Dance
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Dance is the one topic I have difficulty writing about.  I still crave dancing, whether performing (really out of the question now) or teaching.  Teaching is unfortunately not as it used to be.  Now the pedagogue has to not only teach but also market and promote.  I can still teach, but marketing and promoting, well, these days that would stretch my energies to the breaking point.  Really too bad, I think I'd not be bragging that the world has chosen not to capitalize on the talents I make available -- their loss.  

Certainly I have a unique perspective with my ever changing neurological makeup -- for me dance still holds it together for me, dance is the reason I still walk upright and have lost no muscle mass.  

Dance is the reason I can make pain my friend and design a way to work around the pain.  The old "show must go on" mentality is an excellent (if exhausting way) to deal with a steadily progressing illness.

My own personal warning - don't let your daughter be on pointe before her bones have had a chance to mature - I've personally seen some horrific malformed feet on little girls which will cause them lifelong pain - it isn't adorable, it is cruel.

Best age for a little girl to take serious classes - when s/he wants it more than clothes, or popularity, and certainly not before age ten (after age fifteen, it's a little old to start not that there have not been some exceptions.)  Before then, have her/him take gymnastics, swim, or any other activity which stresses stretching and precision.

The best way to find a good teacher is to view some classes (without your child present), research his/her track record in preparing students up to the professional level, and if possible ask other dance professionals for their evaluations.
Professional organizations are not always a good source because they are membership based and not accountable to anyone but their paying members.  some governments have registration requirements, but this is not so in North America.

why re-invent the wheel, additional solid dance advice at dancer.com Site Map