Teacher Wellness, Studio Safety, and More This October
There’s something especially energizing about October. The new school year is underway, studios are settling into their rhythms, and teachers are deep in the work of teaching and inspiring their students.
In that spirit, this month marks the debut of a new column, Warm Up With…, where we’ll learn how our fellow educators prepare their bodies and minds before they start their teaching day. First up is Ballet Tech’s artistic director, Dionne Figgins, who gives us a glimpse into her Pilates practice and the role it plays in her own preparation.
Later this month, we’re also exploring how teachers can help students avoid fizzling out onstage; spending time with Juilliard’s dean and director of the dance divison, Melissa Toogood, as she shares her approach to music in the studio; and offering advice for higher-ed professionals on teaching nondance majors.
Finally, we hope you’ll join us in New York City on October 14 to honor Jacqulyn Buglisi, Archie Burnett, Zvi Gotheiner, Sheela Ramanath, and Lynn Simonson at the 2026 Dance Teacher Awards. RSVP here—we’d love to see you there!
With excitement,
Reanne Rodrigues
rrodrigues@dancemedia.com
