I was so excited when Maria invited me to be a part of her “Creating With Kids” interview project! Her goal is to interview 52 children’s dance teachers this year and I have loved reading the other interviews, especially those who don’t work in the traditional studio setting.
You can read my interview over at her blog – Maria’s Movers
And check out all her great creative ideas while you’re there! 🙂
Thanks again Maria for inviting me to participate in your project!
I came across this great app that I just started using for cleaning dances and am loving it!
It’s called “Coach’s Eye”
(link opens in iTunes) and it works on iPhones, iPads and iPods. It $4.99, but its a worthy investment of five bucks – let’s face it, I’ve spend more on coffee in one day (not sure if I like what that says about my caffeine addiction).
This app allows you to record a dance, play it back for your students (in regular or slow motion) and even draw on the video like a football coach or the play-by-play guys on TV do.
You can also record yourself critiquing the video and then share it or send it to your students.
I am trying it out this week and will let you know what I think!
Grab Coach’s Eye:
Looking for more advice on cleaning dances? Check out this post.
Looking for more apps to make your life easier? Here are a few posts you might like.
Tell me: Do you use your iPhone or iPad in class? What do you use it for?
Originally published February 25, 2011
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Polishing, cleaning, fine-tuning… whatever you call it, its necessary before a performance. I thought I’d share some of my favorite techniques that I’ve picked up over the years as a student and teacher.
The first key is making sure everyone knows the dance – break the routine into 8 counts, count by count and analyze and correct everything from the head placement, arms, feet, legs (bent or straight), and tempo. If you’re low on time, start at the messiest part of the dance.
Once everyone knows the dance, repetition is key! One of my teachers would not move on until each section (usually 8 counts) had been performed correctly and cleanly three times… in a row. If we messed up on the third time, she started over. She called it her “Rule of Three’s” and used it for only the messiest parts of dances because it can get very frustrating, but yields results.
Read more suggestions after the break!
Just watched a great video from Marie Forleo discussing the “friends and family discount” that could easily apply to any dance studio owner.
When you own your own business, your friends and family often want to support you, but sometimes they are looking for a discount in return. The message of the video below is whatever you choose, be clear and upfront about your policy.
If you can’t afford to give discounts because you’re just starting up or because you simply value your time, say so (in a polite way of course) and give them the opportunity to choose another dance studio.
Marie offers a script (around 2:14 in the video) to say to your family and friends when you don’t have a discount and I’ve adapted it so it works for dance teachers and studio owners.
“I’m so excited Susie wants to take dance. Know that I’d never expect you to choose my dance studio because of our relationship. Before she registers, make sure that our studio is the right fit for you because I don’t offer a friends and family discount. If you want to move ahead, here are the tuition rates and available classes.”
This gives them an ‘out’ if they were only looking for a handout and let’s you be clear in advance without all the uncomfortableness that would come if you let them know this AFTER she signed up for classes.
What’s your policy for friends and family? Share in the comments!
The Dance Buzz 