Dance Teacher Blog: Dance Alliances for Dance Teachers
Brandy Curry
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| National Dance Education Organization |
Enjoy!
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| Music Center | Institute for Educators |
(CDEA is a state affiliate of the National Dance Education Organization)
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Dance Teacher Blog: Dance Alliances for Dance Teachers
Pointe 5*6*7*8
Dance Teacher Blog: Dance Alliances for Dance Teachers
Brandy Curry
There are several ways to find inspiration for teaching dance in K-12 education. Being a credentialed teacher isn't always enough, and depending on the school district, or independent charter, or independent school the resources are usually limited to information for math and science teachers. The following alliances and groups are local (Los Angeles) organizations that are resourceful for the performing arts teacher. (Most of these sites have links to other state or national organizations.)
Enjoy!
Dance Teacher Blog: Dance Alliances for Dance Teachers
Brandy Curry
Enjoy!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Dance Teacher Blog: Teaching Fosse
Pointe 5*6*7*8
Dance Teacher Blog
Teaching Fosse
By Brandy Curry
A recent FB status prompted me to write this post. My fellow dance teacher friend was teaching her normal weekday teenage jazz class and mentioned a move as being "Fosse" and the students had no clue to whom she was talking about. WHAT! All of comments to her FB status were from dance teachers all over the nation trying to come to understand how this Pipin-Chicago-Sweet Charity-Cabaret loving society can have dancers that do not know Bob Fosse. When my fellow dance teacher friend began to name his famous Broadway productions they now connected and understood her very passionate demeanor. She recommended they go do a little research and come back and show her a Fosse move...and not just from Chicago!
Coincidentally a Director friend of mine has decided to pay tribute to Mr. Bob Fosse by creating a live production of his work. Making this a "teachable moment," he auditioned students from all over the southern California valley. These young dancers, actors, and singers will have the opportunity to dance on Cal State Northridges' new multi-million dollar stage at the Valley Performing Arts Center. I have been asked to be the Director of Choreography for this one night show in January-2014. We are putting together an amazing line up of Fosse-fied numbers from Pipin, Chicago, Sweet Charity, Cabaret, Damn Yankees, and more!
One of my favorite Fosse numbers that I'm setting on my students is the Manson Trio! Remember this? I love, love, love it. It is sooo...totally... Fosse! And, just so fun to teach. I mean what was Bob thinking? I don't know and it makes me love it every time I see it. One of the great things about You Tube is that you can expose your students to any choreographer with a click of a mouse. In five minutes you can select a clip and show your dancers the derivative and the origin of jazz, hip hop, ballet, or any type of movement or the intimate creative process of choreography from Twyla Tharp, to Alivin Ailey, to Martha Graham. Change their world by showing them how, where, when all of this great work was in existence. Connect it to today. Did Manson Trio influence moves for Michael Jackson's Thriller? What inspired the choreography for Beyonce's Single Ladies...um...Mexican Breakfast...BOB FOSSE!
More information on the Valley Performing Arts Center performance in January to come!
Dance Teacher Blog
Teaching Fosse
By Brandy Curry
A recent FB status prompted me to write this post. My fellow dance teacher friend was teaching her normal weekday teenage jazz class and mentioned a move as being "Fosse" and the students had no clue to whom she was talking about. WHAT! All of comments to her FB status were from dance teachers all over the nation trying to come to understand how this Pipin-Chicago-Sweet Charity-Cabaret loving society can have dancers that do not know Bob Fosse. When my fellow dance teacher friend began to name his famous Broadway productions they now connected and understood her very passionate demeanor. She recommended they go do a little research and come back and show her a Fosse move...and not just from Chicago!
Coincidentally a Director friend of mine has decided to pay tribute to Mr. Bob Fosse by creating a live production of his work. Making this a "teachable moment," he auditioned students from all over the southern California valley. These young dancers, actors, and singers will have the opportunity to dance on Cal State Northridges' new multi-million dollar stage at the Valley Performing Arts Center. I have been asked to be the Director of Choreography for this one night show in January-2014. We are putting together an amazing line up of Fosse-fied numbers from Pipin, Chicago, Sweet Charity, Cabaret, Damn Yankees, and more!
One of my favorite Fosse numbers that I'm setting on my students is the Manson Trio! Remember this? I love, love, love it. It is sooo...totally... Fosse! And, just so fun to teach. I mean what was Bob thinking? I don't know and it makes me love it every time I see it. One of the great things about You Tube is that you can expose your students to any choreographer with a click of a mouse. In five minutes you can select a clip and show your dancers the derivative and the origin of jazz, hip hop, ballet, or any type of movement or the intimate creative process of choreography from Twyla Tharp, to Alivin Ailey, to Martha Graham. Change their world by showing them how, where, when all of this great work was in existence. Connect it to today. Did Manson Trio influence moves for Michael Jackson's Thriller? What inspired the choreography for Beyonce's Single Ladies...um...Mexican Breakfast...BOB FOSSE!
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| Gwen Verdon..Mexican Breakfast choreographed by Bob Fosse |
More information on the Valley Performing Arts Center performance in January to come!
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Dance Teacher Blog: Audition Process Part 1
POINTE 5*6*7*8
Dance Teacher Blog
Audition Process Part 1
By Brandy Curry
The TV show SMASH is an excellent resource for teaching the entertainment/performing arts process. Minus the series mature content drama it's a nice, simi-accurate glimpse of the audition and rehearsal process. When I taught 9-12 grade performing arts students wishing to enter college programs or wishing to pursue careers right after high school I found the topic of the audition process overwhelming for them and underwhelming for me.
There are fantastic scenes to show your students what to wear to an audition, how to behave, and how to show off your talent while remaining humble. While the musical theater audition process is different from a company audition seeing the actors on SMASH go through nervousness is all too familiar for myself and so heart warming for my students. They love it!
Another great, great showing of the audition and rehearsal process is the documentary about the revival of A Chorus Line, Every Little Step (2008). Talk about "heartwarming." This is a powerful, and stylized-beautiful glimpse of the retelling about the origin of A Chorus Line, the audition process for the revival, and a look at the process through some familiar faces from the producers, writers, original actors, and famous dancers your students have even seen on So You Think You Can Dance.
Tip: I did a great JOURNAL WRITING ASSIGNMENT with this documentary. Although these questions seem trivial-you must see the film. The journal entries were just brilliant from my students. They really connected, and they were so moved. Lots, and lots of tear stains on their journals-so sweet! It even inspired one of my dancers to audition for a college program. I prompted the following three questions: 1.) Who, what dancer or actor, did you connect to the most and why? Did you connect to the choreographer, director, producer or writer? 2.) Whom were you rooting for during the audition(s) and callbacks? 3.) Did any of the dancers you were hoping to make it, actually "make it" to the final production? Were you surprised? How did it make you feel?
Happy teaching!
B. Curry
Dance Teacher Blog
Audition Process Part 1
By Brandy Curry
There are fantastic scenes to show your students what to wear to an audition, how to behave, and how to show off your talent while remaining humble. While the musical theater audition process is different from a company audition seeing the actors on SMASH go through nervousness is all too familiar for myself and so heart warming for my students. They love it!
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| SMASH courtesy of Wikimedia Common Images |
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| Every Little Step (2008) Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons |
Tip: I did a great JOURNAL WRITING ASSIGNMENT with this documentary. Although these questions seem trivial-you must see the film. The journal entries were just brilliant from my students. They really connected, and they were so moved. Lots, and lots of tear stains on their journals-so sweet! It even inspired one of my dancers to audition for a college program. I prompted the following three questions: 1.) Who, what dancer or actor, did you connect to the most and why? Did you connect to the choreographer, director, producer or writer? 2.) Whom were you rooting for during the audition(s) and callbacks? 3.) Did any of the dancers you were hoping to make it, actually "make it" to the final production? Were you surprised? How did it make you feel?
Happy teaching!
B. Curry
Dance Teacher Blog: Funding Your School's Dance Program
Pointe 5*6*7*8
Dance Teacher Blog
Funding Your School's Dance Program
Not every school has the time to fundraise for their dance teams, dance companies, or dance academies. There are many opportunities for a dance program to raise money that are quick, easy, fun, safe and not a burden on your students' parents. I recommend each dance teacher joining the following organizations to help open up the possibilities of fundraising for their programs.
DonorsChoose: This site allows you to create a wish list for your students and parents to view and donate funds. Donors Choose will even match funds and ship the items to your school at no cost.
Discount Dance: Discount Dance offers a Teachers Program that allows studio and school dance faculty to register their school for costumes discounts, dancewear discounts, and teacher dancewear discounts. When you register you receive a Teacher Program # that you give to your students so that when they purchase their dancewear online your school gets points and the dancer gets up to 10% off of their items. Each teacher can set up 1.) A Wish list for the redeemable points and, 2.) Teacher Approved lists of dancewear so your students/parents can shop easily.
It's hard to be a department, the Performing Arts department, that demands so much outside time and money to keep the program thriving and the administration gleaming that you came under budget. With the amount of money parents spend on tights, ballet shoes, tap shoes, jazz shoes, leggings, warm-ups, leotards, dance bags it's no wonder parents are exhausted of being asked to pitch in and donate again....and again.
Parent Volunteers are a huge resource for dance programs in education. Parent volunteers can be utilized for performances, field trips, competitions, and other dance program events. Their help saves the school time, money, and faculty effort. Parent volunteers can sign up at Back-to-School Night and volunteer to help well in advanced. This allows the teacher to plan for assistance well in advance.
My parent volunteers help me out with the following:
Happy Fundraising!
B. Curry
Dance Teacher Blog
Funding Your School's Dance Program
Not every school has the time to fundraise for their dance teams, dance companies, or dance academies. There are many opportunities for a dance program to raise money that are quick, easy, fun, safe and not a burden on your students' parents. I recommend each dance teacher joining the following organizations to help open up the possibilities of fundraising for their programs.
DonorsChoose: This site allows you to create a wish list for your students and parents to view and donate funds. Donors Choose will even match funds and ship the items to your school at no cost.
Discount Dance: Discount Dance offers a Teachers Program that allows studio and school dance faculty to register their school for costumes discounts, dancewear discounts, and teacher dancewear discounts. When you register you receive a Teacher Program # that you give to your students so that when they purchase their dancewear online your school gets points and the dancer gets up to 10% off of their items. Each teacher can set up 1.) A Wish list for the redeemable points and, 2.) Teacher Approved lists of dancewear so your students/parents can shop easily.
It's hard to be a department, the Performing Arts department, that demands so much outside time and money to keep the program thriving and the administration gleaming that you came under budget. With the amount of money parents spend on tights, ballet shoes, tap shoes, jazz shoes, leggings, warm-ups, leotards, dance bags it's no wonder parents are exhausted of being asked to pitch in and donate again....and again.
Parent Volunteers are a huge resource for dance programs in education. Parent volunteers can be utilized for performances, field trips, competitions, and other dance program events. Their help saves the school time, money, and faculty effort. Parent volunteers can sign up at Back-to-School Night and volunteer to help well in advanced. This allows the teacher to plan for assistance well in advance.
My parent volunteers help me out with the following:
- Set-up/Clean-Up before and after shows
- Hair and Makeup (for the chignon challenged)
- Transportation to and from events, performances, competitions, field trips
- Backstage help-Dressers, Check-In,
- Stage-Load In/Strike (breaking down the show afterwards-ask the Dance Daddy's)
- Building props, building sets
- Food & Water!! (Picking up, making, and/or dropping off)
- Photography & Videography
- Purchasing of production items (Be sure to check with your Dept. Chair and Principal first)
- Flower sales (my parents love this one)
Volunteers can help save a program over $10, 000 a year. Give incentives! VIP seating for one show a year, and give each parent volunteer two free tickets. Also have all of your dancers sign cards for your parent volunteers, the parents get a battement out of this one! (Get it!) At the end-of-the year show have the parent volunteers stand up to a loud round of applause and then have the students of the parent volunteers give their parents a flower and the card. Super sweet gestures like this increase your chances for more volunteers year, after year.
Check out this website for a great tool for keeping track of your volunteers: Volunteer Spot
Happy Fundraising!
B. Curry
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Dance Teacher Blog: Teaching Movement to Boys Grades K-3
Dance Teacher Blog
Pointe 5*6*7*8
Teaching Movement to Boys Grades K-3
By Brandy Curry
I love teaching dance to anyone age 18 months to 99, male or female, beginner to professional. One of the most challenging assignments I've encountered over my years was getting my 2nd and 3rd grade boys to enjoy their time with me in the dance studio for Movement class. They do well during the warm-up, during across-the-floor even, but when it comes to learning a combo they wouldn't have it-they wouldn't move! I remember trying to figure out what was missing: were the moves too feminine, was the music too girly? So, as an inclusive teacher I decided to just ask them. Sure enough it was the music they didn't connect to... I took out a sheet of large adhesive poster paper and for a week I asked everyone in my classes to write down their favorite songs, favorite bands, etc. The catch was that it had to be a song that we could dance to in Movement class, and a song that was age-appropriate.
Then I took out another piece of paper and had them write down their favorite sports drills. THEY LOVED THIS! From this I showed them how "quick feet" is really a chassé or gallop, how simple basketball, soccer and football practice drills are just like dance moves. They were empowered. I was inspired. From then class was exciting for them and fun. It's not my job to entertain them and make them have fun; I want them to learn about dance in the historic, societal and cultural sense, as a form of exercise, and as a performing art. Keeping kids engaged and wanting to learn more should be every teachers' goal.
Pointe 5*6*7*8
Teaching Movement to Boys Grades K-3
By Brandy Curry
"They were empowered. I was inspired."
Then I took out another piece of paper and had them write down their favorite sports drills. THEY LOVED THIS! From this I showed them how "quick feet" is really a chassé or gallop, how simple basketball, soccer and football practice drills are just like dance moves. They were empowered. I was inspired. From then class was exciting for them and fun. It's not my job to entertain them and make them have fun; I want them to learn about dance in the historic, societal and cultural sense, as a form of exercise, and as a performing art. Keeping kids engaged and wanting to learn more should be every teachers' goal.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Dance Teacher Blog: Teaching a Set Warm Up
Pointe 5*6*7*8
Dance Teacher Blog
Teaching a Set Warm Up
The first time I went to a dance convention as a young dancer I was blown away at the class size, and the amount of choreography I learned. The second time I went to convention I was used to the three hundred other dancers and became familiar with the style of the various choreographers and master dance teachers. They were simply teaching a set warm up, a set across the floor with some changes, and new, amazing choreography. I thought it was brilliant then and I think find the formula useful now.
I teach my set warm up to my students and I grade them on their memorization and knowledge of it. (I do not grade my K-3 students.) Understand that repetition of the material in the warm up and across the floor can be disengaging to your dance students. However, they will enjoy the opportunity for improving the across-the-floor technique and leap for joy when they've memorized your entire warm up.
Basic Jazz Class Warm-Up (Just a few...)
Head-Shoulder-Hips Isolations
Shoulder rolls
Back stretches
Lunges
Yoga stretches
Sit Ups
Push Ups
A la seconde floor stretches
(Just a few...)
Basic Jazz Class Across-the-floor (x-floor) Movements
Jazz walks
Pivot turns
Battements (kicks)
Châinés turns
Chasse
Slide step
Drag step slide
Chasse Fan kick
Layouts/Laybacks
Pirouttes
Grand Jetes (leaps)
Pas da bourree
Pas da bourre with turn
Dance Teacher Blog
Teaching a Set Warm Up
I teach my set warm up to my students and I grade them on their memorization and knowledge of it. (I do not grade my K-3 students.) Understand that repetition of the material in the warm up and across the floor can be disengaging to your dance students. However, they will enjoy the opportunity for improving the across-the-floor technique and leap for joy when they've memorized your entire warm up.
Basic Jazz Class Warm-Up (Just a few...)Head-Shoulder-Hips Isolations
Shoulder rolls
Back stretches
Lunges
Yoga stretches
Sit Ups
Push Ups
A la seconde floor stretches
(Just a few...)
Basic Jazz Class Across-the-floor (x-floor) Movements
Jazz walks
Pivot turns
Battements (kicks)
Châinés turns
Chasse
Slide step
Drag step slide
Chasse Fan kick
Layouts/Laybacks
Pirouttes
Grand Jetes (leaps)
Pas da bourree
Pas da bourre with turn
Dance Teacher Blog: Contemporary Dance Lessons
Pointe 5*6*7*8
Dance Teacher Blog
Contemporary Dance Lessons
Teaching engaging lessons in the style of contemporary dance can be tricky. Hopefully your students have taken ballet, modern, and/or jazz classes to understand the intricate movement and choreography of contemporary dance. While contemporary styled dance is fun for beginners, it is best suited on intermediate-advanced dancers.
When I teach contemporary to Grades 6-8 it is a very different scope than when I teach contemporary to grades 9-12. I start by showing dancers different contemporary choreographers works via You Tube or Netflix. I start with Martha Graham, Lester Horton, Alvin Ailey, Jiri Kylian and then move to Mia Michaels, Travis Wall, and Josie Walsh. I discuss modern companies and contemporary companies and the subtle difference between the two styles.
Basic Lessons Grades 6-8
Partnering (holding hand swings, not lifts)
Improvisation
Group and Solo Choreography (by the student)
Dance a poem, or story (see book list below)
A cappella dance (no music)
For Grades 6-8 Contemporary Project Books:
Ride a Purple Pelican Jack Prelutsky
Red Sings from Treetops A Year in Colors Joyce Sidman
Schoolyard Rhymes Kids own Rhymes for Rope Skipping, Hand Clapping, Ball Bouncing, Just Plain Fun
Street Rhymes Around the World Jane Yolk
For grades 9-12 I introduce contemporary movement to my dance students through musicality and rhythm. At this grade level they should be intermediate thru advanced dancers and would have had some exposure to modern dance and postmodern contemporary dance. The class moves a lot faster when I don't have to explain cutting and reshaping technique lines doesn't mean it's not "technical" movement.
Contemporary Dance Music Artists for Grades 9-12
Lindsey Sterling
Ellie Goulding
Imagine Dragons
Flo + Machine
Vitamin String Quartet
Steven Cravis
Alex Clare
Muse
Coldplay
Contemporary Dance Projects & Lessons Grades 9-12
Dance a Poem
Student contemporary choreography
Improvisation
Partnering (with lifts)
Solos, Duos and Trios!
Dance theater/Dance storytelling
Performance
Dance Teacher Blog
Contemporary Dance Lessons
When I teach contemporary to Grades 6-8 it is a very different scope than when I teach contemporary to grades 9-12. I start by showing dancers different contemporary choreographers works via You Tube or Netflix. I start with Martha Graham, Lester Horton, Alvin Ailey, Jiri Kylian and then move to Mia Michaels, Travis Wall, and Josie Walsh. I discuss modern companies and contemporary companies and the subtle difference between the two styles.
Basic Lessons Grades 6-8
Partnering (holding hand swings, not lifts)
Improvisation
Group and Solo Choreography (by the student)
Dance a poem, or story (see book list below)
A cappella dance (no music)
Ride a Purple Pelican Jack Prelutsky
Red Sings from Treetops A Year in Colors Joyce Sidman
Schoolyard Rhymes Kids own Rhymes for Rope Skipping, Hand Clapping, Ball Bouncing, Just Plain Fun
Street Rhymes Around the World Jane Yolk
For grades 9-12 I introduce contemporary movement to my dance students through musicality and rhythm. At this grade level they should be intermediate thru advanced dancers and would have had some exposure to modern dance and postmodern contemporary dance. The class moves a lot faster when I don't have to explain cutting and reshaping technique lines doesn't mean it's not "technical" movement.
Lindsey Sterling
Ellie Goulding
Imagine Dragons
Flo + Machine
Vitamin String Quartet
Steven Cravis
Alex Clare
Muse
Coldplay
Contemporary Dance Projects & Lessons Grades 9-12
Dance a Poem
Student contemporary choreography
Improvisation
Partnering (with lifts)
Solos, Duos and Trios!
Dance theater/Dance storytelling
Performance
Dance Teacher Blog: Teaching to the CA-State Dance Standards
POINTE 5*6*7*8
Dance Teacher Blog
Teaching to the CA-State Dance Standards
By Brandy Curry
So you just landed an incredible job...teaching dance AND now you have to come up with curriculum and lessons that comply with your states' State Dance Standards! What? Or...you've been teaching dance in a classroom and a private dance studio for over 15 years and now you have to re-adjust your curriculum to comply with the state standards? I've heard it all! Worry, no more and decide from this moment on that teaching to the standards will not water down your activities, lessons, choreography, or assessments. Your students will still master technique and improve. They will be just as fulfilled, and engaged as they were before. Now you will create a model and a formula for your classroom.
Teaching to the state standards can save your dance program money and make your program academically and artistically balanced. Connecting your current dance curriculum to the state standards creates a rigorous program that is both intellectually stimulating and vivacious. Forcing dance educators to comply with the standards does not force a stoic program, it creates a resourceful educator, and a progressive dance artist. The achievement of the dance student that is taught to the standards is: a career in dance, retention of lifelong learning skills, well-preparation for collegiate dance programs, and a professionalism fit for the stage. Jose Limon was groomed in a Los Angeles County high school that had an excellent performing arts program that followed the California State Standards. As I've said before, isn't this what we want all of our students to achieve "Jose Limon" status? Yes, please!
For a complete PDF of the CA State Standards visit: CALIFORNIA STATE STANDARDS-DANCE VPA
Dance Teacher Blog
Teaching to the CA-State Dance Standards
By Brandy Curry
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| Jose Limon was taught to the California State Standards |
So you just landed an incredible job...teaching dance AND now you have to come up with curriculum and lessons that comply with your states' State Dance Standards! What? Or...you've been teaching dance in a classroom and a private dance studio for over 15 years and now you have to re-adjust your curriculum to comply with the state standards? I've heard it all! Worry, no more and decide from this moment on that teaching to the standards will not water down your activities, lessons, choreography, or assessments. Your students will still master technique and improve. They will be just as fulfilled, and engaged as they were before. Now you will create a model and a formula for your classroom.
 |
| California Dance Education Association |
Teaching to the state standards can save your dance program money and make your program academically and artistically balanced. Connecting your current dance curriculum to the state standards creates a rigorous program that is both intellectually stimulating and vivacious. Forcing dance educators to comply with the standards does not force a stoic program, it creates a resourceful educator, and a progressive dance artist. The achievement of the dance student that is taught to the standards is: a career in dance, retention of lifelong learning skills, well-preparation for collegiate dance programs, and a professionalism fit for the stage. Jose Limon was groomed in a Los Angeles County high school that had an excellent performing arts program that followed the California State Standards. As I've said before, isn't this what we want all of our students to achieve "Jose Limon" status? Yes, please!
For a complete PDF of the CA State Standards visit: CALIFORNIA STATE STANDARDS-DANCE VPA
Friday, January 25, 2013
Dance Teacher Blog: Summer Intensives for Dancers
POINTE 5*6*7*8
Dance Teacher Blog
Summer Intensives for Dance
By Brandy Curry
I may be a bit too excited about Summer Intensives for young dancers ages 8-18. However, I have a valid reason. I loved attending Dance Summer Camps, Summer Intensives and Dance Competition and Conventions when I was growing up. I met so many great dancers, and stayed in contact with these dancers as we were entering different phases of our careers from college, to touring, to training. I loved meeting dancers from Michigan and Ohio. (Seriously, there were so many dancers from those two states.)
Living in Los Angeles my students are exposed to so many amazing intensives from Joffrey West to Debbie Allen Dance Academy. But what makes these intensives so worthwhile are the faculty, and the students whom travel from all over the United States (and, Europe). I love that my students come back in the fall with stories, and incredible experiences. Some of the dance intensives below require a dance audition, but most are open classes.
SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVES LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 2013
(Check the School's websites for Summer 2013 dates)
The (Alvin) Ailey School
Brockus Conservatory of Dance and Musical Theater
California Dance Theater
Cecchetti USA
City Ballet of Los Angeles
Debbie Allen Dance Academy
Edge Performing Arts Center
Idyllwild Arts Summer Program
International Dance Academy
Joffrey School of Ballet-LA (Joffrey West)
Liv'Art Dance
Los Angeles Ballet Academy
Millennium Dance Complex
Westside School of Ballet
Out-of-state parents you can plan an incredible summer vacation around your dancer's summer intensive. Map out the surrounding area and use Travel websites and plan a vacation your family will talk about for years to come.
Dance Teacher Blog
Summer Intensives for Dance
By Brandy Curry
I may be a bit too excited about Summer Intensives for young dancers ages 8-18. However, I have a valid reason. I loved attending Dance Summer Camps, Summer Intensives and Dance Competition and Conventions when I was growing up. I met so many great dancers, and stayed in contact with these dancers as we were entering different phases of our careers from college, to touring, to training. I loved meeting dancers from Michigan and Ohio. (Seriously, there were so many dancers from those two states.)
Living in Los Angeles my students are exposed to so many amazing intensives from Joffrey West to Debbie Allen Dance Academy. But what makes these intensives so worthwhile are the faculty, and the students whom travel from all over the United States (and, Europe). I love that my students come back in the fall with stories, and incredible experiences. Some of the dance intensives below require a dance audition, but most are open classes.
SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVES LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 2013
(Check the School's websites for Summer 2013 dates)
The (Alvin) Ailey School
Brockus Conservatory of Dance and Musical Theater
California Dance Theater
Cecchetti USA
City Ballet of Los Angeles
Debbie Allen Dance Academy
Edge Performing Arts Center
Idyllwild Arts Summer Program
International Dance Academy
Joffrey School of Ballet-LA (Joffrey West)
Liv'Art Dance
Los Angeles Ballet Academy
Millennium Dance Complex
Westside School of Ballet
Out-of-state parents you can plan an incredible summer vacation around your dancer's summer intensive. Map out the surrounding area and use Travel websites and plan a vacation your family will talk about for years to come.
Dance Teacher Blog: Rubrics for Dance Teachers
POINTE 5*6*7*8
Dance Teacher Blog
Rubrics for Dance Teachers
By Brandy Curry
Remaining objective when grading dance performance is tricky business. You must give an equal opportunity for those dancers not as advanced as other dancers. However, your quiz or assessment must be fair and give students enough feedback so that they may improve whether they are a beginning dancer or an advanced dancer.
I use rubrics for grades K-12, and for all of my quizzes, tests, and of course final examinations. I even use a rubric for short quizzes on choreography memorization. I think that participation and memorization are the most important criteria for grading dance. When my students are are Grades K-3 I adjust the importance of the criteria to attention and follows instructions. Figure out what your end result is? Do you want them to improve on vocabulary and terminology, is participation and cooperation your need for assessment? I enlarge my rubric to 8 x 11 paper or poster size 11x17 and show my students the rubric prior to the test. When I'm giving a final examination I post it in the classroom a day or two prior to their examination.
RESOURCES FOR RUBRICS
RubiStar
Teacher Planet
Dance Teacher Blog
Rubrics for Dance Teachers
By Brandy Curry
I use rubrics for grades K-12, and for all of my quizzes, tests, and of course final examinations. I even use a rubric for short quizzes on choreography memorization. I think that participation and memorization are the most important criteria for grading dance. When my students are are Grades K-3 I adjust the importance of the criteria to attention and follows instructions. Figure out what your end result is? Do you want them to improve on vocabulary and terminology, is participation and cooperation your need for assessment? I enlarge my rubric to 8 x 11 paper or poster size 11x17 and show my students the rubric prior to the test. When I'm giving a final examination I post it in the classroom a day or two prior to their examination.
RESOURCES FOR RUBRICS
RubiStar
Teacher Planet
Here is an example of a Rubric you can find at RubiStar.com
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Thursday, January 24, 2013
Dance Teacher Blog: Teaching Performance & Theater Etiquette
POINTE 5*6*7*8
Dance Teacher Blog
Teaching Performance & Theater Étiquette
Teaching the basics about theater étiquette is so important for any performing arts student. This also makes for an excellent lesson and topic of discussion for Junior High and High School students. I take about a week to teach Theater Étiquette and give a fun quiz at the end. I always say, "If any of you walk into a professional theater I want them to know you are well trained."
This coincides with the lesson on dance étiquette, room étiquette, and dance basics. Performance is an intricate part of dance in K-12 education. In California it shows up in our Dance Content Standards:
Visit: http://www.cde.ca.gov
2.0 CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Creating, Performing, and Participating in Dance
Students apply choreographic principles, processes, and skills to create and communicate meaning through the improvisation, composition, and performance of dance.
Break a leg!
Dance Teacher Blog
Teaching Performance & Theater Étiquette
 |
| Kodak Theatre Los Angeles |
Teaching the basics about theater étiquette is so important for any performing arts student. This also makes for an excellent lesson and topic of discussion for Junior High and High School students. I take about a week to teach Theater Étiquette and give a fun quiz at the end. I always say, "If any of you walk into a professional theater I want them to know you are well trained."
This coincides with the lesson on dance étiquette, room étiquette, and dance basics. Performance is an intricate part of dance in K-12 education. In California it shows up in our Dance Content Standards:
Visit: http://www.cde.ca.gov
2.0 CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Creating, Performing, and Participating in Dance
CONTEXT OF THE LESSON
- Explore the rehearsal process
- Discuss rehearsal habits, rules, étiquette
- Help students discover their own good, habits, rules and étiquette
- Tell stories about your own theater experience
- Teach perspective; the Directors perspective, the audiences', the Stage Managers
- Go over roles: Director, Stage Manager, Choreographer, Production Manager, Technichians
- Remind students they are part of a cast, or an ensemble
- Costume étiquette: Always hang it up yourself!
A great book to share with your advanced students, or Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12 is Dance Performance From Rehearsal to Opening Night by Kristin Kessel. It has great topics on theater étiquette that will help guide and prepare your dancers for the big day!
"It is important to be present at every scheduled rehearsal. Each one is an opportunity for you to learn and participate, and is the next step towards a fabulous show. You are part of a team that can only succeed if each member contributes equally. If dancers are missing from rehearsals, how will the show improve before the recital?"
~Kristin Kessel Dance Performance From Rehearsal to Opening Night
Break a leg!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Dance Teacher Blog: Lesson Plans for Dance Teachers
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Dance Teacher Blog: Lesson Plans for Dance Teachers
By Brandy Curry
My first two years of teaching dance in K-12 education I skated by without writing a lesson plan. I know, I know! I preach creating lesson plans, either weekly or daily. I personally do the following:
LESSON PLAN WEBSITES FOR EDUCATORS
TeacherPlanet.com
LessonPlans4Teachers.com
TECHNOLOGY & LESSON PLANNING
I have recently taken my lesson plans to the next level with
exciting bells and whistles by creating everything on my iPad. (The template shown is for my iPad.) I connect my iPad to our television or Smart Board and my students can now read what the activity or lesson will be for that day. I also use Keynote which is Apple's version of PowerPoint and I make Digital Flashcards. (SEE PHOTO BELOW)
Dance Teacher Blog: Lesson Plans for Dance Teachers
By Brandy Curry
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| Weekly Lesson Plan Template TeacherPlanet.com |
- Yearly Lessons (Pacing Plan) either in content format or calendar format
- Monthly Lesson in calendar format
- Weekly Lesson Plan using a template from TeacherPlanet.com (SEE PHOTO)
- I prepare a daily lesson plan for substitute teachers, evaluations, or if I need a more cohesive plan
Creating a lesson plan has saved me time in organizing my classroom as well as organizing my music, costumes and props if needed, etc. Sometimes these meticulous lessons turn into exquisite choreography pieces. One of my lesson plans for my Kindergarten Creative Movement class turned into a fun activity that I turned into choreography for our Spring Showcase.
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| Brandy's Sample Lesson Plan for iPad |
TeacherPlanet.com
LessonPlans4Teachers.com
TECHNOLOGY & LESSON PLANNING
I have recently taken my lesson plans to the next level with
exciting bells and whistles by creating everything on my iPad. (The template shown is for my iPad.) I connect my iPad to our television or Smart Board and my students can now read what the activity or lesson will be for that day. I also use Keynote which is Apple's version of PowerPoint and I make Digital Flashcards. (SEE PHOTO BELOW)
 |
| Brandy's Digital Flashcard |
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Dance Teacher Blog: Finding the Right Books for Your Dance Classroom
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Dance Teacher Blog
Finding the Right Books for Your Dance Classroom
I love dance books! I love any book about any type of dance. It's one of my "dancers tricks." I always felt it kept me in the artistic world a lot longer than my more agile, more talented peers. That's hard to admit, but my love of books from an early age, helped create longevity in my dance career. Instead of burning out by age 18, I was refreshed and renewed. I tried yoga because of an article I read in Dancer Magazine when I fifteen. I read a beautiful biography on Nijinsky, A Diary of Vaslav Nijinsky, when I graduated college that opened my eyes to my own form and style of dancing. (Nijinsky: A Life of Genius and Madness by Richard Buckle is also an excellent book!)
Whether the book is a dance book geared towards elementary aged students or a young teen, you can create lessons, stories, dance history assignments all around the pages of a book. In a recent article in The Horn Book Magazine Jill Homan Randall writes:
"Books about dance can articulate the language of the art form, providing definitions and correct terminology to help children really understand what dance is all about. They can also help paint an accurate picture of life as a dancer by showing the hard work and day-to-day experiences of people who practice the art."-Jill Homan Randall January 2013
I have a little dance library in my studio that may inspire a barre combination in my ballet classes or a picture book that may help me teach lines, and shapes to my creative movement dancers. My 6th grade Contemporary class is learning about Bill T. Jones, Pilobolus and Martha Graham. I have pictures, you tube videos, and books for my lesson. It's nice to have that voice that is not your own teach your students something new about dance. I also hear from my school's librarian how my dance students often select dance books for their non-fiction book reports. A 5th grade student doing a report on Martha Graham's Appalachian Spring is pretty impressive.
MY FAVORITE DANCE BOOKS FOR TEACHING
Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet Gail Grant
Modern Dance Wendy Garofoli
Basic Principles of Classical Ballet Antatole Chujoy
The Pointe Book Second Edition Janice Barringer & Sarah Schlesinger
Teaching Beginning Ballet Technique Gayle Kassing & Danielle M. Jay
MY FAVORITE DANCE BOOKS FOR MY STUDENTS AGES 5-18
DANCE Bill T. Jones & Susan Kuklin
DANCE From Ballet to Breakin'- Lorrie Mack
Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Ballet of the Elephants Leda Schubert
The Ballet Book Darcy Bussell in association with The Royal Ballet School
Tales from the Ballet Louis Untermeyer
Dance Performance From Rehearsal to Opening Night Kristin Kessel
Let's Dance! George Ancona
No matter the age of your dance students they can all learn something about dance that isn't just about learning a new technique. Perhaps it's opening their imagination to create a piece of choreography, or it helps them define a piece of movement.
Dance Teacher Blog
Finding the Right Books for Your Dance Classroom
 |
| My Dance Books |
Whether the book is a dance book geared towards elementary aged students or a young teen, you can create lessons, stories, dance history assignments all around the pages of a book. In a recent article in The Horn Book Magazine Jill Homan Randall writes:
"Books about dance can articulate the language of the art form, providing definitions and correct terminology to help children really understand what dance is all about. They can also help paint an accurate picture of life as a dancer by showing the hard work and day-to-day experiences of people who practice the art."-Jill Homan Randall January 2013
Read more about Jill Homan Randall and her list of "Good Dance Books" on her Blog
I have a little dance library in my studio that may inspire a barre combination in my ballet classes or a picture book that may help me teach lines, and shapes to my creative movement dancers. My 6th grade Contemporary class is learning about Bill T. Jones, Pilobolus and Martha Graham. I have pictures, you tube videos, and books for my lesson. It's nice to have that voice that is not your own teach your students something new about dance. I also hear from my school's librarian how my dance students often select dance books for their non-fiction book reports. A 5th grade student doing a report on Martha Graham's Appalachian Spring is pretty impressive.
MY FAVORITE DANCE BOOKS FOR TEACHING
Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet Gail Grant
Modern Dance Wendy Garofoli
Basic Principles of Classical Ballet Antatole Chujoy
The Pointe Book Second Edition Janice Barringer & Sarah Schlesinger
Teaching Beginning Ballet Technique Gayle Kassing & Danielle M. Jay
MY FAVORITE DANCE BOOKS FOR MY STUDENTS AGES 5-18
DANCE Bill T. Jones & Susan Kuklin
DANCE From Ballet to Breakin'- Lorrie Mack
Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Ballet of the Elephants Leda Schubert
The Ballet Book Darcy Bussell in association with The Royal Ballet School
Tales from the Ballet Louis Untermeyer
Dance Performance From Rehearsal to Opening Night Kristin Kessel
Let's Dance! George Ancona
No matter the age of your dance students they can all learn something about dance that isn't just about learning a new technique. Perhaps it's opening their imagination to create a piece of choreography, or it helps them define a piece of movement.
"A good book about dance inspires children through words and images. It opens up the world of dance training, backstage experiences, performing, and celebrating through movement. Together with words and pictures we will stretch, jump, turn and leap. A good book about dance shares the magic and joy of the art form in all of it's roles in cultures throughout the world." Jill Homan Randall What Makes a Good Book About Dance?
Dance Teacher Blog: What is K-12 Dance?
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Dance Teacher Blog: What is K-12 Dance?
By Brandy Curry
I get asked all the time why I teach in education versus teaching at a private dance studio or why I choose to teach children instead of working with professionals. The answer is simple: I'm not just teaching the choreography, dance tricks, and advanced technique, I'm teaching a 200 year old tradition to students whom may not otherwise get exposed to it. Be it ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop or modern, teaching dance in education solidifies our great dance world.
José Limón was taught how to dance in my school district LAUSD. Do I think I can make the next José Limón? Of course I do! Why not?
"The gap between a private dance studio and K-12 Dance in school is narrowing. Many private dance studios and professional dance companies are building enrichment arts and education programs that hold master classes in K-12 schools. Instead of Arts programs dissolving, they are evolving and giving K-12 schools a reason to have dance as an academic and performing art class in their schools! There is now a tangible forum and a necessity for dance in schools."~ Brandy Curry 2009
DANCE ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS 2013
Debbie Allen Dance Academy
Limon4Kids
Silverlake Contemporary Ballet
Performing Arts Workshop Los Angeles
Creative Kids Los Angeles
Beyond the Bell
Star Education
One of my favorite things about teaching dance in a K-12 school is the focus on one particular element of dance that may be used in the form of an assessment, quiz, or test. Instead of teaching pique turns, I get to focus on the academic and intelligence of learning how to turn, learning where the foot and head are placed, etc. Teaching Dance History is a fundamental part of dance in K-12 education. There are great textbooks out there that help set the tone of dance in an academic setting. At first, I was skeptical about teaching a piece of choreography, and then giving a quiz on it it. Seemed impossible. (I will talk about Dance Rubrics later in this blog. In the meantime visit: http://rubistar.4teachers.org) Once I developed an optimal rubric, I watched my dancers improve, and their grades climb to high marks.
A proper rubric is very similar to private dance studios giving examinations to their students in the Royal Academy of Dance R.A.D syllabus, Imperial Ballet Syllabus, or Cecchetti USA syllabus. Making dance an academic in K-12 education is keeping dance in forefront of the performing arts. While there are great music, and great drama teachers in K-12 education, dance teachers have the advantage of being part of the physical education curriculum and the performing arts curriculum.
Dance Teacher Blog: What is K-12 Dance?
By Brandy Curry
 |
| The ballet cast of Tchaikovsky's Ballet Sleeping Beauty1890 |
José Limón was taught how to dance in my school district LAUSD. Do I think I can make the next José Limón? Of course I do! Why not?
"The gap between a private dance studio and K-12 Dance in school is narrowing. Many private dance studios and professional dance companies are building enrichment arts and education programs that hold master classes in K-12 schools. Instead of Arts programs dissolving, they are evolving and giving K-12 schools a reason to have dance as an academic and performing art class in their schools! There is now a tangible forum and a necessity for dance in schools."~ Brandy Curry 2009
DANCE ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS 2013
Debbie Allen Dance Academy
Limon4Kids
Silverlake Contemporary Ballet
Performing Arts Workshop Los Angeles
Creative Kids Los Angeles
Beyond the Bell
Star Education
One of my favorite things about teaching dance in a K-12 school is the focus on one particular element of dance that may be used in the form of an assessment, quiz, or test. Instead of teaching pique turns, I get to focus on the academic and intelligence of learning how to turn, learning where the foot and head are placed, etc. Teaching Dance History is a fundamental part of dance in K-12 education. There are great textbooks out there that help set the tone of dance in an academic setting. At first, I was skeptical about teaching a piece of choreography, and then giving a quiz on it it. Seemed impossible. (I will talk about Dance Rubrics later in this blog. In the meantime visit: http://rubistar.4teachers.org) Once I developed an optimal rubric, I watched my dancers improve, and their grades climb to high marks.
A proper rubric is very similar to private dance studios giving examinations to their students in the Royal Academy of Dance R.A.D syllabus, Imperial Ballet Syllabus, or Cecchetti USA syllabus. Making dance an academic in K-12 education is keeping dance in forefront of the performing arts. While there are great music, and great drama teachers in K-12 education, dance teachers have the advantage of being part of the physical education curriculum and the performing arts curriculum.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Dance Teacher Blog: Netflix for Educators
Pointe 5*6*7*8
Dance Teacher Blog: Netflix for Educators
By Brandy Curry
I know that working in a public K-12 or an independent K-12 school is tricky when it comes to showing dance on film. Most of the content is not suitable for children, and the sensuality and tone of the film is often misunderstood by teenagers. Every summer I surf Netflix to find age-appropriate movies. I plan on showing at least three (3) You Tube clips of dance and two (2) short films or movies as part of the Dance History component with are CA State Dance Content Standards.
I love Netflix
I love PBSkids.org
I love You Tube
These sites are great tv/film resources for educators. We don't always have time to show a 2 hour film, but in Netflix you can put the movie in your instant cue and when you're ready to show it, hit play and fast forward to the dance sequence. I only personally only show Rated-G content, and if I am going to show a movie that is PG-13, my students are 13 and older. I send an email home to parents with an attached permission slip. (Rated-R movies are simply out of the question, and always inappropriate.) I use a different Netflix account for my classes than I do at home. This allows me to organize the movies and short films in my instant cue and see what Netflix suggests for me. Recently my class watched Ballets Russes on Netflix which was an exciting timeline of ballet history.
I subscribe to several different channels of ballet companies on You Tube. I watch their videos and then play them for my dancers Grades 2nd-6th. One clip we keep visiting on You Tube is of the Royal Ballet:
Royal Ballet at Covent Garden
Dance Teacher Blog: Music for K-12 Dance
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Dance Teacher Blog: Music for K-12 Dance
By Brandy Curry
Dance Teacher Blog: Music for K-12 Dance
By Brandy Curry
When the music changes, so does the dance. - African proverb
Music shapes the flow, mood, and energy of my dance class. Be it a movement class, ballet class, or modern class. Classical music is the music I hear in my head when choreographing and that's why ballet is my favorite style of dance to teach. I have found in recent years of teaching dance in education that sometimes I'm the one that introduces classical music or jazz music to my students. After all these years I have finally uploaded all of my CD's to my iTunes. I use iCloud for backup and storage. iCloud also keeps my music library up to date on all of my devices. Visit: iCloud.com and login with your Apple ID!
Here is a list of great Artists I have used teaching K-12 Dance in school.
BY GRADE
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| Putumayo Animal Playground |
Grades K-2nd
Putumayo for Kids
Lynn Stanford Classical Music
Enchanted Soundtrack
Kidz Bop
Disneymania
Gwendolyn and the Good Time Gang
Johnny Only
Scott Killian Classical Kids
Grades 3rd-5th
Putumayo for Kids
Lisa Harris Classical Music
High School Musical Soundtrack
Cheetah Girls Soundtrack
Kidz Bop
Radio Disney
Disneymania
Aly & AJ
Taylor Swift
Shake it Up (Disney)
Wreck it Ralph Soundtrack
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| Selena Gomez Courtesy of Disney Music |
Grades 6-8
Introduce pop and jazz music. Check lyrics of pop music before you play in your class.
Carly Rae Jepsen
Aly & AJ
Selena Gomez
Justin Bieber
Taylor Swift
Coco Jones
Bridgit Mender
Corinne Bailey Rae
Grades 9-12
Continue Pop Music, but feature an assessment unit on Jazz Music (Visit: PBS Kids)
Charlie Parker
Miles Davis
Billie Holiday
Movie Soundtracks w. Instrumental music
Adele
Coldplay
Steven Cravis
Imogen Heap
Frou Frou
Don Caron Classical Music
Lisa Harris Classical Music
Miro Magliore (Contemporary & Modern)
Michael Roberts (Contemporary & Modern)
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Dance Teacher Blog: Austerity vs Energy
POINTE 5*6*7*8
Dance Teacher Blog: Austerity vs Energy
By Brandy Curry
Put your rulers, spoons, popsicle sticks, pencils, and cane away! The generation of using objects in the dance classroom to "rear fear" is fading away. My ballet teacher was as strict as she was beautiful. Always polite, but oh-so stern. I never knew how I faired in her class until she asked me to join the youth ballet company. I was overwhelmed and shocked and excited, but a sense of panic set in that I would fail her. I never saw her smile and I grew impatient with it. Some might say I lacked the seriousness in my youth that compliments the austerities of a ballet teacher. I think I just wanted to know she was pleased at my accomplishments. Yes, I agree her attitude made me the dancer I am today, but it was my high-energetic jazz teacher whom kept me coming back and gave me the confidence to continue to dance.
The first few weeks are crucial in setting up classroom normals and expectations. I have found a way to present myself as a stern and optimistic ballet teacher in order to achieve great technique from my dancers. (Although, I occasionally use spoons, and popsicle sticks to demonstrate proper turnout...I'll blog about that later)
MY CLASSROOM NORMALS & EXPECTATIONS
Dance Teacher Blog: Austerity vs Energy
By Brandy Curry
 |
| Debbie Allen in FAME Courtesy of Wikimedia |
Put your rulers, spoons, popsicle sticks, pencils, and cane away! The generation of using objects in the dance classroom to "rear fear" is fading away. My ballet teacher was as strict as she was beautiful. Always polite, but oh-so stern. I never knew how I faired in her class until she asked me to join the youth ballet company. I was overwhelmed and shocked and excited, but a sense of panic set in that I would fail her. I never saw her smile and I grew impatient with it. Some might say I lacked the seriousness in my youth that compliments the austerities of a ballet teacher. I think I just wanted to know she was pleased at my accomplishments. Yes, I agree her attitude made me the dancer I am today, but it was my high-energetic jazz teacher whom kept me coming back and gave me the confidence to continue to dance.
The first few weeks are crucial in setting up classroom normals and expectations. I have found a way to present myself as a stern and optimistic ballet teacher in order to achieve great technique from my dancers. (Although, I occasionally use spoons, and popsicle sticks to demonstrate proper turnout...I'll blog about that later)
MY CLASSROOM NORMALS & EXPECTATIONS
- List rules visibly in the classroom (Make a poster or have your students make a poster for extra credit)
- List consequences clearly on your syllabi(us)
- Make a contract for both your parents and students
- List expectations of dress code on your syllabi(us)
- Stick to your syllabi(us) and pacing plan(s)...and brag about it to other faculty! Knowing a performing arts teacher is serious about discipline shows a united front with Administration.
- Smile, laugh, and tell cheesy dance jokes every once in a while! Be human! I have laughed with my students, cried with my students over dance films, it makes them want to dance forever.
- Show them your rubric for assessments, quizzes and tests. Prove to them that you expect them to get an "A" on an assessment and that you have confidence in them
- Make general class corrections, and one-on-one corrections
- Teach with passion, energy, and as though they are all pre-professional dancers. Respect the best and the not so best dancer. Give them all a chance to share their artistry.
- DANCE WITH THEM!!
Dance Teacher Blog: The Right College for Your Dancers
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Dance Teacher Blog: The Right College for Your Dancers
By Brandy Curry
When I became the Department Chair of Dance in 2011 at a performing arts school in Los Angeles one of my responsibilities was to help guide 12th grade dancers into the audition process of dance major university and college programs. I flew to New York over Spring Break to seek out the small colleges first, and visit the prestigious NYU. I knew I could get my students into the California schools having gone through the audition process myself but I wanted to see Pace University and Marymount Manhattan up close and personal. I contacted each of the school's Admissions Department and scheduled a tour as an educator, not as a student. You get essential information from the Admissions office if you schedule your tour as an educator. I came back from my trip with an entirely new perspective on how to get my dance students ready for college auditions.
(In alphabetical order)
Dance Teacher Blog: The Right College for Your Dancers
By Brandy Curry
When I became the Department Chair of Dance in 2011 at a performing arts school in Los Angeles one of my responsibilities was to help guide 12th grade dancers into the audition process of dance major university and college programs. I flew to New York over Spring Break to seek out the small colleges first, and visit the prestigious NYU. I knew I could get my students into the California schools having gone through the audition process myself but I wanted to see Pace University and Marymount Manhattan up close and personal. I contacted each of the school's Admissions Department and scheduled a tour as an educator, not as a student. You get essential information from the Admissions office if you schedule your tour as an educator. I came back from my trip with an entirely new perspective on how to get my dance students ready for college auditions.
2013 DANCE COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES: My favorites!
Most programs require an audition or video audition submission(In alphabetical order)
- Boston Conservatory
- California State University: Long Beach
- Chapman University
- Cornish College of the Arts
- Fordham University: The Ailey School
- Goucher University
- Julliard School
- Marymount Manhattan
- NYU Tisch Performing Arts: Dance
- Oklahoma City University
- Pace University
- Point Park University
- Texas Christian University
- University of Arizona
- University of California: Irvine (UCI)
- University of California: Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Texas: Austin
- University of The Arts
Marymount Manhattan Dancers in their 2012 Spring Repertoire
Dance Media LLC publishes a yearly college guidebook titled Dance Magazine College Guide. (Copy/Paste into your browser: http://www.dancemagazine.com/thecollegeguide) Check it out online at Dance Magazine or Dance Spirit Magazine.
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| Dance Magazine College Guide 2012-2013 |
Dance Teacher Blog: Costumes for Your Piece
POINTE 5*6*7*8
Dance Teacher Blog: Costumes for Your Piece
By Brandy Curry
I taught a costume design class at a performing arts high school in Los Angeles and I still had trouble deciding on the right costumes for my piece. I sketch, and doodle, and sew, and still have trouble choosing the right costume that will compliment my choreography. I love flipping through catalogs and surfing online, I recently used Discount Dance for basic tutus and leotards and jazzed up the look with silk flowers, and rhinestones.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COSTUME
Costumes can be expensive but I have used these Dance Costumers for years and haven't gone over budget.
AFFORDABLE COSTUME COMPANIES
I recently had one of my classes wear their class leotard, and I purchased new hairpieces and had snowflakes sewn on the tutus. Total cost was less than $50.
Dance Teacher Blog: Costumes for Your Piece
By Brandy Curry
I taught a costume design class at a performing arts high school in Los Angeles and I still had trouble deciding on the right costumes for my piece. I sketch, and doodle, and sew, and still have trouble choosing the right costume that will compliment my choreography. I love flipping through catalogs and surfing online, I recently used Discount Dance for basic tutus and leotards and jazzed up the look with silk flowers, and rhinestones.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COSTUME
- Ask your dancers about the piece; my students responses often inspire the "look"
- Does the music convey mood, emotion? Do certain colors convey those moods?
- Tight budget may mean you take an old tutu and add rhinestones. Or just have dancers wear their class leotards and purchase dance pants, skirts, or tutus. Add a hairpiece and voila!
- The style of dance should be conveyed in the costume...i.e., tutus for ballet!
- If your K-12 school has purchased the costumes
Costumes can be expensive but I have used these Dance Costumers for years and haven't gone over budget.
AFFORDABLE COSTUME COMPANIES
I recently had one of my classes wear their class leotard, and I purchased new hairpieces and had snowflakes sewn on the tutus. Total cost was less than $50.
Dance Teacher Blog: Teaching Dance vs A Career in Dance
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Dance Teacher Blog: Teaching Dance vs A Career in Dance
By Brandy Curry
So...you think you can teach...dance? Yes, we've all heard the saying, "Those that can't...teach!" Um...while that may apply to a very, very, small few...Have you ever been to Edge Performing Arts Center in Hollywood, CA? Yes, that place where legends TEACH DANCE! I wouldn't go uttering those words "that they can't," around the hallway at Edge. The faculty at Edge teach their classes and maintain a booming career in the industry. Dancers can dance forever, and learn another trade in the industry from producing, directing, to choreographing and even dabbling in fashion and costume design. All the dancers I moved out to LA with in 2001 are still forming their craft. In a recent article in Dance Spirit Magazine, cover girl Mia Michaels said about her career path:
“Be open to where life takes you. Follow your instincts.” Mia Michaels
Mia Michaels courtesy of WikiMedia Commons
While all dance teachers make a decision to teach full time and no longer pursue their career full time, the decision is not the same for every dancer. When I made the decision to teach full time, another door opened...CHOREOGRAPHER! I began to keep a journal and write down ideas of full length ballets, plays, musicals, even music videos. I was taking my dance training and molding my ideas on young dancers. It was exciting...it is still exciting!
Some K-12 schools and private dance studios have strict policies about substitute teaching when you are out on auditions, but working as a dance teacher means you have a set schedule to go out on auditions. Todays technology allows you to coordinate your classes, and make it out to your auditions. A word of caution: Never miss a class if you say you'll be there to teach it. Be on time for your classes, and if you book a dance job call your supervisor immediately so they can replace you. Your students will be overjoyed that you booked a job, and keeping on good terms with the school or studio means you can come back as a Guest Teacher.
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