There are a LOT of dance teachers and coaches out there, but most specialize in coaching technique, steps/skills, consistency...few specialize in coaching artistry specifically! Amie Bush does just that with her company, Artistry Dance Coaching, and today she's treating us to an inside scoop on what she looks for from an artistry perspective as both a competition judge and coach, and how she helps dancers develop these skills!

For more resources regarding artistry, check out this episode with Chelsea Weidmann!
Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com
Recorded Via Squadcast

Ugh, trick steps; I love to hate 'em! As casual dance teachers, should we be teaching our students trick steps? Do they have a place in EVERY style of dance? Can we create a curriculum that focuses on fundamentals and classical training while still incorporating "tricks?" Join me as I rant - I mean discuss - the wild world of teaching trick steps as a casual dance teacher.

Join the Casual Dance Teacher's Network on Facebook!
Theme Music by GB Mystical: gbmystical.com
Listen to the previous episode regarding competitive dance with Olivia Lou Here

Olivia Lou is a dance educator and competition adjudicator here to tell us how to prepare any and all students to attend a dance competition - regardless of their level of training or the number of hours a week they spend in the studio. We talk about the pros and cons of competitive dance, how to mentally and physically prepare students for the experience, and what makes a piece stand out in a competitive setting...plus a first for me - threatening to fight one of my podcast guests over an opinion on competition choreography! 😂 Enjoy!

Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com
Recorded Via Squadcast

Today's episode is a follow-up on episode number 22 with guest Isaac Iskra. After reflecting upon that conversation, I decided (on a last-minute whim that forced me to record and edit this episode in record time!) that I had some follow-up thoughts on my own experience that I wanted to share.
The tips that I share in this episode are informed by the practice of Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, therapy, which I mention in the episode is a controversial practice, and has been rejected by many members of the autism community. This episode is not intended to endorse ABA therapy, but merely to educate on a few key functions of this practice that I personally feel can be helpful to dance teachers! Please listen and make your own judgements and applications as you see fit!

Here is the link to guest episode with Isaac Iskra regarding his experience as an autistic dancer and choreographer.
Join the Casual Dance Teacher's Network on Facebook!
Theme Music by GB Mystical: gbmystical.com

In today's episode, Isaac Iskra, founder of Nefelaba Dance Theater, shares his experience in developing his craft as a dancer and choreographer with Autism. In addition to walking us through his own journey both in pursuing a dance career and gaining a formal autism diagnosis in his twenties, Isaac shares his thoughts and advice on providing accommodations for neurodivergent dance students and audience members, pursuing a career as an artist, and supporting autistic creators.

Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com
Recorded Via Squadcast

Today Rachel Jenks, aka "The Booty-Kicking Ballerina," shares her story of completely running her body into the ground in pursuit of her dream career as a professional ballet dancer, followed by her long journey of recovery, starting with mental healing, which eventually led her to physical healing as well. Rachel also shares plenty of practical tips for how we as dance teachers can "partner with our bodies" both mentally and physically to be the best dance teachers we can be without pushing ourselves to dance through pain!

Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com
Recorded Via Squadcast

Nicole Perry is an intimacy director, intimacy coordinator, and dance choreographer who's worked in film, theater, and dance to empower and educate performers on understanding and working with their personal boundaries. Join me as I get the very basics on what consent in the dance classroom is all about, and then delve into what a consent-informed approach to dance education looks like from a practical standpoint, and why we NEED to talk about it!

Discount Code for Nicole's Teaching Resources: DTPOD on Momentumstage.org
Theme Music by GBMystical! www.gbmystical.com
Recorded Via Squadcast

Say it with me...WE LOVE A THEME! Here are a few of my favorite Halloween and fall-themed activities to implement all month long for fun and engaging classes (without slacking on instructional value)! Head over to the Casual Dance Teacher's Network on Facebook to connect and share your input!
Theme Music by GB Mystical: gbmystical.com