Taylor Made by Faith
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, …
Motherhood has taught me more about grace, resilience, and flexibility than any plié or port de bras ever could. And somehow, being a dance teacher has made room for all of it. In honor of Mother’s Day, I want to share a little of what it looks like to balance motherhood and a career in …
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 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 …
“What’s the point of dance?”“If my child isn’t going to be a professional dancer, why am I pouring money into all of this?” I hear these questions all the time, from parents, from well-meaning family members, even from other educators. Let me tell you something as a dancer who received a scholarship to college. Not …
Do you ever find yourself saying things like, “Kids just aren’t the same anymore,” or “Back in my day, we would never get away with that”? If you’re a dance teacher, chances are you’ve had those moments, watching students yawn during barre, chew gum in the middle of pliés, or check their smartwatches while you’re …
Recital season is an exciting yet hectic time for dance teachers, parents, and dancers alike. From coordinating schedules to ensuring every leotard and shoe is in place, preparation is key to making recital day a success. Whether you’re a dance teacher organizing a seamless performance, a parent managing a busy recital weekend, or a dancer …
Have you ever noticed how quickly children pick up skills when they’re learning together? Whether they’re figuring out a new playground game, mimicking a dance move from a friend, or practicing a technique in class, collaborative learning for children helps them grow. As a dance teacher who has worked in public schools, preschools, afterschool programs, …
There’s something undeniably special about Saturday morning ballet class. It’s not just the pink tights, the soft leather ballet slippers, or the adorable bags shaped like oversized ballet shoes. It’s the tradition, the ritual, and the nostalgia that swirl together, creating cherished memories that linger long after childhood. For me, the journey began in the …
As dancers, we know that our art demands not only grace and technique but also strength, endurance, and balance. Cross-training is one of the best ways to build these qualities, ensuring we perform at our peak while reducing the risk of injury. In this article, we’ll explore ten effective cross-training exercises tailored for dancers, share …
