As we launch into the 2016-2017 year of classes, The Ballet Source would like to provide teachers with a few FREE resources. The first four levels of the Ballet Arts for Young Children Curriculum use these feet and arm positions. We have provided, here, a total of 8 downloads: An 8.5″ x 11″ Labeled Positions […]
Children need structure. This is especially true in the pre-ballet years, as they prepare for a more disciplined class. The less “free time” they have in the class period, the better. They should know exactly what they’re supposed to do when they arrive, until class starts, when they arrive late, while the teacher is talking, when […]
We just wrapped up the finishing touches on our finest curriculum to date! Here is a sneak peek into many of the unique features of Level 4. Click here to read more, or click below to purchase your copy!
It’s not easy to create the proper lines and shapes required in classical ballet, but there are many concepts we can impart in class that they can grasp and accomplish even at a very young age. Ruth Brinkerhoff’s Article titled “Using Arms and Feet in Pre-Ballet” is a thorough look into how the little bodies of […]
Most of us can remember being in a class where we couldn’t focus or understand what was being presented. It wasn’t much fun, was it? A dance class can feel that way to a young child. Childrens’ brains and muscles must be kept from frustration if they are to be happy and well behaved in class. Remember, too, […]
The little bodies of children between the ages of 7 and 10 are going through a lot of physical changes. As teachers, we need to understand and respect the body’s need for certain parameters when it comes to teaching ballet technique. We should not expect an 8 year old to do anything and everything a 15 […]
Ballet requires that the dancer spend many years building and shaping the instrument of their art, which is their own physical body. The “Dancer’s Body” comes as a result of long hours of careful training of the muscles. That very beautiful artistic line comes as a result of learning to hold the body in artistically […]
Every dance studio is different with its own set of rules and expectations, but one thing remains the same throughout: children will be children. No matter where I teach, I find that there are certain little tricks that children try to play on us as teachers. We should be aware of these “attention-getters” so that we […]
Young children, especially children ages 3 to 5, do not understand the spoken word as well as we think they do! They have a large vocabulary of words and phrases, but the exact meanings are not always clear to them. In dealing with young children, how we say things and what we feel about what we […]
Teachers have gone back and forth on this issue forever: Is it a good idea to use a teacher’s assistant in class? Some are like I was and would prefer that the teacher be the sole authority in the classroom with no distraction or conflict. Others would never jump into teaching a class of 3 […]
One of the hardest things a pointe teacher faces is the fear that their students may injure themselves. This, of course, is that last thing we want for our students. Too often the students are pushed too hard too soon, and they face irreversible damage to their joints or ligaments. How can we be sure that […]
Ballet skills are built upon the base of natural skills that has been developed within the person. This is why extensive experience with fundamental movement skills is important for a ballet class of young children. It is surprising how many small pieces of growth and development affect the child’s ability to perform classical movements correctly! […]
Skipping requires balance, symmetry in muscle use, self-esteem and some natural coordination. It is often used as an indicator of ‘readiness to learn’ academic subjects. It is expected that children in a dance class will learn to skip. Skipping is a complex skill composed of and built upon several more basic skills.” Many of my […]
I remember the very first time I taught a pre-ballet class by myself. It was a group of crazy, beautiful, energetic 5 and 6 year-olds. They looked at me with expectation and excitement and I looked right back with sheer terror. Even though I came with great curriculum in my notebook, I was not very […]
“Never let an opportunity go without adding your enlightening [movement] to further the cause of the loftiest, oldest, most profound of the arts and, in so doing, I sincerely believe that you will be serving humanity as a whole.” – Ted Shawn As recital season approaches, many of us are currently in the throes of choreography […]
