Stretching For Your (Mental) Health

Stretching For Your (Mental) Health

Dancers are known for their sometimes circus-like contortions, whether it’s pulling a leg to their forehead or bending their back in a 110° arabesque. Along with technique class and strengthening exercises, stretching is likely one of the largest parts of a dancer’s daily regimen. But what about “stretching” something other than your hamstrings? Can mental and emotional flexibility be a benefit to dancers’ overall health?

Just like asking your muscles to accept a new position—and pushing through the necessary discomfort—when stretching, asking your brain to adapt to new and dynamic situations can increase mental flexibility. Pushing through the discomfort of change or uncertainty can result in great reward. Have you ever learned an understudy part that you weren’t guaranteed to ever perform? Have you ever worn another dancer’s costume (far from—ahem—a perfect fit)? Speaking of costumes, have you ever had to change that costume, and tights, and shoes, and hairpiece, etc—in less than two minutes? The feeling of embracing change and succeeding despite uncertainty can be almost more rewarding than performing under normal circumstances.

Even though dancers are some of the world’s best quick-change artists (literally and figuratively!) anxiety and fear can sometimes still seep in. Here are a few things you can do to stretch your adaptability “muscles” and ease the stress of change and uncertainty:

• Be prepared

The old adage “expect the unexpected” is still around because it’s true! Accept that change and uncertainty are a healthy part of normal life, and stay mentally and emotionally agile; that is, ready for change at any moment. Picture the pro tennis player, bouncing on the balls of her feet as she waits to see which direction her opponent’s serve will go. Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.

• Make a plan

Particularly during the COVID-19 crisis, kids and families are being asked to absorb a lot of change and uncertainty from school closures to online dance classes to household supply shortages. Play “what if…?” with a friend (through video chat of course), and talk through situations that haven’t arisen but might. For example: if we can’t ride bikes we’ll walk to the park instead, or if we can’t walk to the park we’ll play a board game; sometimes just the act of making a plan can be reassuring even if you never use it.

• Stay calm

Just like in a quick costume change scenario, panicking actually slows your progress rather than speeding it. Staying serene when you’re faced with uncertainty or change by using breathing exercises, saying mantras or affirmations aloud, or simply listening to calming music can buy you time to come up with the next step. And avoiding a freak-out will preserve precious energy that your brain needs for problem-solving!

Dancers possess a level of resilience like few others. Don’t miss a chance to use what you know about physical stretching to help boost your mental and emotional flexibility too!

- Melanie Gibbs

The Recital: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

You’ve heard us talking about it.  You’ve seen it mentioned on our website, newsletter, and in our emails.  You know there’s a lot of excitement around it … but what exactly IS the Inspire Recital.

Just as soccer players have tournaments, football players have games, and gymnasts have meets, dancers have performances!  More than a year’s worth of planning goes into our annual performance at SB Dance Arts!

The recital is a memorable opportunity for our students to showcase their talents onstage.  From learning the first eight-count of choreography in class to the final bow onstage, the recital is definitely one of the highlights of a dancer’s year!

Consider this blog post your “recital primer,” where we break down a few key elements of what to expect these next few months—and why it’s all so important.

●        Choreography

Each class learns a particular routine to perform at the recital.  The choreography is the series of steps, patterns, and formations the teacher creates for each unique routine.  Your dancer will be learning and practicing this choreography during class time leading up to the recital.  This repetition allows our students to grow their confidence as well as their skills.

●        Costumes, Hair, and Makeup

Because dance is a performing art, this is where the “performance” aspect truly comes together!  As you’ve seen, each class will have a costume to wear onstage for their routine.  We will also be communicating specific instructions regarding their hairstyle and stage makeup.  These three things are the finishing touches that complete a performer’s look!

●        Tech and Photo Rehearsal

Because we believe you are never too small to have a professional show, you will have a special “Tech Rehearsal”  that allows  us the chance to rehearse our sound and lighting cues from backstage and helps us make sure the dancers are familiar with their new surroundings.   We will also take your class photos, and you get a chance to pick up your year end progress certificates and evaluations.  Plus, it is the unveiling of our new Fall 2020 schedule!

●        Dress Rehearsal

Prior to the recital, each Senior and Tween/Teen dancer will have the chance to participate in our dress rehearsal. .  The dress rehearsal is almost like the recital itself, except it’s just for practice. It let’s us work out any kinks so we can put on a full professional show! Dress Rehearsal happens on show day and is right before the real performance.

●        Performance

This is it!  After all the preparation and practice, this is each dancer’s moment in the spotlight in front of their family and friends.  The buildup of excitement is huge.  It’s like when an athlete performs at the Olympics … our students perform at the recital!

We understand that the thought of choreography, costumes, rehearsals, and being onstage in can be intimidating at first, so we’re here to show you what an awesome experience this journey can be.  We promise that this is not like any other dance recital and you will leave with a proud and happy child!  Get ready to be INSPIRED! 

Hit Your Summer Stride

The Summer Stride

It may be February, but Summer is right around the corner and here at Dance Arts we are putting the finishing touches on all our fantastic summer program offerings and they will go live March 2nd!

With the current dance season focused on recital, you might have forgotten about summer, but we wanted to let  you know how much summer can benefit your summer and your family.  Not only are we one of the only programs in town that offers care from 9am -5pm but we have flexible camps that can suit all ages and schedules.  From our experience, every student has the potential to hit their “summer stride” … in other words, they all have the ability to keep their learning power going in the summer, without losing any momentum!

We believe there is a unique benefit for each and every student who dances with us in the summer, whether it’s during a weekly camp, a master class, or an intensive workshop.  Read on to see which advantages might be in store for your child!

●        Making Progress

Because dance is built on muscle memory, summer study can help your child fine-tune their movement vocabulary and technique, allowing them to improve their skills, grow stronger, and be better prepared to take on new material.

●        Being Consistent

Young children do well with stability in their routine, so maintaining that normalcy with summer dance can give them (and you!) peace of mind, even as the rest of your summer plans may vary.

●        Getting Motivated

After the recital, we find that some students are eager to try a new dance style (usually something they were inspired by!) to see how they like it.  Summer is THE perfect time to test out those new interests, without a long commitment.

●        Gaining Confidence

Our summer programs, with their blend of both structure and fun, can give your child the boost they need to jump into fall classes feeling good about themselves.  There’s nothing quite like the personal development that can be built in the summer!

It’s part of our mission to ensure that your child is learning how to balance their hard work with time off, and the summer offers the best of both worlds.  We encourage all of our students to make time for rest and relaxation, and also make time to keep their bodies strong and minds engaged.  This balance is what the true summer stride is all about!

There’s something for everyone here this summer at SB Dane Arts Destination Dance Summer Camp .  We’re happy to help you customize the right schedule for your family or make a special recommendation for your child … just ask!  Save the date – June 8-August 13. Weekly sessions will be online and open for registration March 2nd!

Why We Teach Dance

Happy New Year, and as I reflect on the last year and the big one ahead, I am grateful that all of our teachers at  SB Dance Arts  share a common ‘WHY,”” While our teachers come from a variety of backgrounds, dance universally transformed their lives.  Most of them grew up dancing and then chose to combine their passion for dance with their interest in education.  Some teachers pursued other careers but discovered that teaching dance always held a special place in their hearts.  And some just always knew that teaching was their greater calling!

No matter the pathway our teachers took, the “why” behind their decision to teach is what brought them to us.  In this blog post, we’re excited to share more with you about why we LOVE teaching dance!  Our faculty all agree that there are three top reasons, so we’re counting them down for you right here:

#3: Teaching dance changes lives

This might seem like a big claim, but it’s no exaggeration.  Every teacher at SB Dance Arts has had their life changed through dance: From the skills they’ve developed, to the resilience they’ve gained, to the thoughtful way they solve problems, their lives were transformed.  Now, through their personal experiences, they’re able to impart those lessons upon our students.  As you know, having a positive impact on a young person’s life is an incredible responsibility and sometimes has its challenges!  But that impact is also one of the most rewarding reasons to be a dance teacher.

#2: Teaching dance instills tradition

Teaching dance is based on established practices of movement, codified techniques, and unique styles that were created generations before us.  Because of that, our teachers have a sense of obligation to pass down their knowledge and skills to their own students.  The history of dance is like a big family tree, with roots of the great influencers and branches grown from new interpretations.  With respect and appreciation for tradition, our students are becoming a new part of this legacy, which is one of the top reasons why teaching dance is so meaningful to our faculty.  We are all a part of this unique community!

#1: Teaching dance brings joy

There’s simply no other way to put it: The number one reason why our teachers love what they do is because it brings such joy to others.  When a student achieves a long-term goal, that joy is pure awesomeness.  When a class is smiling and laughing as they learn how to chassé, that joy is contagious.  When it’s performance time and a teacher sees her students’ hard work realized onstage, that joy is inspiring.  Teaching dance is FULL of these addictive moments; there’s nothing else like it.

We teach dance to make an impact, to transform thinking, to develop artists, and to connect as humans.  It is a gift to be a dancer and a gift to teach.  It’s one of the best jobs there is, and that’s why we love having your children dancing with us at SB Dance Arts!

Gifts for Dancers

I am excited to welcome our guest blogger Nina Koch, fellow studio owner, author of the beloved children’s book, Bella Bunny, and a dear friend.  I added a lucky #13 gift- see below!

 The holiday season is upon us!  My trees are up, yes yes I know it is before Thanksgiving and we need to "celebrate one holiday at a time" but I'm gonna be real with you.  I'm a studio owner mom of 3 kids.  I had one chance to get my house decorated and that one chance as when I was putting Halloween away!  Sooooooo, I have been in the Christmas spirit for a few weeks now and I know a lot of you are too.  Every year I hear the same question from moms in my studio lobby, "what do I get my dancer?"  Well, I got your back, dance mama!  Here is a list of 12 great gifts to give your dancer.  Whether your kiddo is young, old, beginner, advanced, boy or girl there is something for your dancer on this list! 

1. Bella Bunny - This has to be my number one gift idea...I wrote the book! All kidding aside, Bella Bunny is a body-positive children book that inspires kids to love the skin they are in, stand up to bullies and be brave. What is a better gift than that? You can purchase Bella Bunny on my website, or on Amazon.

2. Bloch Slippers - These slippers are great in the colder months to help keep your dancer's feet and ankles warm. They are also great to slip on over dance shoes while making a quick escape to and from the car.

3. Let’s Play Ballet- If you have a little ballerina you need this book. It's a fun way for your dancer to learn how to practice at home and it is so beautifully illustrated that your dancer will WANT to practice! Did I mention my friend and fellow studio owner Neisha Hernandez wrote it? She also wrote another book, Shine, all about how to help your daughter reach her goals. Put that on YOUR holiday wish list!

4. Foam roller - Your older dancer is going to have some sore muscles or aches and pains. A foam roller helps to loosen up those sore, tight muscles and can help them recover faster.

5. Yoga Mat- Your dancer does not need to be stretching or working out on a dirty, cold floor. With a yoga mat, she can get a workout anywhere!

6. Yoga block- This a great tool for a beginner through advanced dancer with so many uses. A yoga block helps to fill space between your dancer and floor which can help advance flexibility and maintain stability.

7. Some Dudes Dance Tee- There is not much I need to say about this gift. It pretty much sells itself. It rocks, that is all.

8. Lacrosse balls- This seems like a weird one, but stay with me. Lacrosse balls, when used under a teacher's guidance by an intermediate to advanced dancer, can help speed recovery, increase in mobility, aide in injury prevention, and advance healing.

9. Balance board - For intermediate and advanced dancers only, please! When used under the guidance of an experienced teacher a balance board is a great tool to help with core strength and joint stability.

10. Hair bun kit- There is nothing better than a perfectly put together ballet bun! Your dancer can keep this cute kit in her dance bag so she will always be ready.

11. Apolla Shocks- These. Are. Cool. They are definitely NOT ordinary socks. Dancers' bodies need special care and these socks can help keep their bodies safe. They give extra support and compression where dancers need it. Not only are they supportive and can help prevent injuries but they can also help with rest and recovery. If your dancer enjoys going to conventions, spending hours dancing on concrete ballroom floors then these socks are a must!

12. Doll personalized to look like your dancer in costume! - I just can't with this gift! How cute is this?!?!?! The options are endless and I am pretty you will find this under my tree for my little dancer. Shhh don't tell her!

13. Check out The Dance Store and get your dancer some Dance Arts merchandise!! If you buy a private lesson package, you get 10% off in the store, or if you sign up for an additional class, you can get a FREE Tutu. www.sbdancearts.com The store will be open through 12/20 and then closed until after the New Year!

Well, that's my 12 (13)days of Christmas Dancer Gift Guide I hope it gives you some great option for the dancers in your life.

PS...dance teachers would love these gifts too! 

Celebrating Each Other’s Success

Here’s a fun fact for you: In dance class, it is common etiquette for students to applaud after groups practice combinations or a student is asked to demonstrate.  This show of appreciation is a class custom across the entire dance world!  Dancers gain motivation by being able to watch and learn from each other.  Dance Arts, this classroom tradition of recognizing effort is part of our dance DNA!

 Similarly, when a student achieves a goal—however big or small—we want to celebrate their success and encourage their classmates to do the same.  A dancer’s goal might have been accomplishing that clean double pirouette in jazz class or earning their pointe shoes.  Or it might have been receiving a coveted mid-year promotion or being cast in a specific role in the school musical.  We love to promote cheering them on!

 Sometimes, however, we notice that when a student reaches a goal, there are other students who feel as though they’ll never get there themselves; that their own potential to succeed is limited because of someone else’s success.  But when it comes to achievement, nothing could be further from the truth!  Everyone’s light shines brighter if they choose to see someone else’s achievement as a possibility for themselves.  Science actually tells us that more success happens when we encourage each other and celebrate those wins.

 Shawn Achor, researcher and author of the book Big Potential, writes:

 “Simply celebrating a person or a team for their companionship, their strengths, their everyday contributions—no matter how small or seemingly insignificant—reinforces a more empowered self-image and helps them see a vivid image of themselves as someone who is worthy of happiness and success.”

 This empowered self-image is what we’re all about at Dance Arts We want dance to be the catalyst that propels our students forward in life—but it takes more than just the steps to make that happen, of course.  Dance can serve this mission only when combined with an ecosystem of positive culture, resilient kids, supportive teachers, and accountability.

 We want to help our students understand that lifting each other up is beneficial for everyone, not just the person who is in the spotlight at that moment.  Everyone’s potential rises when we choose to celebrate each other’s success!  Through dance, and through each other’s wins, our students can see that each one of them has the power to achieve new goals. 

 It’s affirming to see the scientific proof that being interconnected with each other, within our studio ecosystem, allows our students to thrive in dance and in life.  And we will continue to encourage this interconnectivity with the way our dancers complement each other’s strengths and work as a team during class.  As Achor says in his book, pursuing greater potential and achieving success must not be a solo journey: “The conclusion of a decade of research is clear: It’s not faster alone; it’s better together.”

 We couldn’t agree more, and we’re proud to raise up our dancers with this mindset and keep our theme of gratitude and appreciation going strong all year long!

New Teacher? No Problem

By: Alana Tillim

 Now that class has been in session for over a month, a lot of you are getting used to a new teacher!  Having a new teacher in class can be an awesome experience for any student, and especially a dance student!  Because dance is passed down from generation to generation and learned from person to person, every teacher’s perspective brings something special to the classroom.  Whether it’s the way they introduce a concept or how they explain a correction, a new teacher’s unique viewpoint can offer unexpected “lightbulb moments” in a child’s learning experience.

 Just like classes at school, our dance classes may have new teachers in place at the beginning of the season, at the new semester, or if a teacher requires a substitute during the year.  Here at SB Dance Arts, we understand that having a new dance teacher can be fun for some students and nerve-wracking for others.   If they are still getting used to their new teacher, here are some tips to help ease the transition!

  ●        New teachers are going to be different—but in a positive way

Going into class with an open mind is key to having a positive experience with a new teacher!  Talk to your child about the kinds of things they might learn from a new teacher, or what they want to know about that person.  Remind them that the previous teachers they’ve loved were once new to them too!  With time, this new relationship will develop and feel more secure.

 ●        Having a new teacher is great practice for school

It’s reassuring for your child to know that this won’t be the only time in their life that they meet a new teacher.  The dance classroom is a great place to practice getting to know someone new, because we all already have something special in common: We love to dance!  Finding those shared likes right away helps build the teacher-student bond no matter where you are.

 ●        A new teacher is eager to get to know their students

We know that any new teacher at SB Dance Arts is going to be excited to get to know the dancers in their class!  Talk to your child about how to show that they want to make a good impression, perhaps by raising their hand to answer a question or giving the teacher an extra “thank you” when class time is over.  This is in perfect alignment with our appreciation theme.  A new teacher will appreciate the extra effort as they are getting to know each student.

 We also suggest that you explain to your child that their teacher is probably a little nervous too!  And everyone will feel more comfortable once the dancing begins.  Dance unites us all in a pretty amazing way.  It helps us connect as humans, and gives us the confidence to try new things and welcome new people into our lives!

Why Gratitude Matters

Why Gratitude Matters

By: Alana Tillim

 Welcome back!  This season at SB Dance Arts we are focusing on GRATITUDE and APPRECIATION.  Studies have shown that the ONE proven link to happiness is gratitude.  Those who are the most appreciative live the happiest and most fulfilled lives.  Isn’t that what we want most for our children and ourselves? 

 It is  easy for our children to forget how lucky they are, when they live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and get to pursue their passion for dance.   Kids, especially teens and tweens,  get  sucked into the complaining continuum.  How many times have you heard then them say, “I’m bored!”  or “I have nothing to wear, or “I wish I had my friend’s (insert anything here).”  This prevents them from appreciating that they have the luxury of boredom.  They don’t realize that they are blessed with closets full of clothes, while other kids would give their right arm for just a few items in their wardrobe.   They are always looking out at someone else’s life instead of looking around and appreciating what is right in front of them. 

 As parents, we get sucked into this narrative as well.   I am hoping that this year we can all come together and take pause to appreciate the beautiful things in our lives.  Our kids are watching, and instead of telling them to be grateful, our greatest gift lies in showing them the power of GRATITUDE… it is contagious!  

 Each month we are focusing on a different appreciation theme.  September’s theme is SELF APPRECIATION.  In our survey, many of you asked us to focus on positive body image, and we wanted to kick off the year by encouraging our dancers and families to look within and affirm what they love about themselves.  Please stop by the reception desk and fill out a flower for our Gratitude Garden and share what you appreciate about yourself.  Having a hard day?  Visit our Appreciation Station and take a quote to help inspire you… tuck it in your purse, post it on your mirror, or have your dancer put it in their room.   Our bathroom literature is focusing on tips for positive body image, and our teachers will be working in the classroom to spread body positive attitudes. 

 Please share your family’s gratitude journey by using #gratitudeistheattitude and tagging @sbdancearts on social media.  I believe that, TOGETHER,  we can help change the culture of our studio and our community.  THANK YOU for sharing your children with us!  It is going to be a great year!