Exploring the Field of Dance Therapy: A Career That Moves the Body and Heals the Mind

Dance has always been more than just movement. For many, it’s a language of healing, a way to connect, express, and rebuild. That’s why careers in dance therapy have been gaining attention, especially as more people recognize the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of combining movement with psychology. If you’ve ever considered turning your passion …

Misty Copeland Announces Retirement: A Farewell to the Prima Who Changed the Game

It’s the end of an era, and what a powerful, graceful, and unapologetically bold era it’s been. On October 22, 2025, Misty Copeland will take her final bow with American Ballet Theatre at the David H. Koch Theater in New York City. The Fall Gala marks not just the end of her time as a …

Why Stage Directions and Ballet Corners Matter: How to Navigate the Stage with Confidence

A Lesson I Learned as a Young Dancer One of the first things that confused me as a young dancer wasn’t pirouettes, fouettés, or even petit allegro. It was… directions. I’ll never forget standing in a large studio while a choreographer called out, “Spot corner 1!” I froze. Corner 1? Where was that? I glanced …

Summer Dance Resources 2.0: How I’m Evolving My Approach This Year

Last summer, I shared an article about how to make the most of your summer teaching schedule as a dance educator. If you missed it, you can read it here: How to Make the Most Out of Your Summer Teaching Schedule. My core belief hasn’t changed. I still think summer should be a time to …

Ballet Terminology Scavenger Hunt: A Fun Summer Camp Activity

When you think of teaching ballet terminology, you might picture students lined up at the barre, carefully repeating each word after the teacher. But in a summer dance camp setting, there’s room to mix things up. One of my favorite ways to reinforce ballet terms while keeping students engaged and moving is with a Ballet …

Why Teaching Tap Dance History Matters: Honoring the Greats and Building a Well-Rounded Dance Education

When I first started teaching dance, I quickly realized how often students learn steps before they ever learn where those steps come from. I’ve made it a personal mission to weave history into my classes, not just because it enriches the experience, but because it connects dancers to a lineage much greater than themselves. Tap …

A vibrant picture dipicting a summer camp dance studio; sunlight streams through large windows illuminating a whiteboard filled with images and notes about Katherine Dunham and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Books on dance history are stacked neatly on a nearby table, surrounded by scattered dance shoes and colorful fabrics. The style should evoke a nostalgic, whimsical feel, with a warm color palette of sunny yellows, soft blues, and earthy browns. The overall composition should be balanced, with a focus on the details of the classroom setting. Words should overlay it Teaching Dance History at Summer Camp: How I Bring Legends Like Katherine Dunham and Bojangles to Life, with my website at the bottom myordededsteps.co

Teaching Dance History at Summer Camp: How I Bring Legends Like Katherine Dunham and Bojangles to Life

Every summer, I look forward to dance camp. It’s a chance to step outside the usual studio structure and get creative. This year, I’m especially excited because I’m teaching dance history, not just steps and choreography, but the stories behind the movement. I want our campers, ages 6 to 11, to leave with more than …

Using Your Voice as a Dance Teacher: A Powerful Tool for Classroom Management

I Didn’t Know My Voice Was a Superpower I didn’t fully understand the power of using your voice as a dance teacher until I began working in the public school system. Standing in front of twenty-five wiggly kindergarteners at 8:15 in the morning will teach you a thing or two about classroom management, fast. Over …

What Is Dance Science? Exploring the Degree, Careers

I love all things dance. From technique classes to choreography to performance, I’ve always felt at home in a studio. But over the past year, I’ve started diving deeper into the field behind the movement, what makes dancers perform at their best, stay injury-free, and train smarter. That curiosity led me to dance science. And …

Teaching Rhythm with Boomwhackers: Rhythm and Movement Lesson Plan

When I first introduced Boomwhackers to my kindergarten dance class, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d seen them used in music rooms and professional development workshops, but this was a room full of 5-year-olds who could barely keep their shoes on, let alone follow a rhythmic pattern. But something magical happened when we began …