19 - Simple Ways to Make Every Student Feel Seen

19 - Simple Ways to Make Every Student Feel Seen

Every student wants to know they matter—and as dance teachers, we have more influence than we often realize. In this episode, I'm sharing simple, intentional ways to help every student feel seen, valued, and supported in your classroom. Reflecting on my own experiences as a student, I talk about the lasting impact of feeling overlooked versus receiving genuine encouragement, and why the little moments of connection can shape a dancer's confidence for years to come. We'll discuss practical strategies you can start using right away, including: * Using every student's name alongside meaningful, body-neutral positive feedback * Incorporating mental and emotional check-ins * Creating opportunities for one-on-one connection during class * Using reflection prompts to better understand your students' goals and challenges * Building a classroom culture where healthy friendships and belonging can flourish * Making space for creativity, exploration, and play These practices may seem small, but they can have a profound impact on the way your students experience your classroom—and themselves. Whether you teach preschool dancers or pre-professionals, this episode will encourage you to lead with intention and create an environment where every student feels like they belong. Join my mailing list: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/resilientnewsletter Order your copy of the RDT Reboot: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/reboot Email me: reed@theresilientdanceteacher.com

18 - 5 Tips to Owning Your Unique Dance Teaching Style

In this episode, we're exploring how to define and confidently own your teaching style so you can lead your classes with authenticity, purpose, and confidence. We'll discuss ways to clarify the experience you want your students to have, identify the energy you bring into every class, establish healthy professional boundaries, and embrace the artistic voice that feels most natural to you. We'll also talk about why your students don't need a copy of another teacher—they need the version of you that teaches with heart, intention, and confidence. Whether you're just beginning your teaching journey or looking to reconnect with your purpose, this conversation will help you step into your role with greater clarity of your teaching philosophy. In this episode, you'll learn: * How to define the experience you want your students to leave with. * Why your personal energy shapes every class you teach. * The importance of setting healthy, professional boundaries. * How to embrace your authentic artistic voice while continuing to grow. * Why discovering your teaching style is an ongoing journey—not something you have to perfect overnight. Join my mailing list: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/resilientnewsletter RDT Reboot: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/reboot Download Dance Philosophy Template: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T0PpjAu5g4XTZ4juVwqWL89BjRAfvm4P/view?usp=sharing Website Homepage: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/homepage

17 - The Holistic, Authentic Approach to Dance Teaching (ft. Shannon Dooling-Cain)

In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Dooling-Cain, the founder of The Holistic Dance Teacher to explore what it truly means to take a holistic approach to dance education. Moving beyond the latest buzzword, we unpack how teaching the whole dancer—not just their technique—can create more confident, creative, and resilient students. We discuss tools and strategies that every dance teacher can use to support their students' physical, emotional, and personal development, the career experiences that inspired the creation of The Holistic Dance Teacher, and simple changes teachers can make to bring more intention into every class. We also dive into the role of play and exploration in dance training, including dance games that foster creativity, connection, and learning. Whether you're a dance teacher looking for fresh inspiration or passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences, this conversation is packed with practical ideas and thoughtful insights to inspire you! Join the newsletter: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/resilientnewsletter Email me: reed@theresilientdanceteacher.com RDT Products: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/educational-resources

16 - Using Strength Training Safely and Effectively in the Studio

Strength and conditioning is one of the most debated topics in the dance world—but how can dance teachers use it safely, effectively, and realistically within the studio setting? In this episode, I'm sharing my perspective on strength and conditioning for dancers, including why I believe both traditional strength training and dance-specific conditioning have a place in a dancer’s development. We’ll talk about the role of cross-training, and why effective conditioning isn’t about choosing between the gym and the studio—it’s about giving dancers the tools they need to become stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the demands of their art form. I also dive into the reality that many dancers could benefit from more education around muscular strength, posture, alignment, and injury prevention—and how dance teachers can help support that growth within their scope of practice. In this episode, you'll learn: • What cross-training really means for dancers • Why dance-specific conditioning still has value • How to introduce strength training concepts safely in the studio • The importance of teaching proper form before increasing difficulty • Creative ways to use props and conditioning games to keep students engaged Plus, I share three practical strategies for incorporating conditioning into your classes without overwhelming yourself or your students: 1. Do your research and start small 2. Use props to create fun and engagement 3. Build a supported conditioning plan that works within your class structure Enjoy! Check out my resource for helping dance teachers incorporate age-appropriate conditioning into their classes with ease: The Student Dancer Conditioning Curriculum: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/conditioning 13 Dance Conditioning Games (FREE Download): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pbz65aGd-GlfdW2SkCjXMsVR6MFSj9J0/view?usp=sharing [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pbz65aGd-GlfdW2SkCjXMsVR6MFSj9J0/view?usp=sharing] Join my mailing list: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/resilientnewsletter

15 - Staying Curious: Professional Growth for Dance Educators

Whether you're a brand-new teacher or have years of experience in the studio, this conversation is a reminder that the best teachers are lifelong learners. Growth doesn't require another certification or degree—it often starts with small, consistent steps that lead to meaningful change over time. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why evolving as a teacher benefits both you and your students • How to identify one area of growth and create an attainable plan • The importance of regular reflection and self-assessment • Why taking class as a student can transform your teaching • Simple ways to document your professional growth • How to recognize the internal growth that often goes unnoticed Because evolving isn't about becoming a completely different teacher—it's about becoming a more intentional version of the teacher you already are. Enjoy! Join the mailing list: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/resilientnewsletter RDT Resources: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/product-store Email me: reed@theresilientdanceteacher.com