Leaping Beyond Words!
The Growing Dance Educator Blog
In the fast-paced world of dance education, few things are more rewarding than nurturing the next generation of teachers. As both a mentor and a leader in her district, Toshia Jackson has seen and experienced the transformation of the dance education field, especially as it relates to the growth...
There’s something magical about being surrounded by people who uplift you, cheer for you, and remind you that you have everything you need within you to succeed. I was reminded of this recently while watching The Jennifer Hudson Show and learning about their tradition of a “spirit...
Hey there,
As we gear up for another exciting school year, I've been reflecting on the importance of nurturing our creativity, especially during challenging times.
In 2020, I had the opportunity to participate in a residency where I created a deeply personal piece titled By Faith. By Faith...
Juneteenth, often referred to as our country’s second Independence Day, holds profound significance in the African American community. Despite its historical importance, many Americans remain unaware of this monumental event.
Juneteenth marks the day when Union soldiers arrived in...
As dance educators, we often find ourselves juggling numerous responsibilities while striving to maintain the well-being of our dance programs. It's a challenging balance that requires constant effort and dedication. Recently, I've noticed that many of the teachers I work with have been seeking...
Listen, I get it!!! As dedicated dance teachers, you pour your heart and soul into your program, constantly striving to create memorable experiences for your students. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of lesson planning, rehearsals, and performances, it's easy for some of your most...
As a dancer and educator, my journey is never just about teaching movement; it's always been about so much more. When teaching, I am also receiving energy from those around me and this is what sustains you in the career. When I was on stage the energy happened through smiles in the audience, the...
Transitioning from the stage to the classroom was a transformative experience, filled with challenges and rewards. Here are three key takeaways from my journey:
Continuous Learning: Pursuing a Master's in Dance Education (M.A.D.E.) at UNCG Greensboro was a pivotal decision that expanded my...
Dance, as an art form, has the incredible power to transcend the stage and become a catalyst for social change. It all starts with a conversation with your students. For me, I was having a tough time with one particular class. In that class there were a lot of leaders…think captain of the...
I used to think that my program wasn't able to thrive. There were missing pieces that I couldn't figure out. I wanted to create a program that everyone raved about, including me. Building a successful dance program goes beyond teaching the technique of dance; it's about program development and...
If you’re not up to speed with the journey, please go back and read because you won’t be disappointed. You know that I quit my corporate job and I took a leap of faith and moved to New York City to pursue my dream of becoming a dancer. Along my journey I was helped by my cousin...
Who inspires you?
So if you’ve been following me on my journey you know that I took a leap of faith and moved from New York City to pursue my dream of becoming a professional dancer. My eyes were set for the stage but I just didn’t know how I would get there. What I did know is that...
