Move. Create. Educate.

Classes Worth Writing About

By maria, on February 28th, 2011%

Have you ever taught a creative dance class that was just full of energy, flowing just right, with amazing dancing? I taught one of those today! Even the pianist told me after class that it was very inspiring. Sometimes, a class like this is just what we (teachers) need to shake things up and give us a little boost of confidence! Continue reading Classes Worth Writing About

2 comments   creative movement, dance educator

Preschooler’s Dancing Feet!

By maria, on February 25th, 2011%

Tippity, stompity, slappity, creepity, thumpity, clickity  happy dancing feet! This month’s book chosen by Kerry at Picture Books and Pirouettes is Dancing Feet by Lindsey Craig. Continue reading Preschooler’s Dancing Feet!

2 comments   creative movement, dance educator   , , ,  

One Hour Ballets for the Littlest Audience

By maria, on February 23rd, 2011%

Last weekend I was invited to a performance of Cinderella at the New York Theatre Ballet. What a treat! I was pleasantly surprised to discover it’s a ballet for littles!  It’s a series called Once Upon a Ballet where the company performs four exquisite one hour ballets for ballet lovers as young as 3. I think it’s such a great idea. Many of my students want to go and see ballet and this company makes it possible! Continue reading One Hour Ballets for the Littlest Audience

Leave a comment   ballet   ,  

The Importance of Going “Green”

By maria, on February 22nd, 2011%

Guest post today from Joanie Johnson of Motivated Nutrition. This is the second  Munch n’ Move post. Find the first one here. Enjoy!

For those of you that took me up on the food journal challenge last month, did you notice anything surprising about your diet and how it had an effect on your moods and teaching style? Perhaps you took my challenge one step further and started to notice what your kids were eating before class and how it affected their behavior. Continue reading The Importance of Going “Green”

5 comments   dance educator   ,  

Teaching Rhythm with Sticks

By maria, on February 18th, 2011%

This week in my tap classes I started using rhythm sticks for age groups 5-10. It was so much fun, the dancers loved it and my favorite part… they can be creative! Continue reading Teaching Rhythm with Sticks

3 comments   tap   ,  

Let’s Talk Dance Radio

By maria, on February 14th, 2011%

My dear readers,

Tomorrow I will be on a New York City based radio show hosted by Ashani Mufuko called “Let’s Talk Dance!”  Exciting, right? You can listen in and hear my vision behind this blog, what it takes to be a dance educator in NYC, and what some of my future endevours are! Continue reading Let’s Talk Dance Radio

2 comments   blogs, dance educator    

Bean Bag Valentine

By maria, on February 11th, 2011%

Look what I made! A bean bag valentine! :) I had the idea because I have so many students, that making valentines for all of them would take me forever. Instead we will play a game, move a song, and dance with our heart bean bag! What do you think? Want to know how I made it? Just 3 easy steps: Continue reading Bean Bag Valentine

One comment   Celebrations, creative movement, teaching tools   ,  

Exploring the Stage Through a Dance

By maria, on February 9th, 2011%

On Monday in creative dance one of my 4 year olds had an idea to do a dance about the stage. At first I was hesitant because I wasn’t so sure as to what we would do there. But, since I like a challenge (and like to challenge them too) I said we could explore what we might do and see on the stage. It was the best time and now I want to share it with you! Continue reading Exploring the Stage Through a Dance

2 comments   ballet, creative movement, dance educator, teaching tools   ,  

Streamers to Celebrate the Chinese New Year

By maria, on February 4th, 2011%

I have always wanted to try streamers as a prop. Have you tried it? I thought this time of year would be a great time to try it because of the Chinese New Year! I wanted to find red streamers, but I couldn’t find them, so I thought this color was perfect because it’s the color of a dragon. Continue reading Streamers to Celebrate the Chinese New Year

One comment   Celebrations, creative movement, dance educator   ,  

About

Maria Hanley Maria Hanley is an independent early childhood dance educator in New York City. View Maria's profile on LinkedIn

Moving Around The Web

Dance Advantage Columns- Read Kid Concepts where I write helpful tips about teaching dance to toddlers and preschoolers.

Read It.Move It.Share It.

Bounce

Looking to use picture books with your littles? My collaboration with Picture Books and Pirouettes will give you loads of ideas!

Dance NYC

NYC Dance Maria serves on the Dance/NYC Junior Committee.

Member: National Dance Education Organization

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