The Olympics – Samba Dance
I thought it would be worthwhile re-sharing this post as it contains two videos you can use to create some Samba dancing for your children - perfect for linking in with the Rio Olympics this summer. Or use these ideas…
Tips for how to keep children focused in your dance class
Do you find that children can get a little over-excited when they're dancing? A big empty space, freedom to move...it can be difficult to to reign children back in and keep the momentum of your dance session. Based on my…
Dance Made Easy – NEW Training Course!
JumpStart have just launched 'Dance Made Easy' - our brand new training event for primary school teachers. This course has been developed in response to all the emails I've received over the past year from primary teachers asking for advice…
Awesome St George’s Day Dance
And so it is the start of a new term - I hope you had a great Easter break? I went to the Peak District with my little family and had great fun walking and cycling in the glorious weather…
Why Dance Bare-footed?
I often get asked why I teach with bare feet (which I do for the majority of my classes). And it's a good question - many dance styles such as ballet and tap require specific footwear. However, for creative and…
National Fitness Day Dance
It's the first time I've come across National Fitness Day - it sounds great! On this Friday (26th September) there will be a huge celebration of physical activity, with many exercise venues hosting events for free. See nationalfitnessday.com for more…
Reasons to Dance: Brain Food
Taking part in physical activity doesn’t just have a positive impact on your physical health and your well-being. It can actually improve your intelligence. A study in North Carolina focused on raising the activity levels in children and discovered that…
Reasons to Dance: Dr Seuss
"Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh the thinks you can think up if only you try" Dr Seuss As a mother of two little people (4 year old daughter and 18 month old…
Reasons to Dance: ‘Scientifically’ fit
“... [dance] can speed up your heart rate, it can enliven your being, it can change your life.” Richard Alston [1] Anyone who has taken part in a dance class will be able to attest to the fact that…
Reasons to Dance: “Because I’m Happy…”
Today at 4pm Sir Ken Robinson will urge “devote equal time to dance and maths” in The Educators, a new series on BBC Radio 4. And (of course) I whole-heartedly agree! There is a real buzz about dance at the…