Taylor Made by Faith
When I first stepped into the world of teaching in the school system as a dance educator, I never imagined how much my teaching space or lack of it would impact how I taught, connected with my students, or maintained classroom culture. Over the years, I’ve taught dance from a cart, in multipurpose rooms, and …
Teaching dance in elementary school can be a joyful, fun, and creative experience, but let’s be real: it can also feel overwhelming without a clear framework. That’s why the 5 Elements of Dance Body, Action, Space, Time, and Energy is such a great tool. They offer structure, flexibility, and a language both you and your …
When most people think of Black dance in America, the name Alvin Ailey often rises to the top and rightfully so. Ailey’s work created a legacy that brought African American stories to the concert dance stage in a way that hadn’t been done before. His company opened doors. But as a Black dancer and educator …
When I first started teaching dance, I thought my role would stay within the walls of the studio helping students learn to plié, chasse, and leap with confidence. What I didn’t expect was how often I’d get messages from parents and classroom teachers saying, “She’s focusing better in school,” or “He’s finally remembering how to …
I still remember the moment the difference hit me. I had just finished teaching a third-grade dance class at a public elementary school. We were exploring storytelling through movement, and one student who had never taken a dance class before used stomps and claps to show the sound of thunder in her routine. That same …
The Role of Art in Social Change: How Dance Moves Movements When I think about the power of dance, I don’t just think about technique or performance. I think about history. I think about identity. I think about how movement has always been a voice, especially when words have fallen short or been ignored. For …
I remember working the desk at Atlanta Ballet as the receptionist one of my first gigs out of college as I watched one of my tiniest students walk into the studio on shaky legs, her oversized ballet bag dragging behind her. She clung to her mom’s hand, wide-eyed and unsure. By the end of class, …
As a dance teacher, there are days when the studio feels like home, filled with music, movement, and purpose. And then there are days when the pressure builds, choreography deadlines, classroom challenges, burnout creeping in. Over the years, I’ve learned that one of the simplest yet most powerful tools to protect my mindset is affirmations. …
When I first heard the news that Misty Copeland was retiring, I had to sit with it for a moment. Misty isn’t just a ballerina to me, she’s a symbol of what’s possible. For years, I watched her redefine ballet on her own terms, pushing past gatekeepers and barriers that weren’t designed with her in …
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 …
