Letter From the Editor: Welcome to 2025, Dance Teachers!

Happy New Year, dance teachers!

As you head back to the studio after a much-needed holiday break, I hope you’re feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the new semester. Now is a great opportunity to reflect on teaching practices and goals to make the most of the next 12 months and beyond.

To kick off the new year strong, I encourage you to join our next DT+ Teacher Talk, “What Audition Panels Are Looking For,” on Thursday, January 23, at 12 pm EST. Dionne Figgins, artistic director of Ballet Tech; Bianca Zumbo Caryl, head coach of the Arizona State University dance team; and Nile H. Russell, director of education for the American Dance Festival will speak about the key characteristics they look for in auditions. We’ll also discuss how to help students put their best foot forward during auditions, and how to help them manage their emotions after results come out. Click here to save your spot now! And look out for an upcoming article with tips on working with students on developing solos for college auditions—coming to DT+ later this month.     

You’ll hear from plenty of exciting and experienced dance educators in the next few weeks, including 101-year-old Vija Vetra, a Latvian-born dancer, choreographer, teacher, and lecturer who first earned acclaim as an Indian classical and modern dancer in the mid-20th century; Sekou McMiller, choreographer, professor, dance historian, and artistic director of New York City–based SMc Dance Company, who shares his lesson plan for teaching Afro-Latin contemporary; and Vicky Holt Takamine, who is uplifting native Hawaiian culture and history through hula. 

Wishing you success in 2025,
Reanne Rodrigues
[email protected]

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