Sunday, April 19, 2015
Friday, April 17, 2015
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Knowledge is Power?
There is an old saying that."
"Knowledge is Power
But this is not complete, because when it comes to dancing, knowing how to do something is no good unless you actually...
Do it!
Has your dance teacher ever told you how to correct a step, and then the next lesson given you the very same correction ...
and then the next lesson after that gave you the same correction and then the next lesson after that given you the same correction etc, etc, etc?
I know that every dance teacher has done this...
every teacher, all over the world.
Why are they saying the same thing over and over?
Is it because they can’t think of anything else to teach you?
NO!
It is because they want you to actually do it!
It is true that repetition is the mother of skill, however if we keep learning the same lessons every day we never get to grow and it is our job to all walk out of the dance studio a better dancer than when we walked in.
Imagine you have a large save button
in the middle of your chest.
Today we are going to learn how to use it, and then we are going to USE it~
Imagine you are the computer and your dance teacher is you...
Each time they teach you a new step or a new style or a subtle correction that will make a
massive difference to you as a dancer...
they want you to
CLICK SAVE
so the next time they look for the changes and the little adjustments, you do them.
Just like with the document.
Here are a few ways to help you save the changes...
Pretend you have a "save button" in the middle of your chest (or anywhere) and when you get a correction or a new step touch that button. It will remind you that your job is to apply what you are learning. It will also remind you that it is YOU who must make the adjustment and take responsibility to get better.
Write down the corrections
This will help you remember them and you can then also go back and look at them at a later date. You are also creating a "recipe book" for anyone else who wants to dance as well as you.
Tell someone
Your mom or dad, or a friend, the changes that you have learned after your class. Do it like "you are a teacher " and you are trying to teach them so they
understand it. You can even test them to see
if they listened. This way it is also helping you
learn and remember it. This is an excellent save button because...
when you teach something
you really learn it.
Happy Dancing!!
~ Miss Kelley
g to use it!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Free Your Creative Spirit!
I have been teaching people of all ages for many years now how to unleash their creative spirit. It's something that I used to think nothing of - I guess because it just seems so natural to me to do this. During my years of teaching, it taught me that not everyone is comfortable or knows how to let the creative energy out.
What is it to BE an artist?
Artist (ahr-tist) noun -
3. a person whose trade or profession requires a knowledge of design, drawing, painting, etc.: a commercial artist.
4. a person who works in one of the performing arts, as an actor, musician, or singer; a public performer: a mime artist; an artist of the dance.
5. a person whose work exhibits exceptional skill.
That's the dictionary's idea of an artist. I think it needs expanding upon...
How To Be An Artist (+ Sark) <3
Stay loose. Learn to watch snails. Plant impossible gardens!
Invite someone dangerous to tea. Make little signs that say "YES!" & post them
all over your house. Make friends with freedom & uncertainty. Look forward to dreams!
Cry during movies. Swing as HIGH as you can on a swing set, by moonlight.
Cultivate moods. Refuse to "be responsible". Do it for LOVE.
Take lots of naps. Give money away. Do it now. The money will follow.
Believe in magic. Laugh a LOT! Celebrate EVERY gorgeous moment.
Take moonbaths. Have wild imaginings, transformative dreams and perfect calm!
Draw on the walls!! Read every day. Imagine yourself magic.
Giggle with children. Listen to elders. Open up. Dive in. Be free.
Bless yourself. Drive away fear. Play with everything! Entertain your inner child.
You are innocent. Build a fort with blankets. Get wet! Hug trees.
Write love letters!
Even writing (and reading) this now... I am still always doing my best to open up to my creative spirit
It's a never-ending and ever-changing miracle!
Martha Graham said,
"There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action and because there is only ONE of YOU in all of time, this expression is unique... and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is or how valuable nor how it compares t others' expressions.... It is your business to keep it yours clearly & directly, to keep the channel open - whether you choose to take and art class, keep a journal, record your dreams, dance your story or live each day from your own creative source. Above all else, keep the channel open!"
Love, love, LOVE how well she expressed that!
Your desire to feel creatively free is VERY important... the rest is easy
If this makes you think... if reading this reaches out to you... if you're looking to unleash your creative spirit - reach out to me. I would LOVE to see you be creatively free!!
Make "YES" your new favorite word!
Kelley
www.TheDance-Central.com
Monday, November 5, 2012
Positively Dancing: Staying Motivated!
Positively Dancing: Staying Motivated!: Remember - pressure is how diamonds are made. It is really important to notice and remember when we do something goo, great and outst...
Staying Motivated!
Remember - pressure is how diamonds are made.
It is really important to notice and remember when we do something goo, great and outstanding because we can only build on success.
Take notice when you have done something well and then decide to do it again each time you do that step. Click "SAVE" to stay that way. And if you slip... tighten the laces!
Staying Motivated:
Motive (n):
the reason for doing something or behaving in a particular way.
There is no doubt that some days can seem better than others and sometimes we can be motivated and some days we seem unmotivated with lower energy. That is part of being human and it's OK, however we don't want it to stay that way especially if we can do something about it.
If you want to be motivated & inspired each day there is something you need to remember:
- Your purpose
- The reasons
- What it means to YOU!
If someone asks you, "Why do you dance every day" and you reply, "I dunno", that might not keep you very inspired or motivated. If you have thought about and written out your purpose then you will have more chance of sticking at it and staying motivated, especially when the going gets tough.
If someone asks you “Why do yo dance every day?", you will definitely feel motivated & inspires if you know i your heart the answer is...
"Because dancing fills me up with joy, gives me energy, gives me an emotional rush that cannot b e explained in words. It makes me a better person, stretches me physically and emotionally. I want to be the very best I can be and enjoy the audience's cheers & applause when I have made them feel that special rush. I want to be proud of myself & dancing gives me that. It also gives me friends, teachers and audience members who are proud of me.... and I LOVE IT!!"
So here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Why do you dance?
- What keeps you going back to dancing?
- What do you love about it?
- What does it feel like?
- What keeps you motivated when the going gets tough?
Write the answers down in your journal.
Create your answer to that question, "Why do you dance every day?"
Leave me a comment- I would LOVE to hear what keeps you motivated & inspired!
Dancingly yours~
Kelley
www.TheDance-Central.com
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Positively Dancing: Getting from Good to GREAT!
Positively Dancing: Getting from Good to GREAT!: average good excellent outstanding Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve. So let’s go forexcellent and outstand...
Getting from Good to GREAT!
average
good
excellent
outstanding
Don’t settle
for anything less than you deserve.
So let’s go forexcellent and outstanding in all that we do from here on in.
People who want an excellent and outstanding
life turn the page
the standard of your peers:
don’t be scared
of the tall poppy syndrome.
When you want to improve in
something (especially dancing) you must raise your standards.
Expect more from yourself than anyone else could expect.
.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Positively Dancing: Develop Super Stamina!
Positively Dancing: Develop Super Stamina!: Stamina is the ability to maintain your energy & strength for an existing period of time. For dancers, stamina is our best friend or worst...
Develop Super Stamina!
Stamina is the ability to maintain your energy & strength for an existing period of time.
For dancers, stamina is our best friend or worst enemy.
Have you ever started a routine off so strong with perfect technique and amazing jumps to find you start to fade out at the end? This is stamina playing a game with you!
Stamina is something you must build and continue to work on your entire dance career. Professional athletes and dancers train themselves to peak just near a performance or a race so they are at their strongest.
You can build your stamina by doing cross training, or in other words, a variety of different exercises, which are not always dance related. The more you work your cardiovascular strength the better you train your body to deliver oxygen to your muscles so they can work more efficiently and stay stronger for longer.
Here are some exercises you can do to help you start to track the level of your stamina at the moment and begin to improve on it:
Skipping
Skipping is an excellent dancer's tool! It's cheap, doesn't take up room in your dance bag and you can do it in your backyard!
Try this:
Put on your solo music or your favorite routine song. Try skipping non-stop the whole way through. Remember to land LIGHTLY! How did you do? Measure your heart rate for a few weeks & see if your body gets stronger and fitter fast!
Bike Riding
It can be stationary or outside and is one of he easiest ways to build up your stamina while giving your legs a rest from the ground. Work to cycle hard for 15 minutes and increase your time 5 minutes every day.
Swimming
Swimming is great for dancers because it gives your body relief from the impact of the floor, It also involves another important tool a dancer must learn to use - control over our breathing. Swim a couple of laps in the pool concentrating on your breathing being controlled. So many dancers forget to breathe when they focused on learning & executing the dance steps. So, learning in the water to control your oxygen intake is an excellent way to become attuned to your body.
I love to hear from you! Let me know if you tried any of these ideas. How did it work for you? Do you have other things that have worked well for you?
Until next month~
Keep it positive!
~Miss Kelley
www.TheDance-Central.com
For dancers, stamina is our best friend or worst enemy.
Have you ever started a routine off so strong with perfect technique and amazing jumps to find you start to fade out at the end? This is stamina playing a game with you!Stamina is something you must build and continue to work on your entire dance career. Professional athletes and dancers train themselves to peak just near a performance or a race so they are at their strongest.
You can build your stamina by doing cross training, or in other words, a variety of different exercises, which are not always dance related. The more you work your cardiovascular strength the better you train your body to deliver oxygen to your muscles so they can work more efficiently and stay stronger for longer.
Here are some exercises you can do to help you start to track the level of your stamina at the moment and begin to improve on it:
Skipping
Skipping is an excellent dancer's tool! It's cheap, doesn't take up room in your dance bag and you can do it in your backyard!
Try this:
Put on your solo music or your favorite routine song. Try skipping non-stop the whole way through. Remember to land LIGHTLY! How did you do? Measure your heart rate for a few weeks & see if your body gets stronger and fitter fast!
Bike Riding
It can be stationary or outside and is one of he easiest ways to build up your stamina while giving your legs a rest from the ground. Work to cycle hard for 15 minutes and increase your time 5 minutes every day.
Swimming
Swimming is great for dancers because it gives your body relief from the impact of the floor, It also involves another important tool a dancer must learn to use - control over our breathing. Swim a couple of laps in the pool concentrating on your breathing being controlled. So many dancers forget to breathe when they focused on learning & executing the dance steps. So, learning in the water to control your oxygen intake is an excellent way to become attuned to your body.
I love to hear from you! Let me know if you tried any of these ideas. How did it work for you? Do you have other things that have worked well for you?
Until next month~
Keep it positive!
~Miss Kelley
www.TheDance-Central.com
Friday, July 27, 2012
Positively Dancing: How to select the right dance school
Positively Dancing: How to select the right dance school: Well it's that time of year again - registering your child for ther dance classes. If you have started looking for a great dance studio then...
How to select the right dance school
Well it's that time of year again - registering your child for ther dance classes. If you have started looking for a great dance studio then you may realize that it's not going to be a simple find.
So what does a parent need to think about when signing up their child for dance? What questions should you ask? Here are a few steps to take when searching for the best dance instruction and environment.
Step One - Get some recommendations. Find out from other parents and family members what they know about different dance academies and if their children enjoy the dance classes. You could also get some information about how the classes run and what the studio looks like. Does it feel like a "formal" environment? Or is it more of a "fun" place to be? If you can't find anyone to give a recommendation then you will just need to move onto step two.
Step Two - Start making some phone calls. If you weren't able to get any recommendations, find a few numbers for your local dance studios on the internet and in the phone book and work from there. Once you get into contact with a studio start asking some basic questions:
Step Three - Visit the studio. Once you are at the establishment you'll want to look around a bit and make note of a few things. Ask a few more questions while you are touring as well.
Step Four - Interview the staff and/or dance instructor. Now is the time to get into the details.
Find out:
1. Teaching philosophy: Different dance schools teach dancing differently. One school may be all about teaching the proper form and style, while the other takes more of a laid back and fun approach. Does the instructor foster good self-esteem? Is the focus on school recreation or is it more about pre-professional training? You need to think about your own child's personality and goals when choosing which teaching style will fit them best.
2. Parental involvement: Dance studios will have different practices when it comes to family involvement. Some schools will have students dropped off at a certain time while others have them right there in the trenches with the kids. Also, how are the parents kept informed about the classes and the students' progress? Is there a viewing area for parents to watch their child as they dance? Can parents stay and help? Are they expected to stay and help? Some schools have family days or other special events that require extra parental involvement, so this is something you'll want to discuss as well.
3. Teacher qualifications: The dance instructor's academic background and their general ideas about dance can help you in determining if the program is right for your child. Find out about the teacher's qualifications and dance background. Is he or she associated with any professional dance or performance association? The important thing here is to have a teacher that is qualified to work with your child.
4. More about the extras: Many schools will have a year-end show or recital. Students that perform in these shows will normally have to wear one or more costumes for their dance number(s). Some dance studios require parents to sew their child's costume or to have a seamstress do the sewing for them. This is another added expense to think about. It will also take some time on the parent's part. Some dance studios will also take part in other concerts, exams, performances and camps. Find out what is expected of you and your child when it comes to all of the activities outside of dance class.
5. Facts about the school: Sometimes it is a good sign if a school is well established. If a school has been open and successful for a number of years they must be doing something right. The school might also participate in yearly concerts or contests. Find out about the statistics surrounding the dance studio. Are the students successful in their dancing activities? What about students that have moved on to perform professionally after attending the school?
Step Five - Sign them up! If you get through the previous steps and like what you see and hear then it's time to register your child and get them ready for their first dance class. I would suggest taking a look at more than one dance studio. You might like the first establishment just fine, but the second or third you visit could really supersede your expectations. No reason to regret this type of commitment if it can be avoided.
I hope this helps you find a place for the most amazing dance memories EVER!
~Kelley King
www.TheDance-Central.com
So what does a parent need to think about when signing up their child for dance? What questions should you ask? Here are a few steps to take when searching for the best dance instruction and environment.
Step One - Get some recommendations. Find out from other parents and family members what they know about different dance academies and if their children enjoy the dance classes. You could also get some information about how the classes run and what the studio looks like. Does it feel like a "formal" environment? Or is it more of a "fun" place to be? If you can't find anyone to give a recommendation then you will just need to move onto step two.Step Two - Start making some phone calls. If you weren't able to get any recommendations, find a few numbers for your local dance studios on the internet and in the phone book and work from there. Once you get into contact with a studio start asking some basic questions:
- What programs are offered for your child's age group?
- How many other students would be in the class with your child? (A smaller class size allows for more individualized instruction)
- What is the monthly charge and registration fee for the class?
- What extra costs (uniform and end of year costumes) come with the dance class?
Step Three - Visit the studio. Once you are at the establishment you'll want to look around a bit and make note of a few things. Ask a few more questions while you are touring as well.
- Find out what type of dance floor is used. Young students need a slip resistant surface for protection from falling. Older students need more protection when they are jumping and executing more complex movements. The best type of dance floor for older students would be a "floating" floor or a "sprung" floor that allows for a small amount of "give." In addition to the dance floor, ask yourself if the studio has proper heating and cooling.
- Find out about the studio's first aid practices as well.
- Are changing rooms available for use?
Step Four - Interview the staff and/or dance instructor. Now is the time to get into the details.
Find out:
1. Teaching philosophy: Different dance schools teach dancing differently. One school may be all about teaching the proper form and style, while the other takes more of a laid back and fun approach. Does the instructor foster good self-esteem? Is the focus on school recreation or is it more about pre-professional training? You need to think about your own child's personality and goals when choosing which teaching style will fit them best.
2. Parental involvement: Dance studios will have different practices when it comes to family involvement. Some schools will have students dropped off at a certain time while others have them right there in the trenches with the kids. Also, how are the parents kept informed about the classes and the students' progress? Is there a viewing area for parents to watch their child as they dance? Can parents stay and help? Are they expected to stay and help? Some schools have family days or other special events that require extra parental involvement, so this is something you'll want to discuss as well.
3. Teacher qualifications: The dance instructor's academic background and their general ideas about dance can help you in determining if the program is right for your child. Find out about the teacher's qualifications and dance background. Is he or she associated with any professional dance or performance association? The important thing here is to have a teacher that is qualified to work with your child.
4. More about the extras: Many schools will have a year-end show or recital. Students that perform in these shows will normally have to wear one or more costumes for their dance number(s). Some dance studios require parents to sew their child's costume or to have a seamstress do the sewing for them. This is another added expense to think about. It will also take some time on the parent's part. Some dance studios will also take part in other concerts, exams, performances and camps. Find out what is expected of you and your child when it comes to all of the activities outside of dance class.
5. Facts about the school: Sometimes it is a good sign if a school is well established. If a school has been open and successful for a number of years they must be doing something right. The school might also participate in yearly concerts or contests. Find out about the statistics surrounding the dance studio. Are the students successful in their dancing activities? What about students that have moved on to perform professionally after attending the school?
Step Five - Sign them up! If you get through the previous steps and like what you see and hear then it's time to register your child and get them ready for their first dance class. I would suggest taking a look at more than one dance studio. You might like the first establishment just fine, but the second or third you visit could really supersede your expectations. No reason to regret this type of commitment if it can be avoided.
I hope this helps you find a place for the most amazing dance memories EVER!
~Kelley King
www.TheDance-Central.com
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Positively Dancing: Practice makes PERMANENT
Positively Dancing: Practice makes PERMANENT: I am sure everyone has heard the saying, "practice makes perfect" or even the newer spin on it, "perfect practice makes perfect performance"...
Practice makes PERMANENT
I am sure everyone has heard the saying, "practice makes perfect" or even the newer spin on it, "perfect practice makes perfect performance". I stand up (or sit down as I am typing) before you and say, "NO!" Those are both incorrect statements.
Perfection is not an attainable or relaistic goal! And for some folks, I would even go so far as to say, that it's a way of being lazy and getting out of doing their best. So why are we setting up our young people for so much failure??
I prefer to teach my students (and they have been of varied talents, skills, interests & backgrounds) that the way you repeatedly practice something is the way you are going to "perform" it- whatever IT is. I instruct them learn to be their own coach when I am not with them and to atempt to self-correct. I LOVE it when they begin recognizing the errors or bad technique in themselves (eventually in others) and know what to do to correct it or (and here's the big one!!! ) ASK for direction to get them past this stumbling point and onto the next and the greater....!!!!
Ask yourself some of these questions the next time you're in rehearsal or dance class:
I would love to hear more of the questions YOU ask yourself when practicing!
This time of year is so important for most dancers to really focus on mastering their choreography. Let me hear how you get your dances mastered and what teachiniques help you!! I will include them in my follow up blog.
Until then, have a SPARKLE-y day!
Dancingly yours....
Kelley King
Dance Central
TheDanceCentral@yahoo.com
Perfection is not an attainable or relaistic goal! And for some folks, I would even go so far as to say, that it's a way of being lazy and getting out of doing their best. So why are we setting up our young people for so much failure??
I prefer to teach my students (and they have been of varied talents, skills, interests & backgrounds) that the way you repeatedly practice something is the way you are going to "perform" it- whatever IT is. I instruct them learn to be their own coach when I am not with them and to atempt to self-correct. I LOVE it when they begin recognizing the errors or bad technique in themselves (eventually in others) and know what to do to correct it or (and here's the big one!!! ) ASK for direction to get them past this stumbling point and onto the next and the greater....!!!!
Ask yourself some of these questions the next time you're in rehearsal or dance class:
- Did I just do MY very best?
- What can I do to improve the next time?
- Do I hear my teacher's voice giving direction in my head while I am practicing?
- Have I asked for help where I am struggling with certain areas?
- Is this how I want to perform this dance?
- What more can I do to reach the next level as a performer?
- Am I lifting other dancers up around me?
- Am I visualizing my very best performance(s) in my head before I drift off to sleep? ( I highly recommend this one!)
I would love to hear more of the questions YOU ask yourself when practicing!
This time of year is so important for most dancers to really focus on mastering their choreography. Let me hear how you get your dances mastered and what teachiniques help you!! I will include them in my follow up blog.
Dancingly yours....
Kelley King
Dance Central
TheDanceCentral@yahoo.com
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