Taylor Made by Faith
Growing up, I lived inside a ballet studio. The sound of pointe shoes on marley floors, the discipline of daily barre work, and the unwavering focus on technique shaped not only how I danced, but who I became. At the time, I thought every young dancer followed a similar path. Now, working at a vibrant …
As dance teachers, we pour countless hours into preparing our students for performances, polishing choreography, fitting costumes, and encouraging confidence. But one area that often gets overlooked until the last minute is backstage etiquette. Yet teaching this from the very beginning, even to your youngest dancers, is just as important as rehearsing the final bow. …
As dance teachers, we give so much of ourselves, our energy, our creativity, our patience to help our students grow. Whether you’re leading a beginner ballet class or coaching pre-professional dancers through performance season, there are moments when you might feel physically and emotionally drained. That’s when a few well-chosen words can rekindle your spark …
If you’re prepping for a summer dance intensive, you already know how exciting and slightly overwhelming it can be. From packing your dancewear to figuring out what’s actually essential, it’s easy to overthink what to bring (and what to leave at home). It’s been a while since I attended a summer intensive, but I still …
As a dance teacher, creative movement classes are some of my favorite classes to teach. Now, don’t get me wrong, they are definitely some of the most exhausting classes I teach, but they bring so much joy and light into my day. Honestly, they’re just fun. There’s something about the energy of preschoolers in a …
As a former public school dance educator who also teaches in the private studio setting I’ve taught in just about every classroom setting you can imagine—tiny elementary gymnasiums, middle school multipurpose rooms, and beautifully mirrored dance studios. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned across all these environments, it’s this: Getting your students’ attention quickly …
Thank a Dance Teacher Day: Celebrate the Heart Behind the Art on May 1st As a dance teacher myself, I know how much of this work is done behind the scenes, often with little recognition. We show up early to warm up the studio and stay late to talk to students after class. We hold …
You’ve probably heard the saying before:“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” But in the world of dance, it’s not just a catchy quote, it’s a reality. As someone who spent years in the studio, I’ve lived this truth. I was never the favorite. I didn’t have the best feet, the highest extensions, …
As a kid, I spent many summers in the dance studio working on my craft. Summers were filled with new choreography, extra rehearsals, and lots of water bottles and stretching. Now, as a parent and a dance educator, I understand the other side of the decision-making table. Summer can feel like a blank slate filled …
Every year in April, dancers and dance lovers around the world come together to celebrate International Day of Dance. This global celebration, established in 1982 by the International Dance Committee of the UNESCO International Theatre Institute, shines a spotlight on the art of dance, its power, its presence, and its purpose in every corner of …
