Putting Yourself and Others at Ease on the Dance Floor A few years ago, I spent a lot of time working with my dog, Naboo, who has separation anxiety. Two dog trainers suggested I take a tough love approach: give him corrections then leave him alone to “cry it out”. After several weeks, there … Read more about Putting Yourself and Others at Ease on the Dance Floor
Get More of What You Want On (and Off) the Dance Floor
Get More of What You Want On (and Off) the Dance Floor When you start partner dancing, you get much more than dancing. The skills you build in dancing can improve many other aspects of your life. But first I’d like to dispel a couple ballroom dance myths: Myth #1: Leader's are 100% Responsible for … Read more about Get More of What You Want On (and Off) the Dance Floor
Dare to Be a Dance Class Rebel
Dare to Be a Dance Class Rebel Historically I was a “good student,” diligently following my teachers’ instructions. In dance classes, I mustered my very best posture, tried to put all the teacher’s tips into practice, and kept going even when figures required more flexibility or balance than I … Read more about Dare to Be a Dance Class Rebel
Learn to Dance Faster by Going Slower
Learn to Dance Faster by Going Slower I originally wrote this post for my Feldenkrais blog. But it completely applies to learning dance, so I'm re-posting it here. Enjoy! Some people relish the opportunity to slow down and pay attention to themselves, such as doing a Feldenkrais or yoga … Read more about Learn to Dance Faster by Going Slower
A Dancer’s Guide to Knowing What Dance to Do to a Song
A Dancer's Guide to Knowing What Dance to Do What Dance Do I Do to This Song? Dancers, have you ever found yourself standing on the sidelines for the first half of each song trying to figure out what dance is supposed to be done to the music? Like my students you might be wondering: How do I … Read more about A Dancer’s Guide to Knowing What Dance to Do to a Song
3 Simple Strategies to Improve Your Coordination
3 Simple Strategies to Improve Your Coordination Recently, I've been thinking about the fastest and easiest ways to help my dance students improve coordination. Here are my tips for better coordination in dancing and in life! What is Coordination? The dictionary defines coordination as “to … Read more about 3 Simple Strategies to Improve Your Coordination
Dance is for Everyone
Dance is for Everyone (originally written Dec 2016) Last week I attended a memorial service for my Feldenkrais student, Susan Gittler, who passed peacefully at the age of 96. A fellow dancer, artist and teacher, Susan’s warmth, openness and full engagement with life inspired me each and … Read more about Dance is for Everyone