What do you think?
Rate this book
Be the Dance Teacher They Remember: From Dancing to Teaching, Classical Ballet Pedagogy in Practice
“It is our nature to want to understand something for ourselves and not just do it because we are told. Answering why or how something is done gives context and purpose to what we are doing. And understanding the physics and practicality of a step is essential…” Candace Egbert’s Be the Dance Teacher They Remember is a friendly and practical addition to the canon of dance education that is long overdue–a modern companion to guides like Classical Ballet Technique by Gretchen W. Warren. It closes the gap between dancing and dance instruction with actionable advice for new teachers, real-world stories, and creative methods for teaching dance technique to learners. Most books on ballet technique and dance pedagogy were published decades ago. Be the Dance Teacher They Remember offers an updated and holistic perspective that addresses the question of new and veteran dance teachers does knowing how to dance mean that I know how to teach?
Be the Dance Teacher They Remember is a book for the dance teacher who While technical manuals such as the Gail Grant Dictionary and other dance reference books address the WHAT of classical dancing, this book also addresses the HOW and WHY. It contains practical knowledge on how to step into dance teaching with confidence from how to establish a good rapport to activities for visualization and engagement. Truly one of a kind, this book will help you connect the dots between mastering the art of ballet and being the teacher your students remember.
Covering a range of topics from the physics of ballet to classroom management techniques, Be the Dance Teacher They Remember is the ideal guide for teachers just starting out, or those who want to rejuvenate their teaching.
Reviews
"I danced professionally for fifteen years and have taught dance for almost thirty years. It was a pleasure reading this excellent addition to the ballet/dance pedagogy catalog. The author has written a broad-reaching reflection on the value and artistry of dance instruction. She offers practical as well as philosophical guidance that can easily be transferred into the studio. This book would be a fine companion to any of the numerous instruction manuals that highlight dance curricular exercises. Novice teachers should gain confidence in stepping into the studio and experienced instructors will no doubt receive a boost of enthusiasm for their work."
- Mark Borchelt, former full-time dance faculty at Utah Valley University “Be the Dance Teacher They Remember is a game-changer for ballet teachers. I’ve always felt like there was a giant hole between where dance training ended and a teaching career began. This book explains exactly how to take ballet technique and make it accessible and interesting for students. Truly, this book is for every dance teacher.”
- Natalie Johnson, dancer and licensed educator Table of Chapter 1–Teach the Basics Unapologetically Chapter 2–Foundational Constants Chapter 3–Alignment Chapter 4–Reaching Through the Extremities Chapter 5–Rotation Chapter 6–Etiquette, Attitude, and Details Chapter 7–Simplify Chapter 8–Engage Chapter 9–Adapt and Change Chapter 10–Continue Your Education Chapter 11–Love Your Students Chapter 12–Your Purpose
Be the Dance Teacher They Remember is a book for the dance teacher who While technical manuals such as the Gail Grant Dictionary and other dance reference books address the WHAT of classical dancing, this book also addresses the HOW and WHY. It contains practical knowledge on how to step into dance teaching with confidence from how to establish a good rapport to activities for visualization and engagement. Truly one of a kind, this book will help you connect the dots between mastering the art of ballet and being the teacher your students remember.
Covering a range of topics from the physics of ballet to classroom management techniques, Be the Dance Teacher They Remember is the ideal guide for teachers just starting out, or those who want to rejuvenate their teaching.
Reviews
"I danced professionally for fifteen years and have taught dance for almost thirty years. It was a pleasure reading this excellent addition to the ballet/dance pedagogy catalog. The author has written a broad-reaching reflection on the value and artistry of dance instruction. She offers practical as well as philosophical guidance that can easily be transferred into the studio. This book would be a fine companion to any of the numerous instruction manuals that highlight dance curricular exercises. Novice teachers should gain confidence in stepping into the studio and experienced instructors will no doubt receive a boost of enthusiasm for their work."
- Mark Borchelt, former full-time dance faculty at Utah Valley University “Be the Dance Teacher They Remember is a game-changer for ballet teachers. I’ve always felt like there was a giant hole between where dance training ended and a teaching career began. This book explains exactly how to take ballet technique and make it accessible and interesting for students. Truly, this book is for every dance teacher.”
- Natalie Johnson, dancer and licensed educator Table of Chapter 1–Teach the Basics Unapologetically Chapter 2–Foundational Constants Chapter 3–Alignment Chapter 4–Reaching Through the Extremities Chapter 5–Rotation Chapter 6–Etiquette, Attitude, and Details Chapter 7–Simplify Chapter 8–Engage Chapter 9–Adapt and Change Chapter 10–Continue Your Education Chapter 11–Love Your Students Chapter 12–Your Purpose
209 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2022
22 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 30, 2023
Excellent book for dance teachers of all experience levels. I've been a dance teacher for 11 years and was a personal trainer and pilates instructor for 5 years. I had more than one ah ha moment. However, it was a bit repetitive at times.
August 17, 2024
Great quick read that is super relatable - truly re-enforcing and reminding yourself of all the best components that go into teaching ballet (you can’t just “set it and forget it”). Loved the personal anecdotes as I could also relate to those exact experiences, and written with such a humility that was inspiring to read. The best part was all the tactical tips + tricks you can immediately bring to your classes. Would definitely recommend to all ballet instructors across all ages and studios as a great reminder to stay continuously learning in our profession, and that we are not alone!
December 30, 2024
This book was the perfect mini course for me to bridge the gap between having decades of experience as a dancer to understanding how to teach dance as an instructor. It offers an ideal blend of dance research, pedagogy, and practical tips drawn from the author's personal experience—many of which have already become integral parts of my lesson plans. I cannot recommend it enough to fellow dance teachers!
July 23, 2023
This should be on the reading list for all dance teachers, especially those new to teaching or looking for a boost/refocus in their career. Great lessons learned and wonderful imagery ideas, including pictures.
August 20, 2024
10s across the board… highly recommend to any dancer(s) making the shift from student to teacher and/or wanting to revive their skillset!!! So many great takeaways & considerations for the future :,)
February 2, 2025
As the author of this book, I recognize that my review is biased. So, don't just take my word for it 😅
This book is needed in the dance teaching world. There is a void between learning to dance and becoming a teacher. So many dancers become teachers, but it's a big leap with a lot of trial and error. This book helps bridge that gap and brings the challenge of teaching into a simpler perspective. There are a lot of facets to teaching, but they become more manageable with the concepts in this book.
Dozens of teachers worldwide have reached out to me and expressed how much they appreciate this book and how it has helped them. Long-time teachers, new teachers, and everyone in-between can enjoy this book! I am grateful that writing it has allowed me the opportunity to meet these teachers and hear about their struggles and triumphs.
This book is needed in the dance teaching world. There is a void between learning to dance and becoming a teacher. So many dancers become teachers, but it's a big leap with a lot of trial and error. This book helps bridge that gap and brings the challenge of teaching into a simpler perspective. There are a lot of facets to teaching, but they become more manageable with the concepts in this book.
Dozens of teachers worldwide have reached out to me and expressed how much they appreciate this book and how it has helped them. Long-time teachers, new teachers, and everyone in-between can enjoy this book! I am grateful that writing it has allowed me the opportunity to meet these teachers and hear about their struggles and triumphs.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews