Rhee Gold's DanceLife Blog

UNIQUE INSIGHTS FROM THOSE WHO REALLY KNOW THE DANCE LIFE

The DanceLife Blog is inspiration and unique perspectives by dance teachers, for dance teachers. Each week dance educators receive a new insight into the world of dance education. With authenticity, wisdom and some humor, join us to experience the dance life we all love in a new way!

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Lessons Learned from the Soccer Field

Soccer, while a great youth activity, is often seen by dance teachers and studio owners as a prime “competitor” for kids’ attention and time. Ginger Haithcox offers some insight on what we can learn from this sport and how it can better help dance remain a big part of their education and development. Ginger is the Executive Director of Modern Motion in Somerset, NJ, which she started in 2005.

Top Props from Last Dance Season

As another dance season comes to a close, it is time to reflect and look back at what was successful and what could use a little improvement to help keep your curriculum evolving. Andrea Trench shares her top props from this past dance season and how they be incorporated in your curriculum. Andrea is an expert in early childhood education and owner of Discover Dance.

Watching Them Go

Ann Bettonvil, in her years of experience, shares something that many studio owners and dance teachers experience, watching students you have had since preschool graduate and move on in their dance and personal journeys. She shares some insight on what makes this so special. Ann directs The Studio in Brampton, ON with her two business partners.

6 Ways to Combat Spring Fever

Pam Simpson, with her years of experience, knows that these last weeks of classes and recital prep can be difficult to get students to focus. She shares some tips to increase focus and motivation during this time of year.Pam is the owner of Forte Arts Center in Morris, IL and has over 30 years experience.

Preschool Recital Success: The Backstage Experience

Waiting for our big moment on stage can oftentimes be the most challenging part of the entire day. Today, Andrea Trench is sharing what I always pack in my backstage busy bag to help the time fly by and make it a fun part of the experience, as well. Andrea is an expert in early childhood education and owner of Discover Dance.

Studio Traditions that Build Community

Traditions are a big part of many our lives and they also are a big part of our studio’s culture and community. Ginger Haithcox shares a few of the traditions that have been part of her studio and help to build community and create excitement. Ginger is the Executive Director of Modern Motion in Somerset, NJ, which she started in 2005.

One More Push

Ann Bettonvil knows that there are times when creativity is more of a struggle than an art. We all go through “dry spells,” and how we care for ourselves can go a long way in getting creative energy flowing again. Ann shares some helpful ways to make agreements with ourselves that will help in mind, body and spirit. Ann directs The Studio in Brampton, ON with her two business partners.

Spring Into Dance: Inspiring Growth and Motivation in Your Students

With competitions coming to a close, recitals around the corner, end-of-year at school and warmer weather, our dancers’ attention spans are short. Pam Simpson sees this every year and has developed tactics and ways to help with dancer motivation and a growth mindset. Pam is the owner of Forte Arts Center in Morris, IL and has over 30 years experience.

Redirect Recital Madness w/ “3 Before Me”

Excitement and joy surround recital time, but as we all now it can also be a time of much work and some stress. Andrea Trench shares her “3 Before Me” rule to help both students and parents take responsibility to get their recital questions answered without bombarding you or studio staff. Andrea is an expert in early childhood education and owner of Discover Dance.

Financial Goal Setting

Talking about and looking at finances is a difficult thing for many business owners and the same is true for studio owners. Ginger Haithcox suggests starting slowly, making lists and developing goals for your business’s finances to help get you on the right track and take away some of the fear. Ginger is the Executive Director of Modern Motion in Somerset, NJ, which she started in 2005.

Organization 101

Ann Bettonvil saw at her own studio that more organization and documented systems were needed for efficiency, so she and her partners took the needed steps. Ann shares some helpful tips and insights into what she has done that can help you get started and feel better organized in your business. Ann directs The Studio in Brampton, ON with her two business partners.

Empowering Dance Students

Pam Simpson sees the privilege that we, as dance educators, have in forming young dancers to not only learn skills but be resilient and confident individuals. She shares the “EAR” means of empowering both dance teacherss and students. Pam is the owner of Forte Arts Center in Morris, IL and has over 30 years experience.