Teacher Twists

resources for teachers who move

You are here: Home / Archives for technique classes

What can a 3 year old do?

by Leave a Comment

I think one of the biggest challenges when teaching very young children is figuring out where to start!  Should you start with body parts?  Pathways?  Size?  Levels?  First Position?  Maybe just freeze dance…

I can’t say I have the perfect answer to this.  Some of my classes just need to learn how to take direction.  Others want to learn all the steps and need to be encouraged into some creativity.  Some of my 3-year olds can balance on one leg.  Some can barely balance on two. 🙂  I have had some students simply sit and watch for 35 minutes of a 45 minute class.  Every. Single. Week.

“Are you ready to dance, Bridget?” “Nope.”  “Okay!  Maybe soon!”

So, as I’m sure you all know, every student is different.  Setting that aside, here is my cheat sheet for dance skills by age group! Click to view the whole sheet, or scroll down for an overview. what can a 3 year old do [Read more…]

Jazz Dance Music Playlist Winter 2016

by Leave a Comment

I have some songs the same and some new.  Here’s what I’m loving in January 2016:

Aloha, E Komo Mai – From “Lilo & Stitch” by Jump5

Do You Believe in Magic by The Lovin’ Spoonful

In Summer from “Frozen by Josh Gad

Uptown Funk (Kidz Bop version) from Kidz Bop 28

Cheerleader by OMI

I Bet My Life by Imagine Dragons

Good Feeling by Flo Rida

[Read more…]

Jazz Dance Music Playlist Fall 2015

by 1 Comment

Here’s what is on my jazz playlist for fall of 2015!

Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That by Robert Randolph & The Family Band

Am I Wrong by Nico and Vin

Applause by Lady Gaga

Best Years of Our Lives by Baha Men

Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore

Clarity by Zedd

Classic by MKTO

Counting Stars by OneRepublic

Cups by Anna Kendrik

[Read more…]

Teaching Ballet Positions

by 1 Comment

SONY DSC

 

I love ballet.  I always have.  However, I teach recreational ballet.  To six year olds.  And I have to keep reminding myself of that fact!  There are all kinds of developmental considerations when teaching turn-out, and that’s another post for another day.  But here is my favorite way to teach ballet positions.  We use this rhyme:

1, 2, 3, look at me!

1, 2, 3, look at me (show ballet feet positions 1st, 2nd, 3rd, then releve balance 1st)

1st, 2nd, 3rd, fly like a bird (show ballet feet positions 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Hop to right and left with back leg in arabesque)

1, 2, 3, turn quickly! (show ballet feet positions 1st, 2nd, 3rd, turn around quickly – feet and arms any shape)

Plie, releve, get ready, STAY! (plie and releve in 1st, make a ball down low, balance in releve arabesque)