With Instagram and Tiktok, dance teachers can get fresh ideas for their dance classes in an instant. But not all preschool dance exercises are created equal. This preschool ballet exercise looks like it’s scaffolding ballet technique for younger dancers, but it actually inhibits the development of foundational ballet and dance technique. Find out why it misses the mark and see what we’d do differently to make it age-appropriate for your preschool dancers.
Read MoreYour decisions as a dance studio owner matter. This series unpacks the common mistakes I see in preschool dance programs and suggestions for more sustainable alternatives that support dance teachers and dance students, starting with one of the biggest issues – dance classes that have way too many ages in a single class.
Read MoreWhile many dance studios offer fluff-and-stuff classes filled with gimmicks and time-fillers, Variations Studio walks a different path, with Catherine leading the way for their Petite program: "The littlest leaders and learners deserve intentional teaching practices and lessons when they walk into dance class.” Read more about Catherine’s approach to teaching and how she supports Variations Studio to provide positive dance classes with impact.
Read MoreMeet Krista Casey, the owner of Academy 8:31 in Brea, California, winner of the 2024 Leap 'N Learn Studio of the Year award! Academy 8:31 is a shining example of what happens when you team big picture thinking with value-based actions. It’s a studio driven by connection and community, and led by a studio owner who can teach us all a thing or two about intentional leadership.
Read MoreLearn all about the power of social scripts for dance studios and download our free guide! A social script is a social learning tool that uses storytelling to communicate what to expect in a particular experience, event, or place. They’re used to support neurodivergent individuals navigate social situations and interactions, but everyone can benefit from social scripts. When we know what to expect it makes dealing with new experiences and big feelings much easier.
Read MoreWe love using props in our dance classes because they enable powerful and playful learning. But not all dance teachers and programs use props in purposeful ways. While everyone talks about props being great for engagement, it's not so much the prop itself but what we do with it that makes them engaging and powerful learning tools. This post will give you the why, how and what of making props more powerful and playful in your classes!
Read MoreLet's talk consistency.
Consistent classroom experiences are crucial to growing your studio. It's one of the most common needs expressed by studio owners who are looking to really grow and systemize their studio, and it's massive part of what we do at Leap 'N Learn. When it comes to providing consistent experiences, a quality curriculum is a studio owners' best friend with benefits that will ripple throughout your studio. Want to know how?...
Read MoreWhether you've just settled into a new season or are heading into hectic recital times, the thought of putting together a Halloween dance class lesson plan is probably the last thing on your mind. If you want something that you know is going to work, that kids will love, and that comes with high-quality resources (and not some 1990's render that gives Ron Weasley's dress robes a run for 'Most Musty and Outdated'), then never fear – Leap 'N Learn's Halloween Kit is the breath of fresh scare you need.
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