Embrace the Summer: Dancers Ready to Shine
School’s out for the summer, and that means dancers are gearing up for an exciting season of growth and exploration. Summer is the perfect time for dancers to dive into various camps, intensives, and training sessions, making the most of the break to elevate their skills.
During these summer months, dancers ramp up their training, pushing themselves to new heights. It’s a time to experiment with fresh styles and techniques, expanding their repertoire and discovering new passions. Master classes offer the chance to learn from the best in the field, gaining invaluable insights and inspiration.
In addition to honing their skills, dancers spend the summer months learning new choreography and preparing for the upcoming season. The intensive training and diverse experiences ensure they are ready to shine when the new dance year begins.
So, as the sun shines brightly, so do our dedicated dancers, ready to embrace every opportunity summer brings!
Summer brings a shift in teaching schedules, and I’m excited to share my summer teaching plans along with some resources and helpful tips to help you navigate a busy summer teaching season.
During the school year, I am a full-time dance educator at a public elementary school while also teaching part-time at a dance studio. Summer offers a refreshing change of pace, giving me a break from the school system while allowing me to ramp up my guest teaching and studio commitments.
This summer, I’ll be teaching at two different studios. In June, I’ll be instructing a diverse age group (6-16 years old) in a beginner/intermediate ballet, yoga, and dance history class. As a guest teacher at this camp, my initial focus will be on getting to know the students and their learning styles. This four-week camp will culminate in a performance where I’ll choreograph a ballet piece.
Here’s a look at my weekly schedule:
Enhancing Dance History Lessons with Dance Ed Tips
As a part of the four-week camp I am teaching at this summer, I incorporate dance history into my curriculum. One of my go-to resources is Dance Ed Tips, a fantastic platform that helps me create engaging and informative lesson plans. During the school year, my district provides a membership to Dance Ed Tips, which offers a wealth of resources to help us build our lesson plans and curriculum. You can check out their offerings at Dance Ed Tips.
This summer, for my four-week program, I’ve chosen to focus on underrepresented Black dance artists. It’s been an enriching addition to my resources, allowing me to spotlight significant contributions to the dance world that often don’t receive enough attention.
Each class, we focus on a different artist, exploring their work and impact on dance history. Dance Ed Tips provides excellent extension exercises and worksheets, which make planning and teaching these lessons more manageable and impactful. The structured activities and insightful content from Dance Ed Tips do a lot of the heavy lifting, enabling me to deliver high-quality education while also fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among my students.
Using Dance Ed Tips has not only enhanced my teaching but also inspired my students by introducing them to a diverse range of influential dance artists. This focus on Black dance artists has brought new dimensions to our lessons, celebrating the richness and diversity of dance history.
Feel free to explore Dance Ed Tips for your own teaching needs, and let’s continue to bring more inclusivity and depth to our dance education!
Flexible Summer Training: Drop-In Classes at My Home Studio
In July, I’ll be teaching some drop-in classes at my home studio! Drop-in classes offer flexibility for students, allowing them to tailor their training to fit their summer schedules. Instead of committing to the same class every week, students can pick and choose sessions that work around other dance camps, family vacations, and various summer activities. This flexible approach ensures they can continue their dance education without missing out on summer fun.
Check out my schedule for these drop-in classes below.
Tips for a Successful Summer Teaching Season
Summer is a unique and rewarding time for dance teachers, offering opportunities to connect with students in new ways and focus on intensive training. Here are some tips to help you navigate the busy summer teaching season effectively.
1. Stay Organized
Managing multiple classes and studios can be challenging, so it’s crucial to stay organized. Keep a detailed schedule to ensure you’re aware of all your commitments and can manage your time efficiently. Use planners or digital calendars to track your teaching sessions, rehearsals, and personal time.
2. Get to Know Your Students
Spend the first few days of your summer programs getting to know your students. Learn about their strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. This knowledge will help you tailor your teaching approach to meet their individual needs and create a more supportive and effective learning environment.
3. Be Flexible
Summer programs often bring together students of various age groups and skill levels. Be prepared to adapt your teaching methods to accommodate these differences. Flexibility in your approach will ensure that all students benefit from the lessons and feel included.
4. Incorporate Fun Activities
Balance intensive training with enjoyable activities to keep students engaged and motivated. Incorporate games, creative exercises, and freestyle sessions into your lessons to make learning fun and dynamic. This balance helps maintain enthusiasm and prevents burnout.
5. Take Care of Yourself
Amidst a busy teaching schedule, it’s vital to prioritize self-care. Ensure you have time to rest and recharge to maintain your energy and enthusiasm. Encourage your students to do the same, emphasizing the importance of rest and cross-training over the summer to prevent injuries and promote overall well-being.
6. Plan for Recovery Time
Notice how my July schedule is much lighter than June? This intentional break gives my mind, body, and spirit some recovery time before jumping into the next season. As a dance teacher, make sure to schedule downtime for yourself. Taking a vacation or just some days off can make a significant difference in your overall well-being and performance.
7. Communicate Your Plans
When planning your summer schedule, communicate your availability and any planned time off with studio owners well in advance. This transparency helps manage expectations and allows for smooth scheduling adjustments. It also ensures you have the opportunity to rest and recharge without last-minute conflicts.
8. Focus on Nutrition and Hydration
Summer heat and rigorous training require special attention to nutrition and hydration. Make sure you stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to keep your energy levels up. Encourage your students to do the same by providing them with tips on healthy snacks and the importance of drinking water regularly, especially during intense training sessions.
9. Encourage Rest and Cross-Training for Students
While you should prioritize rest and cross-training for yourself, encourage your students to do the same. Advise them to take breaks, explore other forms of exercise, and maintain a balanced routine to support their overall health and performance.
By incorporating these tips into your summer teaching strategy, you can create a productive, enjoyable, and sustainable environment for both you and your students. Happy teaching!
Feel free to share your own summer teaching tips and experiences in the comments below. Let’s make this summer a season of growth and inspiration for our dance community!
Bye For now! Be Blessed
Love, Taylor
