This week I have learned a lot of important teaching tips from Deborah during our classes together. Since we are teaching students who are at a very young age, maintaining their attention span is crucial which means that being able to multitask as a teacher is a big plus. For example: even when Deborah was looking for the right music to play for the kids, she continuously interacted with them as they waited by asking questions about the movement, music, etc. Although looking for music would only take three minutes maximum, it was very easy for the kids to lose their attention and end up running around the space and getting distracted. Another key tool that I’ve learned to use is the call and response as it is something that can quickly get all the kids together since they immediately know what to do.
Today, Deborah gave Konrad and I the option to make up our own game for the kids since we had some extra time after preparing for their show. We decided to make a “subway” game where each colored tape was a subway line such as the ACE, 123, NQRW, and 456. We also made terms such as downtown, midtown, and uptown so the kids would change their levels as they walked across the line. This game gave them the opportunity to experiment with different heights, use their knowledge and put it into application, and have a fun game to play as NYC kids.
In relation to the choreography aspect of my project, I am glad to have this time to learn several of the ballet variations that I’ve always wanted to learn. In my early years of HS, I would enjoy watching videos on youtube of dancers performing at YAGP and Prix de Lausanne (two of the most famous ballet competitions) and imagining myself dancing on the stage like them. Having this allotted time has helped me learn new choreography, improve my artistic expression, and practice my pointe work. Most ballet variations are performed on pointe and since I don’t have as much experience with pointe work compared to most traditional ballet dancers, I’m beginning to feel more confident in this area.
One thing that I’ve struggled with is getting over my “box” which means being fully on top of the platformed area on the pointe shoe in order to balance. Since I’m not born with the best “dancer’s foot” also known as having very flexible and nice arched feet, pointe work becomes a bit more difficult. In addition to practicing on pointe, I’ve been doing several exercises with a theraband to strengthen the muscles in my calves/feet, and stretches to help improve my arches.
I look forward to my next weeks as I continue to learn new excerpts of ballets and as the teacher for the LS students with our upcoming show!