Who's Pinning What From Your Blog

For all my blog-writing friends, did you know you could see what others are pinning from your blog?

I just found this out from reading this article (which is worth a read if you're a blogger).  If you go to
pinterest.com/source/YOURDOMAINHERE.com you can see what people have pinned from your blog, break down the most repinned or most recent.

For example, I would go to pinterest.com/source/thedancebuzz.blogspot.com to see my stats.

Find out what your  most Repinned images or posts are

I thought it was pretty cool and wanted to share!

Do you use Pinterest?  Do you have any other cool blog hacks?  Comment!

Western Week at Dance Camp!

We just finished up a week of Dance Camp and we had a blast!  Our theme was "Out West" and we had a lot of fun coming up with different crafts to keep ourselves occupied.

I can't wait to tell you all about it next week but in the meantime, I'll share our playlist for the show:

Western / Hoe-Down Theme (ages 6-9)

• Boot Scootin' Boogie - Brooks and Dunn
• Dueling Banjos
• The Ballad of Bullseye - Walt Disney (Toy Story)
• Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl - Walt Disney (Toy Story)
• The Hampster Dance Song
• Barefootin' - Scooter Lee
• Old Joe Clark - The Stripey Boys (not on iTunes)

Have a great weekend!

Marching Onward... and Checking In!

Hi friends, just taking a moment to check in and say I'm still here!  Crazy busy, but still here!

February to June is my super busy season, as I'm sure it is for many other dance teachers and studio owners as we prep for our annual recital, register for summer classes and work on next season's schedule!

Haven't had as much time to write down thoughts and new music finds, but I wanted to share a funny story from my beginning ballet class.  They are first and second graders and always surprise me, but one caught me off guard!

We were at ballet barre about to work on tendus...

Miss Cait (that's me): "Now what do we need to remember about tendus?  Sophie?"

Sophie: "Straight legs!"

MC: "That's right, what else, Julia?"

Julia: "Make them sticky!" (see more about that here)

MC: "Yes definitely... ok, anything else, Morgan?"

Morgan (just as brightly and matter-of-factly as the other responses): "My fish died!"

MC: "Oh.. well... I'm very sorry to hear that - what was your fish's name?"

Morgan: "Swishy"

MC: "Well..." (scrambling for the appropriate response)

Sophie: "I know!  We can have a funeral for Swishy!"

MC: "I don't know..."

Julia: "It's perfect 'cause we're all dressed up for a funeral - we're all wearing black!" (we wear black and pink)

MC: "Ok then, let's dedicate tendues to Swishy"

Kids: "Swishy, this is for you."

So that's how we ended up dedicating part of our ballet barre to Swishy the fish!

NMM: Perpetuum Mobile - Penguin Cafe Orchestra

Today's New Music Monday is a song that just makes you want to create something: Perpetuum Mobile by Penguin Cafe Orchestra (link opens in iTunes).

I've been using this one in my modern classes during improv and I think it helps set a creative atmosphere in class.  Plus its just fun to listen to!  Enjoy :)



Grab it on iTunes:

As a side note, this song was used in the claymation film "Mary and Max", which if you're in the mood for a moving animated movie - watch this (its on Netflix).  Just keep the tissues nearby and don't say I didn't warn you.

Valentine's Studio Craft

Here is a quick and easy craft you can do in your classroom or studio:  Make a wall of hearts!

We started ours last week - I left out heart-shaped red, pink and white paper and a bowl of crayons next to a sign that says "Why Do You Love Dance?"

"I like dancing because it is fun"

Dancers (and brothers, sisters, moms and dads) have been writing and drawing why they love dance all week.

Even the Big Girls got in on the action!

And a note from a "Dance Daddy":

It says "I like to watch my girls grow with dance". 

The Heart Wall has been a nice addition to our waiting room  - everyone has enjoyed reading the responses.  I think I'll leave it up for the rest of the month!

If you can't wait until next year to try this, you could do this any time of the year - or go with the next holiday... clovers for March:  "I'm Lucky To Dance Because..." or Spring umbrellas... be creative!

More Valentine's Day dance ideas:

• Love playlists for Jazz & Hip Hop, Tap, Children & Tweens
• Dancing with X's & O's from Maria's Movers
• Valentine's Day Ideas for your studio from Dance Advantage