Women in Leadership in the Dance World: Celebrating Alicia Graf Mack’s Historic Appointment In the dance world, where artistry meets leadership, women are stepping into prominent roles, breaking barriers, and shaping the future of the field. One such trailblazer is Alicia Graf Mack, who has recently been appointed Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance …
Is Majorette Dance Appropriate for Young Dancers?
Should Young Kids Learn Majorette Dance?Majorette dance has captivated audiences for decades, particularly through the vibrant performances of HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) dance teams. Known for its high energy, charisma, and confidence, majorette dance is a powerful art form that holds a significant cultural legacy. But as the style gains popularity in youth …
Dance Class Lesson Plan: Holidays Around the World
Grade Level: K-5Duration: 5 days (45-minute sessions)Objective: Students will explore holiday traditions from various cultures through dance, culminating in a final project showcasing different holiday-inspired dance movements. Supplies GA State Dance Standards Lesson Overview Day 1: Introduction to Holidays Around the WorldDay 2: Exploring Movement – Diwali and IndiaDay 3: Exploring Movement – Hanukkah and …
Once a Dancer, Always a Dancer: Embracing the Dancer Within
To all the dancers who have stepped away from the studio, hung up their pointe shoes, or traded in their leotards—this one is for you. I have so many friends I’ve trained with, from those early days as a little kid to college and even the professional world, who eventually decided to move on from …
The Best Holiday Gift Ideas for Teachers: Dance Teacher Edition
It’s almost that time of year again! As both a dance teacher and a dance mom, I know the holiday season can be a challenging one when it comes to teacher gifting. For parents, it’s not just about picking out gifts for family and friends—there’s a long list of teachers, coaches, and mentors who play …
Are Private Dance Lessons Worth the Money?
Private dance lessons can be a significant investment, and many parents and dancers wonder if they’re really worth the cost. Private lessons can offer focused attention, personalized feedback, and the chance to grow as a dancer at a faster pace. But before diving in, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and decide if …
How to Encourage Your Frustrated, Flustered, and Overwhelmed Dance Students
One of the hardest things for me as a teacher and educator is watching my students get frustrated in class. I design my lessons to push them and challenge them, but my goal is never to discourage. Dance should be a source of joy, growth, and confidence. When I see a student feeling frustrated, flustered, …
The Best Holiday Gifts for the Dancer in Your Life
The holidays are upon us, and as the proud parent of a 4-year-old dancer, I’ve been thinking a lot about what dance-inspired gifts might end up under our tree. There’s nothing quite like seeing your little dancer light up when they unwrap something that fuels their passion. And with a few other kids, friends, and …
A Conversation of Grace and Grit: Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell on Dance, Determination, and Life’s Unexpected Turns
There’s a unique energy that comes with hearing two icons of dance connect over shared experiences, ambitions, and life’s surprising turns. Recently, Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, the esteemed Artistic Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and former Principal Dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, sat down with the equally inspiring Alicia Graf Mack for an insightful …
50 Inspiring Nutcracker Dance Quotes to Spark Holiday Magic
The Nutcracker signals the holiday season like nothing else. For me, this timeless ballet has always been a core part of my Christmas traditions. Whether I was a young student dancing in the production, a professional performer on stage, or working behind the scenes rehearsing young dancers, The Nutcracker has been a beautiful and inspiring …