Teaching my first Toddler Dance Class was such a fun and rewarding experience. I wanted to make it as interactive and exciting for the little ones as possible, knowing that movement and imagination go hand in hand at that age. We started in a welcome circle to get to know each other a little. We found our name tags and clapped to the music together. To warm up, spots on the floor guided the children on where to stop and move between the space, as we worked on basic body positions. It was a great way to keep things organized while letting them explore the new space.
I plan to introduce a new theme each week, and for our first week, it was Into the Woods. The excitement on their faces when I mentioned we’d be going on an adventure in the woods was priceless. We imagined ourselves as creatures living in the forest – hopping like rabbits, prowling like bears, and fluttering like owls. The use of imagery captured their imaginations and made every move feel magical.
Teaching my first Toddler Dance Class was such a fun and rewarding experience. I wanted to make it as interactive and exciting for the little ones as possible, knowing that movement and imagination go hand in hand at that age. We started in a welcome circle to get to know each other a little. We found our name tags and clapped to the music together. To warm up, spots on the floor guided the children on where to stop and move between the space, as we worked on basic body positions. It was a great way to keep things organized while letting them explore the new space.
I plan to introduce a new theme each week, and for our first week, it was Into the Woods. The excitement on their faces when I mentioned we’d be going on an adventure in the woods was priceless. We imagined ourselves as creatures living in the forest – hopping like rabbits, prowling like bears, and fluttering like owls. The use of imagery captured their imaginations and made every move feel magical.
Teaching my first Toddler Dance Class was such a fun and rewarding experience. I wanted to make it as interactive and exciting for the little ones as possible, knowing that movement and imagination go hand in hand at that age. We started in a welcome circle to get to know each other a little. We found our name tags and clapped to the music together. To warm up, spots on the floor guided the children on where to stop and move between the space, as we worked on basic body positions. It was a great way to keep things organized while letting them explore the new space.
I plan to introduce a new theme each week, and for our first week, it was Into the Woods. The excitement on their faces when I mentioned we’d be going on an adventure in the woods was priceless. We imagined ourselves as creatures living in the forest – hopping like rabbits, prowling like bears, and fluttering like owls. The use of imagery captured their imaginations and made every move feel magical.
As dancers, we’re constantly striving for mastery, for perfection in movement and technique. But what happens when life nudges us into something entirely new, something we may not feel ready for? That’s exactly where I find myself these days — both in the studio and beyond. And I have to say, while it’s been a little nerve-wracking, it’s also been wonderfully rewarding.
A New Step: Teaching Toddler Dance Classes
I’ve recently partnered with the incredible midwife, Lynn Darbyshire, to offer something very special: Toddler Dance Courses in Munich. Lynn, whom I met during my pregnancy, has long been dedicated to supporting expat women through pregnancy and motherhood. Now, she’s expanded her vision, bringing together an amazing team of women under her ‘Pippagina‘ umbrella creating classes and courses for women in all phases of life. From pregnancy and postpartum support to baby and toddler activities to perimenopause and menopause workshops, her team covers it all. And I’m thrilled to be a part of it by offering dance classes for toddlers, including those where parents can join in.
It’s been a long, long time since I last wrote to you, and so much has changed since then. Life has taken me on a whirlwind journey, one that has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. As I sit here, in the serene beauty of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, staying in a magnificent hotel that once was an ancient castle, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement about the future.
A New Chapter Begins
The past few months have been nothing short of a roller coaster. In February, I took the plunge and started my new career as a dance teacher. After years of gracing the stage as a professional ballerina, transitioning to teaching was both a natural progression and a completely new adventure. My love for dance runs deep, and I wanted to share that passion with a new generation of dancers.
Starting my dance classes has been a mix of triumphs and trials. Some classes filled up quickly, brimming with enthusiastic students eager to learn the art of ballet. Other classes have required more effort to attract attendance, but I see this as part of the journey. Every student, every class, is a step forward, and I am committed to making each lesson a memorable experience for my pupils.
The Joys of Motherhood
Adding to the excitement, my life was blessed with the arrival of my beautiful daughter. Motherhood has been the most profound and life-altering experience. It has brought immense joy, countless sleepless nights, and a deep sense of fulfillment. Balancing my new role as a mother with my passion for dance has been challenging, but every smile from my daughter makes it all worthwhile.
A Much-Needed Break
This holiday in Emilia-Romagna couldn’t have come at a better time. The past few months have been a whirlwind, and I desperately needed a break to recharge and reconnect with myself. Our hotel, nestled in an ancient castle, feels like something out of a fairy tale. The old stone walls, the breathtaking views, and the rich history of the place create an atmosphere of tranquility and reflection.
Italy, with its warm, inviting culture, has always held a special place in my heart. Here in Emilia-Romagna, the rolling hills, the vibrant vineyards, and the charming towns offer the perfect backdrop for a much-needed retreat. This region is a feast for the senses, from the delicious cuisine to the melodic Italian language that fills the air.
Finding Balance
During this holiday, I’ve had the luxury of time – something that has been scarce in recent months. Time to relax, to reflect, and to dream about the future. It’s been a precious opportunity to find balance in my life once again. As a new mother, it’s easy to lose oneself in the demands of caring for a newborn. This trip has allowed me to reconnect with my own needs and desires.
Every morning, I take a leisurely stroll through the castle grounds, breathing in the crisp, fresh air and soaking in the beauty of the Italian countryside. These moments of solitude have been incredibly restorative. They remind me of the importance of self-care and the need to nurture my own well-being in order to be the best mother, wife, and teacher I can be.
Embracing the Future
As I look ahead, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. My return to the world of dance, now as a teacher, has reignited my passion in ways I never expected. Seeing my students grow and develop their own love for ballet is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me of why I fell in love with dance in the first place – the grace, the discipline, and the sheer joy of movement.
I am also eager to continue my journey as a mother, watching my daughter grow and discovering the world through her eyes. This new chapter of my life is a beautiful blend of my past and my present, combining my love for dance with the deep, unconditional love I have for my family.
Gratitude and Reflection
Sitting here in this ancient castle, surrounded by the timeless beauty of Emilia-Romagna, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had, for the support of my loving husband, and for the gift of being a mother. Life has been a series of unexpected twists and turns, but each moment has brought me to where I am today.
I am grateful for the challenges, for they have made me stronger. I am grateful for the successes, for they have reaffirmed my passion. And I am grateful for this holiday, which has given me the time and space to reflect on my journey and to dream about the future.
A Message to My Readers
To my loyal readers who have followed my journey, thank you for your patience and support. Your encouragement has meant the world to me. I hope that my story can inspire others who may be facing their own challenges. Life is a dance, full of unexpected steps and turns, but with perseverance and passion, we can find our rhythm and move forward with grace.
As I continue my holiday in this enchanting part of Italy, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose. I am ready to embrace the future with open arms, to continue sharing my love for dance with my students, and to cherish every moment with my precious family. This is just the beginning of a new chapter, and I am excited to see where the dance of life takes me next.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing more stories, more insights, and more moments of joy with you in the months and years to come.
When Sarah Nagel, a journalist and friend, asked if I would like to be interviewed by her for the Sunday newspaper here in Karlsruhe I jumped at the opportunity. It was a pleasure to wake up this morning with my face on the front page and a beautifully written article to read while sewing pointe shoes on my day off. I have to admit reading about yourself over morning coffee is a joy, but another part of doing interviews I really appreciate is getting the chance to remind myself of where I have been and where I am now.
‘Pain as a Constant Companion’ is the translated title of Sarah’s article in ‘Der Sonntag” as Sarah wanted to know the personal difficulties I have faced as a student and professional dancer and we talked about the hardship of physical and mental pain ballerinas face.
❝Things that affected me so much at a younger age seem so small now❞
Each season ballet companies have the exciting chance to work towards and bring to life premieres. Whether that’s a world premiere of a new creation or the first time that particular company performs a ballet, they are always a huge highlight of the year.
❝The goal that has been the main focus within the whole ballet company is reached❞
The process involves resident or guest choreographers/teachers coming to the theatre and working with the dancers – creating or teaching the steps and staging the whole production. Weeks if not months are spent putting the piece together and it will be the main focus of the company the majority of that time. Other performances are often performed during the preparation time but there will be much happening behind the scenes for the premiere. Continue reading “Goals of the Dancer”→
With my mid-season break approaching fast I am so excited to be planning a few teaching appointments back in England for when I return home for a few days.
My summer holiday is never complete without some dancing, and over the past two days, I have had the pleasure of spreading and sharing the dancing joy with the students of Moorland Ballet Academy Summer School.
Moorland is a privet school in Lancashire with an Elite Football Program and a Classical Ballet Academy. The ballet academy was founded by two wonderful past teachers of mine Lynsey and Simon Kidd, who both taught and guided me during my student years. Knowing personally what good teachers they are, I was honored to hear from them and be invited to join them during the summer course.
Even though I only spent two days at the school, I truly enjoyed teaching the summer students – a mixture of full-time students at the school and young dancers from outside, some coming from as far as Japan, and already saw improvement in that short space of time. I had the pleasure of teaching a great bunch of 11-13 year olds and an older group of 14-18 year olds. Both classes worked so hard for me so thank you for that girls and boys.
