-footed,” says the current director of the Ballet West Academy. “I wanted my feet to get strong enough so I could sustain a full pointe.” […]
I am on summer break right now, and I am worried about losing some of the strength that I gained last year. Do you know of anything I can do during my time off to maintain my leg, back, core and arm strength? Is swimming good for strength training? Being on summer break is a […]
With some simple tweaks, you can follow in the footsteps of these savvy owners and save time, your sanity and, most importantly, money. Keep master class fees low. Any savvy studio owner knows that bringing in guest artists is a good idea, whether for two-hour master classes or a weekend spent choreographing recital or competition routines. […]
Seen & Heard At the Dance Teacher Summit Nancy Giles, fourth from left, with fellow DT Summit ambassadors Nancy Giles Owner Southern Strutt Irmo, South Carolina 600 students During 32 years as a studio owner, Nancy Giles has learned a lot about running a business, including how to handle parent drama and make time for […]
Seen & Heard At the Dance Teacher Summit Carole Royal Royal Dance Works Phoenix, AZ 500 students A studio owner for 33 years, Carole Royal has learned the hard way how to separate her passion for dance from her livelihood as a business owner. The four-time ambassador shares her experience and advice at the annual […]
Seen & Heard At the Dance Teacher Summit Donna Aravena Co-owner, Seven Star School of Performing Arts Brewster, NY 550 students Donna Aravena Seven Star students performing in The Nutcracker Donna Aravena has run the Seven Star School of Performing Arts studio with her daughter Nicole since 2002, and she has learned some important lessons […]
Seen & Heard At the Dance Teacher Summit Phyllis Balagna with a Steppin’ Out student and at the 2012 Dance Teacher Summit Phyllis Balagna Owner, Steppin’ Out—The Studio Lee’s Summit, Missouri 550 students After being a business owner for nearly 25 years, Phyllis Balagna was awarded 2011 Volunteer of the Year and Small Business of […]
Seen & Heard At the Dance Teacher Summit Jessica Scheitler combines her experience in bookkeeping and dance to help studio owners tackle their taxes. After studying dance in college, with minors in arts administration and math, Jessica Scheitler founded Financial Groove, dedicated to helping dance studios and entertainers with their bookkeeping. She spoke to studio […]
Seen & Heard At the Dance Teacher Summit Robin Dawn Ryan Owner, Robin Dawn Dance Academy Cape Coral, FL 350 students A dancer since age 2, Robin Dawn Ryan began competing before her 8th birthday and spent much of her adolescence logging additional training in circus arts. This DT Summit ambassador has been a successful […]