The Casual Dance Teacher's Podcast

Nov 15 2024 26 ep. 21 mins 1

The Casual Dance Teacher's Podcast artwork

This is the podcast for us dance teachers balancing our teaching job with other jobs, commitments, and just life in general! We don't need to know how to run the whole studio, work with students 20+ hours a week, or win big at competitions; we just want practical advice and real conversations about how to be the best dance teachers we can be with the little time we have with our students. Join Maia on the casual dance teacher's podcast and in the casual dance teacher's network on Facebook.

Copy RSS

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

Trick Steps - Do We Even Need Them?!

Nov 15 2024 14 mins

Ugh, trick steps; I love to hate 'em! As casual dance teachers, should we be teaching our students trick steps? Do they have a place in EVERY style of dance? Can we create a curriculum that focuses on fundamentals and classical training while still incorporating "tricks?" Join me as I rant - I mean discuss - the wild world of teaching trick steps as a casual dance teacher. Join the

Competition Prep for Recreational Dancers with Olivia Lou

Nov 08 2024 31 mins

Olivia Lou is a dance educator and competition adjudicator here to tell us how to prepare any and all students to attend a dance competition - regardless of their level of training or the number of hours a week they spend in the studio. We talk about the pros and cons of competitive dance, how to mentally and physically prepare students for the experience, and what makes a piece st

Applied Behavior Analysis Practices for Dance Teachers

Nov 01 2024 19 mins

Today's episode is a follow-up on episode number 22 with guest Isaac Iskra. After reflecting upon that conversation, I decided (on a last-minute whim that forced me to record and edit this episode in record time!) that I had some follow-up thoughts on my own experience that I wanted to share. The tips that I share in this episode are informed by the practice of Applied Behavior Ana

An Autistic Perspective on Choreography and Dance Education with Isaac Iskra

Oct 24 2024 24 mins

In today's episode, Isaac Iskra, founder of Nefelaba Dance Theater, shares his experience in developing his craft as a dancer and choreographer with Autism. In addition to walking us through his own journey both in pursuing a dance career and gaining a formal autism diagnosis in his twenties, Isaac shares his thoughts and advice on providing accommodations for neurodivergent dance

Body and Mind Self-Care for Dance Teachers with Rachel Jenks

Oct 18 2024 38 mins

Today Rachel Jenks, aka "The Booty-Kicking Ballerina," shares her story of completely running her body into the ground in pursuit of her dream career as a professional ballet dancer, followed by her long journey of recovery, starting with mental healing, which eventually led her to physical healing as well. Rachel also shares plenty of practical tips for how we as dance teachers ca

Consent-Informed Dance Education with Nicole Perry

Oct 11 2024 27 mins

Nicole Perry is an intimacy director, intimacy coordinator, and dance choreographer who's worked in film, theater, and dance to empower and educate performers on understanding and working with their personal boundaries. Join me as I get the very basics on what consent in the dance classroom is all about, and then delve into what a consent-informed approach to dance education looks

Fall Fun! Halloween and Fall-Themed Ideas for Dance Classes.

Oct 04 2024 16 mins

Say it with me...WE LOVE A THEME! Here are a few of my favorite Halloween and fall-themed activities to implement all month long for fun and engaging classes (without slacking on instructional value)! Head over to the Casual Dance Teacher's Network on Facebook to connect and share your input!Theme Music by GB Mystical: gbmystical.com

Teaching Culturally Sensitive Hip-Hop with Neo Lynch

Sep 27 2024 28 mins

If you teach Hip-Hop, or are planning to teach Hip-Hop at any point in the future, you NEED to listen to this amazing crash-course from today's special guest, Neo Lynch! Neo breaks down her own background in Hip-Hop and understanding the differences in styles across geographic regions, and how she incorporates the rich history and culture of hip-hop into her teaching while still ke

Dance Education as Ministry with Maria Daniel

Sep 20 2024 28 mins

Multi-Award-Winning choreographer, educator, author, lawyer and mentor Maria Daniel joins us today to talk about her program iDance Ministry, "Project BrOKen," and how she leveraged her gift for dance into acclaimed programs that teach, heal, and inspire individuals who may be struggling with physical, mental, or cultural barriers, or just need a safe space to express themselves th

“Dancetok” and Navigating Teaching in the Social Media Era with Alicia Mae Holloway

Sep 13 2024 23 mins

After 16 episodes, most of you know that I have a tendency to hate on TikTok, Dance Influencers, and Social Media in general, so buckle up for this one! On today's episode, I had the immense privilege of interviewing Alicia Mae Holloway, former Dance Theatre of Harlem and Suzanne Farrell Ballet dancer, who also happens to be a model, influencer, and former realty tv show contestant