Thanks to everyone for visiting DanceMass TV at the Move It Dance exhibition in London on 4th-8th March 2009.
The event included some amazing performances and dance classes from some of the worlds best choreographers.
We are proud to annouce to many of the dance teachers that held classes at the Move It event will soon be teaching classes online at DanceMass TV. So if you missed the event you can always learn from the best online at any time convenient to you.
It was a pleasure meeting many of the other exhibitors and we thank you all for supporting us.
Hear what the other exhibitors had to say
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
Today is a historical day....
Today is a historical day. Obamas speech has left me feeling inspired, excited and overwhelmed with happiness. Sometimes you have to take his powerful words and apply it to your own life, make his words personal to you.
It's funny, this morning I read an email from a dancer named Laurie who currently lives in Canada. Laurie was interested in teaching dance classes online on DanceMass TV. She thanked me for providing this opportunity to the danceworld.
When Obama said that people judge you by what you have built, he is right. People often ask me what were my reasons to provide an online TV dance studio. The answer is simple. I wanted to make a massive change in the dance world, to bring the dance industry forward, to bring dancers together, to make dance easily accessible and to make a difference to the lives of all of those who share their creativity and passion for dance no matter where they are from.
Obama said "the world has changed, we must change with it" according to the latest internet usage stats, 1,463,832,361 of the worlds population use the internet. Thats a 305.5% growth since year 2000. 79% of the worlds population are not online so this means there's still a massive potential for internet growth for the future.
Well to those who have thought about teaching or learning dance online but havent actually done it as yet. I am here to inform you that the time has come... its time to change. Your opportunity is already here, DanceMass TV is growing by the day. Teaching dance online or learning dance online is no longer the future it is the present.
Today is a historical day.
Thank you Laurie and Thank you Obama, you are an inspiration !
It's funny, this morning I read an email from a dancer named Laurie who currently lives in Canada. Laurie was interested in teaching dance classes online on DanceMass TV. She thanked me for providing this opportunity to the danceworld.
When Obama said that people judge you by what you have built, he is right. People often ask me what were my reasons to provide an online TV dance studio. The answer is simple. I wanted to make a massive change in the dance world, to bring the dance industry forward, to bring dancers together, to make dance easily accessible and to make a difference to the lives of all of those who share their creativity and passion for dance no matter where they are from.
Obama said "the world has changed, we must change with it" according to the latest internet usage stats, 1,463,832,361 of the worlds population use the internet. Thats a 305.5% growth since year 2000. 79% of the worlds population are not online so this means there's still a massive potential for internet growth for the future.
Well to those who have thought about teaching or learning dance online but havent actually done it as yet. I am here to inform you that the time has come... its time to change. Your opportunity is already here, DanceMass TV is growing by the day. Teaching dance online or learning dance online is no longer the future it is the present.
Today is a historical day.
Thank you Laurie and Thank you Obama, you are an inspiration !
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Top 10 Checklist for Dance Teachers searching for a Venue
If you're a dance teacher and you want to find a venue to start your own dance classes. Use this checklist as a guide to ensure you choose the right venue for your business.
1) Location - If you plan on teaching children then a choosing a venue in a residential area with a range of local schools will be the key to your marketing your business. Alternatively you should use venues in locations near good public transport facilities for adult classes. Free Car parking will also be a bonus. Also check out the area for any other dance classes offering the same dance genre as you, stepping on the toes of another dance teacher is not always a wise move.
2) If you're looking to rent premises get quotes from church halls, lesure centres, community centres, school halls & private halls. Compare rates and consider which venue will naturally attract more awareness for your class.
3) The floor should be one of the main features that helps you to decide which venue to choose. A sprung floor is safer on bones and joints, whilst certain steps such as jumps and acrobats would have to be avoided on solid floors. Also check that the floor is level and the wooden blocks are securely fitted.
4) You need adequate ventilation ! Are you able to open the windows or does the venue have air conditioning ? Cold halls in the winter can also higher the risk of injury if the dancers body temperature is not warmly maintained. Enquire about the heating facilities.
5) Are the Emergency Exits easily accessed ? Quite often halls are jammed packed full of equipment and pathways to the emergency doors can be an overlooked.
6) Does the rent also cover occasional access to other rooms ? For example a kitchen or a waiting room. Waiting rooms can be use for the parents to sit in whilst you are teaching a childrens dance class or maybe the room can be used as backstage for a show / exams. Check the kitchen and toilets to ensure any utensils and cleaning products are out of childrens reach.
7) Does the venue provide stereo equipement ? Is it in working order ? Are you liable for any damages ?
8) Lighting - Does the hall feel dark & gloomy ? Is there much natural light ? Does the hall feel inviting and comfortable for you and your students. What are your first impressions ?
9) Is the hall being used before your time slot ? If so, who is responsible for clearing up after them ? Do they end their classes on time ?
10) Some older halls could be lacking funds and therefore are unable to repair or solve certain issues. Obtain feedback from other hall users and the caretaker to find out if there are any problems they are currently experiencing with the venue.
All the best
Dawn DeMendonca
1) Location - If you plan on teaching children then a choosing a venue in a residential area with a range of local schools will be the key to your marketing your business. Alternatively you should use venues in locations near good public transport facilities for adult classes. Free Car parking will also be a bonus. Also check out the area for any other dance classes offering the same dance genre as you, stepping on the toes of another dance teacher is not always a wise move.
2) If you're looking to rent premises get quotes from church halls, lesure centres, community centres, school halls & private halls. Compare rates and consider which venue will naturally attract more awareness for your class.
3) The floor should be one of the main features that helps you to decide which venue to choose. A sprung floor is safer on bones and joints, whilst certain steps such as jumps and acrobats would have to be avoided on solid floors. Also check that the floor is level and the wooden blocks are securely fitted.
4) You need adequate ventilation ! Are you able to open the windows or does the venue have air conditioning ? Cold halls in the winter can also higher the risk of injury if the dancers body temperature is not warmly maintained. Enquire about the heating facilities.
5) Are the Emergency Exits easily accessed ? Quite often halls are jammed packed full of equipment and pathways to the emergency doors can be an overlooked.
6) Does the rent also cover occasional access to other rooms ? For example a kitchen or a waiting room. Waiting rooms can be use for the parents to sit in whilst you are teaching a childrens dance class or maybe the room can be used as backstage for a show / exams. Check the kitchen and toilets to ensure any utensils and cleaning products are out of childrens reach.
7) Does the venue provide stereo equipement ? Is it in working order ? Are you liable for any damages ?
8) Lighting - Does the hall feel dark & gloomy ? Is there much natural light ? Does the hall feel inviting and comfortable for you and your students. What are your first impressions ?
9) Is the hall being used before your time slot ? If so, who is responsible for clearing up after them ? Do they end their classes on time ?
10) Some older halls could be lacking funds and therefore are unable to repair or solve certain issues. Obtain feedback from other hall users and the caretaker to find out if there are any problems they are currently experiencing with the venue.
All the best
Dawn DeMendonca
Monday, 5 January 2009
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Dance Shows.. its that time of year
It's that time of year when dance teachers are busy.
With Christmas soon approaching, dance teachers are busy preparing for dance shows or any other stage show that has dance in it !
So far, every day this week I have been to a community dance show, with every night booked up for next week too.
Quite often we as dance teachers get so caught up in the whole organisation of the event that we forget why we are doing the show in the first place. It's hardly suprising as we spend most of the time back stage and dont even get to see the show ourselves.
A few years ago I organised childrens community dance shows, but as my dance school got bigger we outgrew many community venues. I also discovered the legalities of running such a show and decided not to puruse the shows on a grand scale due to lack of qualified volunteers and funding required to meet with regulations.
So, instead we have in-house shows. Keep them small and on a community vibe. Last night was the first time in years that I wasn't back stage and watched a show from start to end. I soon realised that these community shows are just as important to the performer than if the dancer was performing on a big theatre stage.
It's important to remember that any dancer who started to learn dance as a child had most probrably danced in a community show when then first started out. It's in these community shows where a dancer first learns lessons as a performer, builds confidence and after the event gains that sense of achievement. It is this that encourages them to continue to do better and gives them that determination to improve.
These are the crucial stepping stones to anyone who wants to become a better dancer and thank all the dance teachers out there who put all their efforts into organising these events for the community and for their students.
As I sit here on my cosy sofa surrounded by Christmas decorations, its a constant reminder that Christmas is about giving. So to all you dance teachers out there who give in so many different ways.. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope you accept my offer by letting me give to you an opportunity on www.dancemass.com
With Christmas soon approaching, dance teachers are busy preparing for dance shows or any other stage show that has dance in it !
So far, every day this week I have been to a community dance show, with every night booked up for next week too.
Quite often we as dance teachers get so caught up in the whole organisation of the event that we forget why we are doing the show in the first place. It's hardly suprising as we spend most of the time back stage and dont even get to see the show ourselves.
A few years ago I organised childrens community dance shows, but as my dance school got bigger we outgrew many community venues. I also discovered the legalities of running such a show and decided not to puruse the shows on a grand scale due to lack of qualified volunteers and funding required to meet with regulations.
So, instead we have in-house shows. Keep them small and on a community vibe. Last night was the first time in years that I wasn't back stage and watched a show from start to end. I soon realised that these community shows are just as important to the performer than if the dancer was performing on a big theatre stage.
It's important to remember that any dancer who started to learn dance as a child had most probrably danced in a community show when then first started out. It's in these community shows where a dancer first learns lessons as a performer, builds confidence and after the event gains that sense of achievement. It is this that encourages them to continue to do better and gives them that determination to improve.
These are the crucial stepping stones to anyone who wants to become a better dancer and thank all the dance teachers out there who put all their efforts into organising these events for the community and for their students.
As I sit here on my cosy sofa surrounded by Christmas decorations, its a constant reminder that Christmas is about giving. So to all you dance teachers out there who give in so many different ways.. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and hope you accept my offer by letting me give to you an opportunity on www.dancemass.com
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
How do adjudicators judge dance competitions ?
When I was younger and use to compete at dance competitions, I remember my dance teacher saying that apart from performing to the best of my ability I also had to make sure that I looked the part.
Now I'm an adjudicator I know why.
Often when adjudicating, there could be approx 20-40 dancers on the floor at the same time. How can an adjudicator possibly watch all of these dancers routines in just a few minute to judge? Well, its impossible.
Which is why as a competitor it is crucial to start dancing as soon as the music starts. This will catch the judges eye, and you will receive their devoted attention if only for a few seconds. An attractive costume will also help get you noticed on an overcrowded dance floor.
In the first few heats judges will mark down the dancers who they feel has the overall presentation of a projected standard to go through to the next round.
Its in this next round where other factors come into play.
When the competition is on a circuit ie.dancers compete by dancing around the dancefloor in an anti-clockwise direction, judges tend to mark when you dance past them. When you dance too close to a judge, you are too close to be seen properly. It is much easier to be able to look at a dancer from a distance. So remember this next time.. the judge is more likely to watch you when you past them.
When marking for final places, judges look for techinical ability, projection and controlled breathing. Breathing is very important for dancers, if you do not breathe properly it may look like you are rushing your steps and in doing so not finishing them off properly. This will deliver a poor presentation result.
When it's between two dancers as to who gets 1st or 2nd place for example and both dancers are able to express similar levels of abilities, projection, and rhythmical interpretations then the bottom line does come down to... yep you guessed it.. the costume !
Good luck for your next comp !
Take care
Dawn DeMendonca
Founder
www.dancemass.com
Now I'm an adjudicator I know why.
Often when adjudicating, there could be approx 20-40 dancers on the floor at the same time. How can an adjudicator possibly watch all of these dancers routines in just a few minute to judge? Well, its impossible.
Which is why as a competitor it is crucial to start dancing as soon as the music starts. This will catch the judges eye, and you will receive their devoted attention if only for a few seconds. An attractive costume will also help get you noticed on an overcrowded dance floor.
In the first few heats judges will mark down the dancers who they feel has the overall presentation of a projected standard to go through to the next round.
Its in this next round where other factors come into play.
When the competition is on a circuit ie.dancers compete by dancing around the dancefloor in an anti-clockwise direction, judges tend to mark when you dance past them. When you dance too close to a judge, you are too close to be seen properly. It is much easier to be able to look at a dancer from a distance. So remember this next time.. the judge is more likely to watch you when you past them.
When marking for final places, judges look for techinical ability, projection and controlled breathing. Breathing is very important for dancers, if you do not breathe properly it may look like you are rushing your steps and in doing so not finishing them off properly. This will deliver a poor presentation result.
When it's between two dancers as to who gets 1st or 2nd place for example and both dancers are able to express similar levels of abilities, projection, and rhythmical interpretations then the bottom line does come down to... yep you guessed it.. the costume !
Good luck for your next comp !
Take care
Dawn DeMendonca
Founder
www.dancemass.com
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