Beyond the Marley: Unpacking Invisible Baggage
True growth isn’t just about technical precision or what your body can physically execute; it’s about how you emotionally feel while you’re doing it. In this edition of the Beyond the Marley series, we are unpacking the "invisible baggage" that holds competitive dancers back.
Learn how to clear your internal space so your external artistry can truly shine. We also share a restorative Monday morning reflection tool specifically for dance coaches. Because the person is always the priority, and longevity matters more than medals.
Coach Approach: Coach with Pressure, Not Stress
Part of being a competitive athlete is the stress/pressure that comes with preparation & competition. How we nurture these in our team culture can create an environment that cultivates growth or one that impedes it.
MINDSET CHECK: Remembering Why You Coach: Leading with Purpose in Dance
Coaching dance isn’t just about winning trophies or perfecting routines. It’s about leading with purpose and remembering the heart behind what you do.
The Dance Team Coach’s Guide to Cleaning Routines
How to organize, what to look for, and different ideas for drilling and setting routines across all styles.
PERFORMANCE TIPS: The Emotion Factor- Turning Choreography into Connection
Nailing the steps is one thing, but connecting your heart to the audience is what makes a performance unforgettable. Movement tells the story, but emotions give it life.
CREATING AN IMPACTFUL ROUTINE (PART 3)
Welcome to Part III of Creating Impactful Routines. In this blog post, we will continue to discuss some of my pro tips to help you focus in on what I’ve found to be helpful in building a solid and successful routine. After all, the ROUTINE(S) is what the season revolves around.
CREATING AN IMPACTFUL ROUTINE (PART 2)
Welcome to Part 2 of Creating Impactful Routines. Last post we discussed using all 4 quadrants on the floor, viewing the routine from the judges’/audience’s viewpoint, and the use of coordinated visual interest. If you want to revisit these topics check out Part I (September 15, 2025).
CREATING AN IMPACTFUL ROUTINE (PART I)
With over three decades of creating and judging for the dance team industry, I’ve learned A LOT!
I’ve created winning routines & I’ve had a few, well…let’s call them learning experiences!
In this blog post, I’ll share some of my pro tips to help you focus in on what I’ve found to be helpful in building a solid & successful routine. After all, the ROUTINE(S) is what the season revolves around.
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
“I have multiple upper classmen on my team, what are some leadership positions I can assign besides captains?”
TECHNIQUE TIPS: “THE 80/20 PREP”
80/20 Prep? NOPE!
Why I tell my dancers to center their prep for a parallel jazz pirouette.
#1 MENTAL PERFORMANCE TOOL
Dancers, of all levels, understand the value of hard work, dedication, and consistent training to achieve their fullest potential. However, the #1 mental performance tool that is often overlooked is the use of a performance journal. SO, what is a performance journal? Why should EVERY dancer keep a journal? How do you use it?
SETTING ACHIEVABLE GOALS
Dancing is not just an art; it’s a journey of self-discovery and continuous improvement. No matter your ability level, setting goals is essential to enhancing your dance skills and reaching new heights.
So, WHY should you set goals and HOW do you make those goals effective and achievable?