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

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

14 - Human-Centered Learning and Transparent Leadership (ft.Katie Wilber)

Today’s guest is the incredible Katie Wilber—a nationally recognized dance educator, choreographer, creative strategist, and marketing professional with more than 15 years of experience in the dance industry. As a former professional dancer and teaching artist, Katie has performed and taught across the country, bringing together artistic excellence and a deep commitment to human-centered learning. In our conversation, we dive into what it means to teach from a truly student-centered perspective. Katie shares insights on prioritizing the unique needs of the dancers in front of us, empowering students with greater autonomy in their learning, and creating environments where they can thrive both inside and outside the studio. We explore the constructivist teaching philosophy, discuss the value of transparent leadership, and reflect on how educators can better support the next generation of dancers. I know you’ll walk away feeling inspired with practical ideas and a fresh perspective on teaching and leadership. Enjoy the episode! Join the RDT Newsletter List: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/resilientnewsletter Find Katie on Instagram: @mcdance.mcdubs

13 - Top 5 Organization Tips for Dance Teachers

In this episode, I'm sharing five practical organization strategies that help me stay grounded, focused, and prepared throughout the dance season. Whether you're heading into a busy summer schedule, preparing for recital season, or simply looking for ways to reduce overwhelm, these tips can help you create more mental space and spend less time feeling scattered. We'll talk about: * How to use an ABC priority list to manage your workload * Keeping deadlines, rehearsals, and important dates in one place * Organizing your music and class-planning materials for easy access * Practicing daily self check-ins to stay focused on what matters most * Learning organizational systems from other dance teachers As dance educators, we wear a lot of hats. The more organized we are behind the scenes, the more energy we can devote to supporting our students, fostering creativity, and sharing our love of dance. Join my mailing list: https://www.theresilientdanceteacher.com/resilientnewsletter Email me: reed@theresilientdanceteacher.com