by Melissa Stouffer | Feb 27, 2024 | All, Dance/Movement
We tend to think of “folk dancing” as square dancing even though there are other formations. If you ask non-music educators or dancers, a lot of the people will probably call folk dancing like this Square Dancing. But folk dancing isn’t just the...
by Melissa Stouffer | Feb 20, 2024 | All, Dance/Movement
When you start learning and teaching folk dancing, it feels like there is simultaneously a TON of info and also a whole bunch of stuff that isn’t quite clear. You have instructions, but they seem a little like a new language. You have videos, but until you feel...
by Melissa Stouffer | Feb 13, 2024 | All, Dance/Movement
Folk Dancing is a staple of a lot of elementary music curriculums. Movement is great for kids. Dancing teaches social skills, working with a partner, and a group, and helps students with coordinated movement, understanding of music, and to regulate their body. And...
by Melissa Stouffer | Mar 21, 2023 | All, Dance/Movement
I am not a mover. My “joke” anytime I’m at a workshop with expressive movement is that I don’t move my arms. I’m not comfortable with it, I dislike doing it, and I feel about as awkward trying it as I felt doing anything when I was a...
by Melissa Stouffer | Oct 12, 2021 | AAPI, All, Dance/Movement, Musical Cultures
Tinikling is the dance that most people think of when they think of the Philippines. A traditional dance that involves two bamboo poles and dancers. October is Filipino American History Month and as I celebrate the family I found this year, I thought it would be fun...
by Melissa Stouffer | Sep 28, 2021 | All, Composing, Dance/Movement
Creativity should be an essential part of music education. Not only can we include small creative elements into our lessons, but we can include bigger creative activities for our students as well. For ideas to incorporate small creative elements into class, check out...
