Comments

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  James brosnahan December 27, 2011 at 12:00pm

  Wonderful to see the discussion on the quality of Dance Education continue to expand here at Move. Both DMA and DEA are quality institutions that serve a quality service and both have intriguing histories. 

  One of the best aspects of teaching for SF Ballet's outreach over the past 14 years, is that once I landed the job, I didn't just head into schools and start teaching. I began a long, continuing road to becoming a Master Dance Educator. Mentoring with quality educators that came before me. Spent hundreds of hours, refining lesson plans, how to inspire while staying true to specific folkloric material.

  Although being a dance educator is the job I love the most. I have chosen to never refer to myself as a Master Dance Educator, simply because I never want to think," I have arrived". Do I inspire ? I hope so. Do I deeply understand the craft? I think so. Yet a Master...I don't know....But this I do know.

  I have grown in my passion and dedication for being the best Dance Outreach Education in the public schools I can be, rivaling only my passion for being a good father and husband.

  I would now like to declare a goal I have set to expand Dance/movement education into public schools, from coast to coast. The working title,,,,,,,,MANIFESTDANCETINY. Please share your ideas on how we might work together to get quality dance education into low income communities and schools, to make the world a more empowered aware place...I look forward to working with you fellow educators on this. 
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  MOVE December 27, 2011 at 9:12am

  Dance Masters of America

  Dance Educators of America
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  Joe Tremaine December 27, 2011 at 8:49am

  Hello fellow Terpsichorean types!

  After hearing Nigel Lythgoe speak about Dance Teacher Certification I wanted everyone to be aware [I had this conversation with Nigel once and another time had the same conversation with Carrie Ann Inaba] of what does exist at this time.

  Dance Masters of America --- International organization of certified dance educators --- 127 years old.  They offer a comprehensive certification program with exams etc.

  Additionally Dance Educators of America has a Teacher Training and Certification program---- DEA established 1932!

  I understand Nigel's concern that dance teachers be certified.  I too see many who are teaching who are really not qualified.  But do know that DMA and DEA are doing a fine job. 

  Happy Dancing to all!
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  MOVE December 24, 2011 at 6:53am
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  Marilyn Pittman December 21, 2011 at 7:12am

  Well written James....love your insight!
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  James brosnahan December 21, 2011 at 6:49am

  Yes, Thanks for creating an Educators section. Love it, my people... Although my 2 kids are playing under the Christmas tree and will go to Midnight mass. I have found in my heart, the most sacred time I have in a typical week is when 44 or so inner-city kids look to me to guild them to understanding the beauty and power of dance and in the process, I feel kind of like a tour guild to helping them find themselves. A high quality 'dance class' is so much more than a simple dance class. For many of the children, it is the only time of their day when they will be validated for having allot of energy. In fact they are often scolded for simply having the biological need to MOVE.

  I find working with kids diagnosed with ADHD, well,,,are some of the most focused children I work with with regard to movement. Also, "teaching dance" or being a "dance educator" I believe to be an art form within itself. When I started teaching with SF Ballet's Dance in schools program about 14 years ago, I had taught and been dancing for around 20 years at the time. I quickly learned that just like working on turns or any other technical aspect of dance, so is the discipline to create a truly empowering, meaningful class.

  I like the previous comments some of ya'll mentioned regarding getting the kids performing early. I also am a strong believer in process based dance education... The road to becoming a "Master teacher" in my opinion is a never ending one. After every class, I find it crucial to reflect on the goods and bads, talking with my accompanist on how we can convey music and dance theory, in a FUN clear meaningful way....The best phrase I think, I have come up with that captures "what I do?" as an arts educator is "HELP GUILD THE CHILDREN TO A MORE EMPOWERED SENSE OF SELF".....Also, I find it crucial to continue to take class as much as possible...Oh BTW...I also recommend Gymnastics and or Martial Arts, when us dancers want our kids to dance, yet they choose, to go in another direction. I'm right there with you, my daughter( age 8) is returning to dance after "taking a break" 3 years of gymnastics, now she feels confident with flexibility, my son(5) has yet to make the move to class,,,,in his words "That's for Daddy". Glad to be a part of this group with you fellow dancers and teachers. POWER TO DANCE EDUCATION...
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  JT Horenstein December 21, 2011 at 5:11am

  I agree...the experience of entertaining while dancing teaches the kids at a young age to trea

  t dance as a means of communication rather than just exercise and memorization....
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  Marilyn Pittman December 21, 2011 at 3:05am

  I am a small studio owner/teacher (for 37 yrs) whose average student age is around 10 yrs old.  My suggestion is to get these young dancers performing for audiences as quickly as possible.  The joy of dance is only heightened by the joy of entertaining.  We have small "performances" throughout the year for parents, friends and family before hitting the community and dancing wherever they'll let us.  I say, "spread the love"!!!