Video of the Month: Shaping the Next Generation
December 2, 2013

Congratulations to Joffrey Ballet School (JBS), the latest Editors’ Choice winner for Dance Teacher’s Video of the Month!

In this video, JBS teachers from the New York City–based program (including summer intensive guest faculty members Maria Kowroski, principal with New York City Ballet, and Dwight Rhoden, artistic director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet) share their thoughts on the importance of exposing dancers to a variety of styles and teaching classically trained dancers to use their bodies in different ways.

Davis Robertson, artistic director of JBS’ performing ensemble Joffrey Concert Group, has the task of selecting the program’s guest artists. A former principal with Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet, Robertson keeps a keen eye out for the best opportunities for his students. “I look at the knowledge teachers have to offer in terms of their own training and how it relates to what the dancers are learning here,” he says. It’s an added benefit when guest teachers can offer professional opportunities, as well. Rhoden, for example, went on to hire two students he met at JBS.

When finding your own guest teachers, Robertson suggests using ready-made studio connections. “Stay in contact with all of your alums,” he says. “The dance world is so small that if you have one student who becomes a professional, that one can put you in touch with a hundred other professionals from a wide range of schools and abilities.”

Want to build buzz about your studio, workshop or class? Posting videos to the Dance Teacher Video of the Month Contest is quick, easy and free—and it’s a great way to get noticed. If your video is selected as Editors’ Choice, you’ll be featured on this page, and you’ll win a free one-year subscription to DT! Don’t miss out on a great opportunity—visit dancemedia.com, share your videos and vote for your favorites. Any and all kinds of dance are welcome.

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