class

Musings: Stimulate – Intrigue – Captivate

January 27, 2012 by Kimberly Peterson

by Kimberly Peterson

There is a quality in movement that I love to see and makes me engage with material in a completely different way than other dance. It’s hard to describe, but I know it when I see it. In fact, I find most people have a certain stylistic choice or a certain way of moving that feels good to them, or that is interesting to watch or work within.

This clip instantly captured me. I realized that it sort of encapsulated the continuous motion that intrigues me as a choreographer, stimulates me as a dancer and captivates me as an audience member. It is the union of opposites that intrigues me – lightness and weight, controlled and yet abandoned, strength and yet ease…the complexity and texture this creates in performance is breathtaking to me and yet is not accidental. [Read more…]

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.

Ballet Class CD Review: Under The Palms

March 27, 2010 by 4dancers

CD Title: Under The Palms, Brazilian, Cuban, Creole and other Tropical Music For Ballet Class

By: Behind Barres Presents: Paul Lewis & Judy Rice

I have to confess that I was a little frightened to see what this CD was all about when I heard the title. If done poorly, it could have been a disaster.

Luckily, I had no need to worry.

Under the Palms is a terrific CD for ballet class. If you are ever having a day where you need a little bit of inspiration, use this album and you’ll be in a better mood in no time. Recorded with a single stereo microphone, it gives the music the sound of live piano in the studio. I doubt that it’s possible to feel anything other than energetic when you hear these tracks. So many ballet class CDs sound the same that it was very refreshing to hear something so different–and so good.

Peppy without being campy, I was very impressed that the CD was filled with such thoughtfully arranged tracks. Carefully metered out by Lewis without losing heart and soul, the flow here is palpable. Although most of the music is upbeat, the slower tracks are also quite pretty.

The class was designed by Judy Rice, a professional with over 20 years of experience as an instructor, including time on faculty at the Joffrey Ballet School, Steps and the Broadway Dance Center. Pianist, Paul Lewis has 29 years of experience playing–and it shows. He is the company pianist for the Joffrey Ballet.

Don’t be afraid to take a chance on this CD–it’s better than many of the “regular” ones out there, yet it is truly different. Adding it to your lineup will give you a sunny pick for those days that you need one.

Disclosure

Teaching Tip: Beating Burnout

December 22, 2009 by 4dancers

If you are feeling burnt out and wonder if your dance students are able to tell…guess what? They already know.

Chances are good that by the time you are feeling fried, you have been teaching on auto-pilot for a while already. Students are the first to notice. What is the best remedy? It’s different for everyone, but here are some simple things you can try to shake off the blahs:

+ Take a class. Mine some ideas from another teacher. It’s ok. You’ll put your own stamp on them. It’s good to get new perspectives and we can all learn from each other. This is a great way to find new things to do in class.

+ Take a break. Get a substitute and go to the movies for the day. Sometimes just clearing your head is all that is needed to refresh yourself. This can be especially true if you teach multiple classes. It’s hard to give your all when you are constantly going. [Read more…]

Mentoring Dancers

October 27, 2009 by 4dancers

4dancers4 When I was about 12 years old, my dance teacher told me that there was nothing else for me to learn from her. She told me to go and take class downtown in Chicago from one of the notable schools so that I could continue to improve. At that moment, she became more than a teacher–she was a mentor, nurturing me and guiding me onward in my career.

I have mentored a few students of my own over time. Mentoring is more than taking an interest in a particular student in class. It involves a committment to their development, both personally and professionally. It means you go the extra mile and try to share your experience in a way that will help them grow. It is extremely satisfying and rewarding… [Read more…]

Disclosure – Affiliate & Ad Info

Copyright Notice