Teaching

After 32 years, I’ve got a pretty good system for getting timid tiny dancers to open up. Before you know it, those hesitant students will enjoy the magic of Dance Class and Creative Movement.
 
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I set out to create a short and simple yoga sequence that made sense to children while nurturing their imagination. I used a portion of the butterfly’s life cycle and incorporated 9 yoga poses to go along with it.
 
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In my dance and movement classes I often say “do not sit like a W”. What is W-Sitting? Have you ever seen a child sitting on their bottom with their legs folded out beside them? If you were to look down from above them you would see a “W”. W-sitting is when the upper legs are internally rotated while the lower legs are externally rotated. This should be discouraged because it contributes to orthopedic problems.
 
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I recently completed Baptiste Yoga for Youth Training Program called #UNSTOPPABLE. I am realizing how powerful Yoga can be with youth. There are endless studies and reports that explain why Yoga is beneficial. In my classroom these are the 4 things I see…
 
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I have always wanted to share the gift of movement and creative dance with individuals with Autism (ASD), Downs Syndrome and Dyspraxia, I believe with all my heart that through voice, sight, touch and sound, dance becomes a universal language. And this universal language can make anyone feel joyful, extraordinary and special — despite learning differences or other special needs. Every student needs their “time to shine,” especially those little superheroes whose bright spirit flutters into our lives and creates a lifetime of inspiration.
 
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