Taylor Made by Faith
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 …
In the world of dance education, it’s easy to pour everything you have into your students. From long rehearsal hours to weekend competitions, private lessons, and planning choreography, dance teachers often give so much of themselves without stopping to check in on their own well-being. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty …
“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 …
Whether you’re new to ballet or have been dancing for years, mastering proper foot alignment in ballet class is one of the most important, yet sometimes often overlooked fundamentals. And it starts at the bottom: your arches. Improper alignment doesn’t just look off; it can lead to injuries that disrupt your training, strain your joints, …
When I worked as a dance teacher in the public school system, one thing that constantly surprised me was how many people, including other educators didn’t realize that dance has state and national standards, just like every other subject in school. Even today, while I continue teaching in the private studio setting, I find myself …
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 …
