To a certain subset of the New York City dance community, Gail Accardi is known as the Body Whisperer. For her part, Accardi calls her work “creative physical problem solving.” Whether she’s leading her Anatomy Awareness class for dancers, substitute-teaching Simonson Technique, or working with a private client one-on-one, Accardi has a clear vision: “I […]
During seated stretches, I encourage my students to sit straight on their sits bones and then fold forward at the hips—even if they don’t go forward very far. One student tells me that if she sits as I instruct, she can’t reach forward at all. Why? Whenever you see a student slouch or sit on […]
“When we come together and start talking, everyone starts sharing so much and it’s just great. That’s my favorite thing to do all year long.” —Denise Wall, Dance Teacher Summit Ambassador For years the Dance Teacher Summit has been offering opportunities for studio owners and dance instructors of all levels to work with world-renowned faculty […]
My daughter’s ballet teachers have been telling her to straighten her legs more—particularly in arabesque—but she swears they’re as straight as she can make them. Do you know how we can help this? Sometimes knees won’t straighten due to injury, like a meniscal tear or swelling caused by trauma or arthritis. To test if this […]
Seems impossible to imagine summer from within frigid January, but it is indeed time to begin making plans—whether competition nationals, teacher training or preparing for your own in-house summer program. The 2012 Dance Teacher Summer Study Guide (page 60) is full of options for teachers as well as students. Whether you’re helping your advanced dancers […]