If you study classical ballet, you are well aware that the outward rotation of the hips (or turnout) is essential to the training and traditions of this form.  Even if you are not a trained in ballet, as a dancer you probably use turnout at least some of the time.  Concert or theatrical dance forms (like modern or jazz dance) in particular utilize turnout within their movement vocabulary. Ask most dancers, and you'll discover that turnout is high on their list of things to improve and increase.  But how important is turnout, really? And is having extreme turnout really ideal?

As children prepare for preschool and begin to participate in more structured activities, dance class may be the first time some are separated from their parents.  Parents of these young children may be unfamiliar with the procedures of a dance class or operations within a particular studio.  These parents, whether they have had experience with dance in their youth, as an adult, or not at all, will each have their own expectations for their child, the class, and the teacher.

Creative Dance for Children

A creative dance class designed for children will help them prepare for a future in dance and other physical activities.  In class, dancers are provided with the opportunity to use their imagination, creativity, and self expression while developing skills that are the building blocks of all movement and dance activities. They learn good listening skills, proper classroom etiquette, and how to move safely with other children, as well as learning respect and tolerance for others. Young children enrolled in creative dance learn and practice basic motor skills (locomotor and nonlocomotor movements) and use a variety of music and props which enhance self-awareness, control and coordination. These experiences are offered with consistent structure and provide many opportunities for mastering skills. This creates a sense of predictability as well as a safe place for the younger child to learn cooperation, increase self-esteem, and attain a sense of accomplishment.

The Back-to-school Teach-a-thon at Dance Advantage is less than a week away!  I just wanted to remind everyone that is participating to send me your links once you have published your post.  It is ok to publish and then send me the links during the event.  They can still be added as they are received.  Plus, there's still time to RSVP here.  Many of you are already ahead of the game.  If inspiration strikes again, feel free to submit more posts that fit our topic.  Need a review of what this event is all about?  Visit the Teach-a-thon Info and Questions pages.

If you're not submitting a post but are awaiting all of the great info coming your way, be sure to tune in August 19 - 23!

Some questions about the upcoming Teach-a-thon at Dance Advantage have been raised and I thought I would address them here in case others have been wondering the same things.

Due to the success of last year's festival, the Beantown Tapfest returns for a second year, expanding to a week-long schedule of classes and tripling the number of faculty.

Unlike a jazz or film festival, a tap festival's main ingredient is instruction, continuing the long-standing tradition of handing tap dance down from one generation to the next. And since tap is a theatrical art, you can't have a festival without a show.

The Beantown Tapfest sold out last year's show, delivering what is unique to tap: the performer as both dancer and musician, where the exciting rhythmic complexity of tap is seen and heard. This year, six tap soloists, two tap companies and three jazz musicians make up the cast of On Tap!, the festival's annual review.

For more details, click on "Read More."

Recently, I was contacted by a dance parent whose child was considering majoring in dance at a university. This family was taking a very important step in selecting a college - visiting campuses! Any resource for prospective college students will stress visiting a university before you invest your time and money. Here is a good list of things to consider when choosing a school. Below, I've included some things you may want to think about as you consider a major in dance at a college or university.