For dancers, dance teachers, and those who love dance. – Page 210 – A website for dancers, dance teachers and others interested in dance

Indianapolis School Of Ballet

July 7, 2010 by 4dancers

Location: 502 N Capitol Avenue, Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46204

About: Newly updated dance studios (in 2006) are just one of the reasons this ballet school is a standout. Offering some truly inspiring views of downtown, the space is inviting and well appointed. (And parents will appreciate waiting areas that come complete with wireless internet.)

Victoria Lyras is the Artistic Director here, and she is one of many well-qualified faculty members. In addition, the school also hosts guest teachers that have included the likes of Violette Verdy and Scott Jovovich, among others. In short, the calibur of teachers here is top notch.

Programs range from master classes to a pre-professional program for students ages 8 and up. There is also an open division for teens and adults and a young children’s program for those from 4 to 8.

Got A Dollar? Help Fund Lucy’s Project…

July 6, 2010 by 4dancers

Lucy Riner is a 4dancers contributor and she’s running out of time to get her project funded…

If you have just a dollar, consider donating if you can afford to. At least take a look and see what she’s up to…she even added some video!

If you can’t donate–would you use the share buttons below and help spread the word? She’s only got until July 12th to get the funding…

Thanks!

Catherine

Social Media: Adding Value

July 6, 2010 by 4dancers

Today’s social media tip has to do with adding value.

What does this mean, exactly?

It means that you should be giving readers something of value periodically without wanting anything in return. This means you take a break from promoting yourself tirelessly (yes, I said it!) and think about what you can do for your fellow dancers/bloggers/followers. What would make them happy?

Adding value can be as simple as passing along a link to something that is helpful or letting people know of a special deal that they might find interesting. For example, if you just heard that a local dance studio is holding free classes during their open house…pass the word. See a great dance video on You Tube? Share that link…

You get the idea.

So, then next time you are posting on Twitter or sharing on Facebook, try being “other focused”. Not only does it work–but it’s a nice thing to do. And it feels good too.

Teaching Tip: Reversing Combinations

July 5, 2010 by 4dancers

When I was a child, my dance teacher did something wonderful–she had us reverse combinations. Most of the time she would do this with small jumps, and it really made us think quickly. At first it was very hard, but after a while, I began to understand how to break things down into pieces and do them in reverse.

This helped prepare me for complex combinations later in my career. I was always able to pick things up fairly quickly, and I truly think that this is one of the reasons why.

One caveat–don’t do this with beginning students. They have enough work to do in terms of doing things properly. Reversing combinations is something best left for intermediate and advanced classes.

Taking A Break

July 1, 2010 by 4dancers

Not too long ago, contributor Lucy Riner talked about the value of taking a sabbatical. She used the time to the fullest–dancing and creating new partnerships, as well as other things. But today I’d like to talk about the value of just taking a break from it all. Taking a vacation.

I’m writing this because I am about to go on break from the world for a week. No work (with the exception of checking in to make sure my posts go up on time), no deadlines–no obligations. I plan on taking walks in the woods, snapping photos of birds and other wildlife and catching up with good friends. By the time you read this, I’ll be on my way back. And I’m sure I’ll be feeling terrific.

Sometimes clearing your mind can be the best thing for your creative juices. A change of scenery also works wonders. I would be willing to bet that upon my return I’ll be super productive, as well as feeling rested. That’s usually how it goes.

Ask yourself when the last time you took a break was. If you have to think to hard about this question…turn off your computer…and head out somewhere for the day. Play hookie. Once in a while it really is a good thing.

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