A few years ago, Mary Ann Lamb got a phone call from Ann Reinking, who was choreographing a production of The Visit starring Chita Rivera. Lamb was thrilled when Reinking offered her the role of Young Claire without even asking for an audition. “And then she said, ‘In the first act, you’re going to play […]
In Antoine Hunter’s jazz class, students inevitably pick up sign language just by virtue of being his student. Though he doesn’t typically incorporate ASL into his class combos, this dynamic phrase, which is one of his favorites, includes four signs: “heart,” ” re,” “gone” and “deaf.” How Antoine Hunter Teaches an Urban Jazz Center-Phrase With […]
“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 […]
We’ve all been there—sitting in a classroom full of screaming students we have completely lost control of. Our throats are hoarse from yelling, we are emotionally exhausted and we haven’t even gotten to center yet! How do we recover from such mahem?? Never fear—Dance Teacher is coming in clutch on this one. Here’s a list […]
Searching for a beau to love on this Valentine’s Day, teachers? Look no further than your very own studio. Check out these 12 signs your studio is ACTUALLY your Valentine this year (and every year).👇 1. It’s the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning, and the last thing you […]
Is it OK to include running, leisurely walking or speed walking in an advanced/professional ballerina’s exercise routine? Absolutely! Advanced and professional dancers know the importance of cardiovascular fitness. Running, speed walking, swimming, Nordic tracking and the elliptical (my personal favorite) are all OK cross-training options for elite dancers. I don’t necessarily advise dancers to run […]
Since getting my first pair of pointe shoes, I’ve noticed that my left ankle is much stronger than my right ankle, and my right knee is slightly bent when I’m on full pointe. Do you have any advice for how I can fix these problems? When someone says they have a habit of bending one […]
When Tracie Stanfield teaches contemporary class at Broadway Dance Center, she often includes choreographed stretch combinations. Dancers might move from a contraction into a lateral bend and then to a cambré back, before repeating it all on the other side. “I try to maximize their range of motion,” says Stanfield. “It’s my responsibility to get […]
It may be difficult to believe, now that Marko Germar is a “So You Think You Can Dance” favorite, but the beloved all-star almost didn’t make the show. He was cut twice during the preliminary Vegas week in Seasons 5 and 7. But he ultimately gave the opportunity one last shot—and clinched the top 20 […]
“I worked my whole life to be a dancer,” says Matt Dorame Warner, co-director of Creative Arts Academy’s Touring Company in Bountiful, Utah. “I danced more hours than a lot of kids did anything else. So now as a teacher, I expect the same amount of professionalism and respect for dance from my students.” To […]