Explore every episode of the podcast The Casual Dance Teacher's Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incorporating Visualizations for Technical Advancement with Heather Jean Wilson | 18 Sep 2026 | 00:28:35 | |
Heather Jean Wilson is the creator of the "Grunt if you Understand" method, which applies hundreds of powerful visual cues to help students achieve ballet mastery. On today's episode, we chat about her process for creating and teaching these visualizations, who can benefit from them, big wins from little changes in the classroom, and much more! Visit Heather's Website to Learn More, Here www.CasualDanceTeacher.com | |||
| What Do I Include in Ballet Barre for Casual Dance Students?! | 04 Sep 2026 | 00:19:23 | |
Ballet Barre can be a challenging subject if you're a teacher who only sees your ballet students for an hour or two a week. While it's an important foundation for ballet technique, there's simply not time to include a traditional "full" ballet barre in every ballet class or curriculum. While I believe there can be many successful approaches to this, here is how I strategize what to include in ballet barre for my casual dance students, and how to structure my classes to make sure that barre is incorporated but not dominant. Refer to the Curriculum Planning Episode Here Download the Curriculum Planning Guide for FREE and Learn More Here: | |||
| Building a Dance Program for Homeschoolers with Joli Drain | 21 Aug 2026 | 00:27:12 | |
Have you ever thought about offering dance program specifically for homeschool families? Today's guest, Joli Drain, has built multiple programs geared towards the homeschool community, and today she shares her experience working with this demographic, the benefits to working with homeschool families, how to tap into this market, how she's set her programs apart from potential competition, and more! Learn more about Ms. Joli's Cottage School of Fine Arts Here www.CasualDanceTeacher.com | |||
| Welcome to Season 3 - plus 5 Things I do Before the Start of EVERY new Dance Season! | 07 Aug 2026 | 00:11:42 | |
Welcome to Season 3 of The Casual Dance Teacher's Podcast! I'm kicking us off with a couple "housekeeping" points for the upcoming season; then launching right in to the part you're all here for - practical tips! Today I'm taking you through the 5 things I make sure to do before the start of any new dance season. Listen and get ready for the upcoming dance season with me! Links to Episodes mentioned: | |||
| Season 2 Finale - My Biggest Teaching Takeaway | 17 Apr 2026 | 00:12:57 | |
That's a wrap on Season 2! Before I take a break from publishing new episodes, I wanted to wrap up the season with some of my key takeaways from the season, and how they pertain to dance teaching, but also life in general. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to make sure you're notified when new episodes come out for Season 3! Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| What To Do When The Recital's Over But You Still Have Class | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:15:26 | |
Some studios hold their recital after the last week of dance classes, but in other settings, your students will perform their final recital/showcase and then come back for class...without choreography to work on, what do you do with that last week or few weeks of classes? Today's episode is packed with ideas for those classes, or any time you have a lull in the season or need to offer your students a change of pace throughout the year! Learn more about classroom safety and developing a safety plan Here Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Maintaining Teacher Retention and Relationships with Kelly Groves | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:31:17 | |
Kelly Groves joins me in today's episode to discuss the importance and implementation of clear communication and organized systems to keep dance teachers engaged without burning out during the insanity of recital time, and the relative let-down of the summer season. While much of this conversation is geared towards dance business owners specifically, we also delve into some great tips for casual dance teachers on how to manage their time, navigate intense seasons without burning out, and keep an eye out for both red and green flags when considering or stepping into a new teaching position. Here is the link to Kelly's exclusive offer for my listeners! Use code MAIA10 to receive 10% off your first month - valid for the first 5 listeners only!
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| Building a Social Story for Your Dance Recital | 27 Mar 2026 | 00:26:29 | |
Social stories are a fantastic tool to help your students with high sensory needs prepare for and process the overwhelm of a dance recital! And while social stories are generally designed for kids on the autism spectrum, they can benefit EVERYONE! In today's episode, I break down the basics of how to create a social story, the key elements that I believe should be included in a social story for your dance recital, and the benefits to you, your students, parents, and potential clients to offering a social story. Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Cecchetti Ballet Technique with Brian Andrews | 20 Mar 2026 | 00:31:52 | |
In today's episode, part 3 of our series on different ballet methodologies, I chat with Brian Andrews about his experience with learning and implementing Cecchetti technique, the benefits of following the Cecchetti syllabus with his students, as well as challenges that it poses, how it prepares students for professional careers, and more! Listen to the episode on Vaganova Ballet Technique with Pamela Lauer Here Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Meditative Practices for the Dance Classroom with Amanda Couturier-Cormier | 13 Mar 2026 | 00:26:35 | |
On today's episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Amanda Couturier-Cormier about how and why she incorporates meditation and mindfulness exercises into her dance classes of all ages and levels, the benefits she's seen from this practice, and the resource she's created to help dance teachers follow suit! Visit Amanda's Patreon Here Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Cleaning Choreography with Easy-to-Find Props and Tools. | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:24:20 | |
As we're working on choreography for competitions, recitals, showcases, etc, our dance classes may begin to feel a little stale. Bringing a novel prop/tool out can enhance the students' understanding and execution of the choreography without changing much else about how you're presenting it! Here are some of my favorite easy-to-find items to incorporate into the choreography cleaning process when my typical instruction isn't quite getting through to the class. You can listen to my episode on using props and tools to enrich general lessons in the classroom Here Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| RAD Ballet Technique with Kelly Douglas | 27 Feb 2026 | 00:27:02 | |
In today's episode, part 2 of our series on different ballet methodologies, I chat with Kelly Douglas about her experience with learning and implementing RAD technique, the benefits of following the RAD syllabus with her students, as well as challenges that it poses, how it prepares students for professional careers, and more! Listen to the episode on Vaganova Ballet Technique with Pamela Lauer Here Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Tips for Teaching Mixed-Level Dance Classes | 20 Feb 2026 | 00:16:58 | |
The great debate - should you organize your dance class levels by age, or by technical level? Today's episode isn't really about defending one side or the other on this one, but I'm sharing my best tips for how to teach a class that includes students of various levels of experience and/or technical ability, without leaving anyone feeling totally left behind or totally bored! Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Making Music for Dance Instruction with Chris and Jenny Tyler | 13 Feb 2026 | 00:40:55 | |
Do you love love? Do you love finding music for your dance classes that's actually fun and engaging for the students while also teaching them dance terminology, timing, and technique?! If you answered "no" to either of these questions, then maybe go find a different podcast. If you answered "YES!" then JOIN ME on this fun, informative, and stinking adorable conversation with husband-and-wife duo "Mr. Chris" and Jenny Tyler, who make clean, fun, classroom-safe dance music for all ages and all dance styles! Check out Mr. Chris' Patreon Here (www.patreon.com/cw/Mrchrishiphopdance) Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Celebrate Love with These Dance Class / Studio Valentine's Ideas | 06 Feb 2026 | 00:17:32 | |
Y'all know I LOVE LOVE, so it should be no surprise I'm gearing up to celebrate Valentine's Day all month long with fun little crafts and activities that can help students with their dance technique while also building their confidence, performance quality, and their love for their fellow dancers, teachers, those who support their dance education, and the art of dance in general! Let's spread the love!
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| Vaganova Ballet Technique with Pamela Lauer | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:26:32 | |
In today's episode, I chat with County Ballet's Pamela Lauer about her experience with learning and implementing Vaganova technique, the benefits of following the Vaganova syllabus with her students, as well as challenges that it poses, how it prepares students for professional careers, and more! If you'd like to learn more, you can e-mail Pamela here: countyballetdanceshop@gmail.com Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Sneaky "Sales" Tricks that Help with Classroom Management | 23 Jan 2026 | 00:15:34 | |
You might not think the average dance teacher has much in common with a used car salesman, but as someone who worked in both sales and dance education for nearly a decade, I'm here to tell you that they do! Throughout my sales career, I learned a lot of little "tricks of the trade" that translated into great tools to help my dance students receive and retain instructions and corrections better in class! And I don't gatekeep, so here they are!
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| SWOT Analysis for Dance Teachers | 16 Jan 2026 | 00:19:19 | |
Most dance teachers do it for their passion and love of the art of dance - which is great! But that can also lend itself to getting stuck in situations that don't necessarily align with our personal and/or professional goals. Using the SWOT analysis method, dance teachers (as well as studio owners, coaches, choreographers, business owners of any kind, etc...) can discern the areas of their current teaching/job situation that serve them well, and those where they should be seeking additional opportunities for growth.
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| Resolving to Practice Creativity with Jess Grippo | 09 Jan 2026 | 00:17:49 | |
What better way to kick off 2026 than with part 2 of my fabulous conversation with Jess Grippo, exploring the many ways that dance educators can explore and unleash their own creativity?! Let's make this year one where we feel creatively fulfilled and able to express ourselves in ways we didn't have the creative vocabulary to before. Jess has so many great tips - as well as fantastic supplementary resources, which you can find below - to help us reach those creative goals. Note: This is Part 2 of my conversation with Jess, you can listen to part 1 having been published on August 1st, 2025. You can listen to part 1 Here Jess' Website: www.jessgrippo.com Jess' Free "Dance Alone, Together" Series: www.jessgrippo.com/13day-free-series Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Breaking Down the Basics with Kathryn Bisland | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:39:38 | |
Have you ever wondered why your students seem to plateau at a certain age/level, or why you find yourself giving the same corrections OVER and OVER and seeing the same technical issues continue? Could it be that you're pushing students through the basics a little too quickly in an effort to race on to "fancier" or more "exciting" steps? On today's episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Kathryn Bisland about how and why she takes the time to break down the basics, preparing recreational students to handle more technically advanced steps without losing proper form and technique in ballet, jazz, and tap. Check out Kathryn's Skool Dance Teacher Community Here, where you can preview her syllabus for free, purchase in full, and earn commission on referrals!
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| Training for a Career in Commercial Dance with Angela Elgani | 12 Dec 2025 | 00:33:26 | |
Today we're joined by the fabulous Angela Elgani to talk all things commercial dance! To give you a brief overview of Angela's resume, she is a dance producer, educator, mentor, and adjudicator, who's danced with artists including Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Will Smith, Mya, Eve, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Backstreet Boys, N' Sync, Little Kim, George Michael, Beyonce, Destiny's Child, Monica, Gwen Stefanie, Stevie Wonder, Heavy D, and Kid Rock, as well as in the movies You Got Served and Step Up Revolution. Angela has a heart for helping dancers grow succeed in the commercial dance industry, and creating welcoming spaces and "good vibes" for anyone and everyone who wants to dance!
Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| A Dance Therapy Perspective on Teaching Practices with Erica Hornthal and Rae Luskin | 05 Dec 2025 | 00:30:55 | |
We have the incredible treat of TWO esteemed guests on today's episode - Erica Hornthal and Rae Luskin! After seeking out Erica's Dance/Movement Therapy services to get connected with her own body, Rae is sharing her story of how dance therapy has helped her, and Erica weighs in on the process of helping clients embody their emotions, and how dance teachers should- and shouldn't! - integrate therapeutic practices in their classrooms. Erica's Website (With Links to Her Socials)
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| Building Brain-Body Connection with Mariah-Jane Thies | 28 Nov 2025 | 00:35:32 | |
As a dance teacher, do you throw information at your students and wonder why that same correction you keep giving isn't sticking, or do you work collaboratively with your dancers to unlock the wisdom of their individual bodies? Mariah-Jane Thies, also known as "The Radiant Dance Teacher," is on a mission to help dance teachers and students integrate the wisdom of the body into their dance practice, allowing for greater artistry, deeper understanding of technique, and less risk of injury. Use code Radiant25 Here to get 25% off any of Mariah-Jane's courses as a listener of The Casual Dance Teacher's Podcast! Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Lessons from My West African Dance Experience | 21 Nov 2025 | 00:21:40 | |
Today's episode combines dance lessons with life lessons, and don't they so often go together?! While I don't feel equiped to speak specifically about West African Dance technique on this platform, I do think that the lessons I learned during my time studying in West Africa are worth sharing with dance educators of all styles and methodologies. Here are just 4 of my biggest takeaways from studying West African Dance, and how they've helped me become a better dance teacher. Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Assessing Students' Growth Pt 2 with Chelsea Weidmann | 14 Nov 2025 | 00:43:20 | |
The dance world is extremely inconsistent when it comes to assessing growth and providing feedback to students in a comprehensive and constructive way. Following our "Part 1" episode with Danielle Aliotta, today's episode focuses on Chelsea Weidmann's experience with providing assessments and feedback within competitive and pre-professional dance studios. Our discussion also turned to questions of ethics and equity in how (and/or if!) feedback has been provided in these types of programs, how teachers are compensated for their time in providing feedback, and much more! Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Assessing Students' Growth Pt 1 with Danielle Aliotta | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:29:03 | |
The dance world is extremely inconsistent when it comes to assessing growth and providing feedback to students in a comprehensive and constructive way. Today, I have Danielle Aliotta on the show to share her experience as both a public school and dance studio educator, where she focuses on setting goals based on students' baseline abilities, and assessing and sharing feedback based on consistent growth. If you are looking for ways to assess students equitably in any setting, this one's for you! Follow all that Danielle does on Instagram Here Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Fall Fun Re-Run + BONUS GAMES! | 31 Oct 2025 | 00:23:24 | |
Happy Halloween! To celebrate the season, we're throwing it back to some of my favorite fall-themed dance class activities and games from season one. As an added bonus for you long-time listeners, I've added some brand-new game ideas to the end of the episode! Enjoy! Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Choreography Month 2.0 - Refreshing Your Formations and Transitions | 24 Oct 2025 | 00:18:36 | |
For the next couple weeks, I'm going to help you work through any aspect of choreography that might have you feeling "stuck." In this episode, I share how I apply the concepts of various choreographic devices to formations and transitions onstage to ensure that the staging, spacing, and flow of the piece feels authentic to the movement and thematic material that you're working with. You can listen to the Season 1 Choreography Month Series starting Here. Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Choreography Month 2.0 - Coming Up With Movement When You're Feeling Stuck | 17 Oct 2025 | 00:15:30 | |
For the next couple weeks, I'm going to help you work through any aspect of choreography that might have you feeling "stuck." In this episode, I discuss a number of choreographic devices, and how you can use these devices to come up with TONS of fresh movement material using steps or combinations that you've already used in class or previous choreography. You can listen to the Season 1 Choreography Month Series starting Here. Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Choreography Month 2.0 - Inspiration for Themes | 10 Oct 2025 | 00:26:39 | |
For the next couple weeks, I'm going to help you work through any aspect of choreography that might have you feeling "stuck." In this episode, I provide some different examples of ways that you can choose a theme for your dance, and allow that theme to then help you come up with the music, movement, staging, etc for a piece. You can listen to the Season 1 Choreography Month Series starting Here. Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Improv. Practices for the Classroom and Choreography with Angela Gallo | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:31:09 | |
Are your students comfortable improvising, or do they freeze up at the mention of it? In today's episode, I had the opportunity to talk to dancer/choreographer/dance educator/coach (etc!) Angela Gallo about her own experience utilizing improvisation in her creative process, as well as recommendations for the use of improvisation in the dance classroom, preparing our students to improvise in an audition setting, and more! Learn more about Angela's dance company, Sapphire Moon Dance Company, Here
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| Board Games for Dance Class | 26 Sep 2025 | 00:25:08 | |
I am a firm believer in having as many tools on hand as possible for days when you need to quickly re-engage students, bring the class together, and/or reenforce a concept you're working on in a new way. Today's episode is full of ideas for physical games that you can buy and keep on hand to easily achieve these goals without the work of DIY-ing or prepping materials in advance. All games mentioned in today's episode that are still available on the market are linked below. Pop's Culture Shoppe is my local game store (owned by my parents!), so I've linked any available through them here - they ship internationally! For those not available through them, I've provided Amazon links, but encourage you to check with your local game store first! Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| What To Do When the "Dancer" Identity No Longer Fits with Stephanie Case | 19 Sep 2025 | 00:28:01 | |
It's arguably impossible to become a dance teacher without first identifying as a dancer, but what happens when you feel that that identity no longer suits you? Is it fair to identify as a dance teacher if you no longer dance regularly outside of the classroom? What if you're not regularly teaching classes - can you still call yourself a dance teacher? We cover all this and more in today's episode with "The Dancing Mind Coach" Stephanie Case! You can find Stephanie's new book Here
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| No-Prep Dance Class Games for All Ages! | 12 Sep 2025 | 00:20:42 | |
I don't care what style/age group/program/level/genre of dance you teach...I'd bet there's been some time in your teaching career that you "gamified" your teaching in some way. Yes, games can be a fun "filler," but I also think we shouldn't undermine the value of teaching through games, even for older/more experienced dancers! Here are a couple of the simplest games I've used in dance class that take absolutely zero preparation so you can incorporate them any time and place! Listen to the "Props and Tools" Episode Here Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| What's in My Dance Bag? | 05 Sep 2025 | 00:15:32 | |
As an experienced casual dance teacher, what have I learned to ALWAYS keep in my bag to be prepared for class every week? Find out on today's episode! Listen to the "Props and Tools" Episode Here Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| The Making of a Dance Fitness Class with Mariana Santos | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:27:47 | |
Are you a current dance fitness instructor, or thinking of teaching dance fitness classes or offering them at your studio as an added revenue stream? If so, today's episode is for you! I sat down with Mariana Santos, founder of Brazily Fitness, to talk about creating a unique dance fitness brand, building confidence through dance, working with a wide range of skill levels within a class, and what it takes to choreograph and memorize up to 20 dances per class!!! Check out the Brazily Fitness Website Here
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| Planning Your Dance Season for Peak Performance | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:19:12 | |
In today's episode, I'm putting together some bits and pieces of what I learned throughout last season - both in the classroom and on the podcast! - to help you structure a season plan that will build your dancers' skills and athleticism so that they peak for performance time! Listen to the "Curriculum Building" Episode Here Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Emergency Preparedness for Dance Teachers with Andy Roszak | 15 Aug 2025 | 01:04:29 | |
As much as we hate to acknowledge it, all of us have probably given some thought to what we'd do if an emergency situation of some sort were to arise in our dance classroom. Sadly, many of us have had to deal with these situations first-hand. That's why I was really thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with Andy Roszak JD, MPA, EMT-Paramedic, Founder & Chief Executive Officer for the Institute for Childhood Preparedness, Chief of Preparedness, Health and Environment for the Region II Head Start Association, adjunct professor in the school of community and environmental health at Old Dominion University, former Senior Director of Emergency Preparedness at Child Care Aware of America, former Senior Public Health Advisor for the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Emergency Care Coordination Center, former Senior Director of Environmental Health, Pandemic Preparedness and Catastrophic Response at the National Association of County and City Health Officials, and former Health Policy Fellow for the United States Senate Budget and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committees during the 110th and 111th Congress (yes, that part in italics is just a few of his titles and accolades!!) about implementing simple plans and procedures in our dance classrooms to ensure the safety of our students, and anyone who sets foot in our dance spaces. TW - this episode contains discussion of natural disasters, active shooter scenarios, and mentions of violence, and death. You can find all of Andy's available books, trainings, resources, etc Here
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| Back to School Icebreakers for All Ages | 08 Aug 2025 | 00:17:58 | |
As frequently requested, here is a quick run-down of some of my favorite ice-breaker activities to get students of all ages familiar and comfortable with each other - and you - in the first few weeks of a new class season. You can listen to the episode on name games Here Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Season 2 Opener - Weird Personal Story Time (and why I'm telling you)! | 01 Aug 2025 | 00:16:59 | |
Ahhh, here we are at the start of season two! Time to dive back in - but wait?! I have some personal news to share with you! Listen to a quick life update to catch you up to speed on where I'm coming from with this new season, and the direction(s) the show may (or may not) take moving forward! Who knows at this point?! Not me! Enjoy :) View this episode in Video Form Here You can listen to the conversation with Audra Queen that I reference in the episode Here Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Rediscovering Your Creative Identity with Jess Grippo | 01 Aug 2025 | 00:26:10 | |
Well friends, I told you we'd be taking some time this season to delve into identity and personal development this season, and I didn't waste any time getting to it! I had the honor of sitting down with Jess Grippo to talk about her practice of Creativity Coaching, and even get a little mini-session just for me! In this episode, you'll learn about Jess' background and what led her to start coaching creativity, among her many other creative/professional outlets. We then delve into my personal situation and Jess' tips to help me explore my own creativity outside the context of teaching weekly dance classes. Jess' Website: www.jessgrippo.com Jess' Free "Dance Alone, Together" Series: www.jessgrippo.com/13day-free-series Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| BONUS EPISODE: Designing Dance for Theater with Tiffany Rea-Fisher | 16 May 2025 | 00:42:22 | |
In today's special bonus episode of The Casual Dance Teacher's Podcast, I chat with decorated choreographer Tiffany Rea-Fisher about her work as a choreographer for Classical Theatre of Harlem, including (but not limited to!) how the process of choreographing for theatrical productions differs from concert dance, how Tiffany's background as a competitive dancer shaped her career, the traits she looks for in dancers auditioning for theatrical productions vs. for her company, and a little teaser about the work she's created for the upcoming season of her modern dance company, Emerge125, premiering May 29th! | |||
| Season One Finale! | 25 Apr 2025 | 00:09:08 | |
Oh my goodness, it's the end of season one of the Casual Dance Teacher's Podcast! We're wrapping up with a quick recap of the amazing highlights of season one, how you can keep up with The Casual Dance Teacher's Network during our brief hiatus, and what's to come! Big thanks for a great first season, and see you in season two! Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Deciphering Dance Media with Danielle Guillermo | 18 Apr 2025 | 00:32:46 | |
How can I stay up-to-date on the latest dance news without falling down a social media rabbit-hole? How can I convey current dance events to my dance students without taking up all our class time? What trends are happening in the world of dance, and the way that we consume dance media? In this episode, I delve into all of these questions and much more with Dance News Daily founder Danielle Guillermo! Check out Dance News Daily Here | |||
| Teaching Adult Beginner Dance Students with Lindsey Dinneen | 11 Apr 2025 | 00:27:42 | |
Are you interested in offering dance programming for adult dancers either picking up dance for the first time or continuing their education after time away from dance? Do you currently offer adult programming but feel that it's not quite working or you have questions and challenges to work through to improve your teaching? Lindsey Dinneen is here today sharing TONS of knowledge around how to approach teaching adult beginners. Lindsey started her very own continuing education dance program for adults at a local community college, and grew it from 2 beginner classes to multiple levels of of classes across multiple styles of dance! She now offers business consulting for dance professionals and organizations. Connect with Lindsey Here | |||
| Tips for Teaching Mixed-Age Dance Classes | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:20:10 | |
The great debate - should you organize your dance class levels by age, or by technical level? Today's episode isn't really about defending one side or the other on this one, but I'm sharing my insight on the strengths of breaking up classes by skill level, even if that means including a wide range of ages within a class, followed by some tips for training dancers within a mixed-age classroom, where age discrepancy can come with its own set of challenges. Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Teaching Dance Through Meaningful Gestures with Anabella Lenzu | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:31:56 | |
You can have all the drills, exercises, and teacher "hacks" in the world, but if there's not meaning and intention behind everything you and your students are doing in the dance classroom, what's it all for?! Acclaimed dancer, choreographer, scholar & educator Anabella Lenzu joins us to explain her philosophy and theory of dance education, and how she helps students understand that their body is an instrument for expression. Get Anabella's book and learn more about her work Here | |||
| What's in My Dance Bag? Recital Edition | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:17:21 | |
Wrapping up our "recital prep" unit on the podcast, I thought it would be fun to share a breakdown of everything I make sure to have with me in my dance bag during tech week! As a mega-planner, I feel like I'm pretty thorough, covering everything from snacks to spare bobby pins - so give it a listen to make sure you're fully stocked and prepared going into your own recital week! Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| Choreography Cleaning Games and Activities You Might Not Have Tried Yet! | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:17:39 | |
Next up in our "recital prep" unit on the podcast are some of my favorite ways to get recital dances clean without boring your students (too much 🙂). What's your favorite? Let me know in The Casual Dance Teacher's Network on Facebook! Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||
| The Casual Dance Teacher's Recital Prep Checklist | 07 Mar 2025 | 00:24:52 | |
We're kicking off a new "recital prep" unit on the podcast with today's episode taking you line by line through my mental checklist of items I need to cover with my students to make sure both I and they are fully prepared going into tech week! This includes lighting and sound cues, entrance and exit logistics, hair, makeup, and costume requirements, rehearsal and recital etiquette and more! Did I miss anything? Let me know in The Casual Dance Teacher's Network on Facebook! Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com | |||