Taylor Made by Faith
There’s something so special about the way a room full of elementary school students transforms when the music starts. One moment they’re squirming on their spots, and the next they’re leaping, twirling, and expressing feelings they didn’t have words for. Early in my teaching career, I realized that if I wanted to help my students …
When I taught in the school system, cross-curricular lessons were some of my favorite lessons to teach. They allowed me to bridge the gap between movement and academics in a way that helped all students, especially kinesthetic learners grasp new concepts with excitement and confidence. My favorite lesson of all time was the Chicka Chicka …
Picture this: the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow through the stained-glass windows of an old Southern chapel. Guests hush as the soft swell of a string quartet fills the room. And then, instead of the traditional flower girl tossing petals down the aisle, a ballerina glides forward, spinning delicately on pointe, each …
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 …
When I think about the trajectory of my life, it’s hard to imagine where I’d be without the arts. Dance wasn’t just a childhood hobby, it was my safe space, my outlet, and ultimately, the reason I received a college scholarship. That opportunity opened doors I never imagined, and now, as a dance educator and …
One of the most common questions I’ve seen online, and one I get asked pretty often is:“If I start ballet as an adult, or return to class after a long time, can I ever go on pointe?” It’s a fair question. Pointe shoes seem like the pinnacle of ballet training, something reserved for dancers who’ve …
There’s something magical about Mommy and Me, or Parent and Me, dance classes. The little ones are just beginning to explore their bodies, their environment, and their bond with their parent or caregiver. As a teacher, this has always been one of my favorite class types to lead. With ages ranging from 18 months to …
As someone who has spent years teaching dance in both public school settings and private studios, I can tell you: the environment you teach in shapes everything. From your lesson plan structure to how you manage the room, what your students expect to learn, and even how you define success, it all shifts depending on …
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. …
