Mirrors out, Dance in!

I decided to take a teacher training course in Yoga to study movement from a new angle.  As you might guess there are so many similarities in focus, caring for the body and stretches/movements/poses.  I was surprised that I do so many yoga poses in my dance teaching without knowing it. 

There is a big  focus on how the body feels, listening to your body's  "edge" and not doing anything that creates pain.  I believe this 100% in dance but I do not feel that children are taught this as much as they should.  The concentration can be overwhelmingly on how something looks and "no pain no gain."  Now I know that dance is different then yoga. Choreography of course is different but that does mean that these principles should be lost.

I love teaching young children because they are not focused as much on how something looks as much as how it feels. I try not to use mirrors because I think this sends the wrong message to young dancers.  The focus should be more internal and less external.  Freeing themselves of inhibitions should be encouraged.

Try teaching some dance classes without the mirror and observe how the movements change and how your students react.  It could be a great exercise in learning how you teach, how you describe movement and how they interpret it as well.

If children explore what their bodies can do, how their bodies feel and what muscles are being utilized the end product are dancers who are healthy, confident and will be able to transition from young dancers to performers.  And it will also promote a life long love of dance.

I didn't realize when I decided to learn more about Yoga that it would strengthen my beliefs about dance.  I am looking forward to learning more!

  

Space - never ending and always worthwhile to explore

My daughter is 8 years old.  She is spirited and full of energy.  Her space is boundless which means her space can inadvertently invade my space and the people around her.  She likes to touch, get close, and hug.  As I work with her on understanding her spatial boundaries I think back on the words in dance that I use to teach space.  These are the same words I use to help her keep her spatial boundaries with others.

For example:

1. Respect other people's personal space.   Don't get more than arms length from someone ( even if it is your best friend.)
2. Hands to yourself.  When you touch someone, you are putting your body into their space.
3. Do not push someone out of your way.  There space is just as important as yours.

Funny how I taught her this in dance but yet it needs to be relooked at, relearned and remembered.  This is a perfect example of the way we learn.  We relearn and re-explore as we get older.  We are always learning the information on a deeper level.

Another element I am working with her is energy.  When she walks up to a group a kids she is so excited that her energy does not always match the group.  When I teach dance, I always ask the kids to listen without words. Sense the groups dynamics, energy level and focus.  These are the same things I am reteaching to her now.

And lastly, effort.  Sometimes we need to be strong and other times light, depending on the situation. Whether it be touch (like picking up the dog) or a light or strong way of talking.

The lessons we are taught in dance stay with us, whether we are dancing or not, teaching dance or not.  They are universal.  So the next time you are not teaching a dance class, see if you can utilize your dance knowledge to keep the training going - but in a different environment without dance attire, mirrors of even a structured class.

Have fun explore dance concepts outside the dance studio/classroom with the little ones in your life.
Sincerely,
Stacey

Share the Magic

I am working with a group of preteens/teens on a musical without much rehearsal time.  I hate rushing to teach a dance number because what I love most is teaching the craft of dance, blocking, staging, etc.  How would a character stand and why?.  How to walk backwards and use visual markers to sit on a chair without falling off.  This is the magic of theatre to me.  The mysteries revealed.  I feel short changed.   Anyone can learn steps.  But to learn to to move around the stage with ease, to SHARE the stage with someone else, to dance as one unit is what gets me really excited!

I usually write about dance for little ones but my experience with the teens is important for all teachers/parents and kids of all ages.  Dance is a performing craft.  Make sure your students/children have time to perform for each other.  If you are a parent have your kids perform for you.  If you know nothing about dance have them enter the living room and tell you a joke.  But learning how to share a talent, share a performance space and take direction is all really important life lessons.

 Teach them:

1.  How to enter and exit the space
2. Be aware of their bodies - people fidget without realizing it
3. Be aware of how they can use their peripheral vision  to become aware of their surroundings and others in the space
4. That it is okay to make a mistake
5. Create, recreate, change and perfect the dance, movement, joke, juggling routine etc.
6. Take compliments, suggestions and constructive criticism
7. How to bow and applaud for others as well

It is never to early to learn (and parents - it is never to late either!)  Try performing for your kids/students and have them perform for you.  It will build trust and confidence.  And it is magic!

Sincerely,
Stacey