At Desert Star Dance, our belief is that children are precious and need to be nurtured and guided in a positive direction. It's not about getting Instagram famous or becoming a YouTube sensation. It's about a happy and healthy childhood. Often the message to our youth is that success is only found in fame on the internet or television. The culture of instant celebrity is not always a beneficial one for children.
Kids need a safe place to grow, learn, and have fun. We want to teach kids the value of movement and dance for personal growth and self confidence. We focus on the child and help them develop coordination and confidence in a truly family friendly environment.

Why I Teach Dance

Enjoying a Happy Moment with Students

For me, there is nothing more rewarding then teaching. I have been teaching dance for over 25 years and have enjoyed watching children grow up from a unique perspective. I realize the responsibility I have in working with children, and I do my best to have a positive influence in their life. I have taught some kids from the time they were in preschool and now have the privilege of knowing them as adults. I take it very seriously and I find great joy in my students and their accomplishments. People that I teach have a great deal of impact on me as well. Even the students that I only spend a short time with, often leave an impression on me. They all are unique and have their own set of talents and challenges. There is nothing more amazing than seeing a shy and timid student gradually transform. Even the most apprehensive can soon be arriving at dance class with enthusiasm and standing at the barre or strapping on their tap shoes with confidence - knowing exactly what to do. 
I do not teach dance with the goal of creating professional dancers, although I have taught many who have gone on to careers in dance, entertainment or arts education. It is most certainly gratifying to see a former student succeed on a professional level. However, I teach dance to help kids with their confidence and grace. I teach dance to help a student develop their personality and improve their social skills. I teach dance to help people feel less awkward or be able to loosen up and have fun. I teach dance because I know how much positive impact it can have on any person.  

I know my fellow dance instructors would agree that there is something wonderful about seeing a student achieve their goal - whether it be to become a professional dancer, get on their high school dance team, or to just be able to do a shuffle ball change or a pirouette. 

Miss Lisa

Dance classes are such an excellent choice for coordination development in children and young adults. Dance can have a big influence on a persons' overall confidence. It is also an excellent way to improve athletic agility. However the most wonderful thing about dancing is the personal growth that can be achieved. It can contribute to the overall success of any person, and best of all - it's fun! I love seeing that more than anything else as a dance instructor.
I am so thankful to have had a wonderful teachers myself. From the woman who taught me combo classes as a young girl, to the teacher who mentored and nurtured me through my teens, to the dynamic teachers who taught me in LA... I am so very thankful to them. It is amazing to have been given the gift of passion for my craft and also the talent of communication to pass my knowledge on to the next generation. There is nothing more rewarding to me and I feel so blessed to have found my calling! I always love that saying... "Pay It Forward", and I aim to do it everyday. 

The Power of Visualization for Dancers

I've been reading "The Law of Attraction". It is a very simple book with a simple point. Whatever you want in life, you must first identify what it is. Then you can focus your energy on attracting it in to your life. It's basically the power of positive thinking and visualization.

As I thought more about this and started practicing this to improve my life, I realized something important. Visualization can be a powerful tool in dance too. It can most certainly help a young dancer in their quest for improvement as well as enhance self esteem.There is nothing more powerful than the human mind! It can greatly affect our physical world.
Some people find this simple and others just can't stop the barrage of negative thoughts. It's not necessarily easy, but with practice (as with anything) we can get better at it.

Every day I encounter an array of different types of personalities in my dance classes. Some kids are instinctively positive and confident, while others are less sure of themselves. I do my best to convey this important principle to all of my students: In order to achieve a goal, we must first BELIEVE that we can do it. The next step is to set our minds on it and visualize success. The more a dancer is able to imagine themselves accomplishing things, the quicker they improve and achieve. Apparently I have been including these visualization principles in my dance classes for many years but just never realized that I was encouraging the "Law of Attraction". (Hmmm.. could I finally be growing up?)

There are times when a dance student is able to master the steps while following the teacher (with a "visual" in front of them) but when the teacher steps away, they are unable to remember the movement. The learning comes when the dancer can visualize the steps in their mind. I always encourage students to mentally rehearse the dance movements in order to truly know them. Visualization is a key component to success. We must identify what we want. It's seems it is easier to identify what we don't want. However, once we figure out what we do want and put that firmly in our sites, there's no telling how far we can go!

Good Taste for Dancing Kids

It is apparent that there is a trend in dance out there that comes dangerously close to the edge when it

comes to kids and "age appropriate" material. I believe dance educators, mentors, and instructors should always keep in mind that they are working with CHILDREN. There is no question that much of the music and artistic material these days can be mature in nature and dance is most definitely a sensual art form. Therefore, I believe it must be handled very carefully by those presenting their work with kids. We must be responsible and thoughtful in our choices, and should be cautious of provocative and suggestive dance for little ones. Super sexy dancing in combination with suggestive music and barely there costumes is NOT appropriate for kids. Again, this is my opinion, and the tidal wave is unfortunately flowing the other direction.

Let's leave this for Dita Von Teese
not your 7 year old

All you have to do to confirm this is happening is to watch the episode of "that show" on TV where the dancers are wearing nude sports bras and dancing with pink feather fans while pretending to be Vegas showgirls... at 10 years old! This freaked me right out.. and I was a Vegas dancer once upon a time. These children are so talented and there are thousands of other subjects that would be appropriate for them! If a choreographer wants to create burlesque, perhaps they should move to Vegas or find a different outlet to pursue their dream instead of bestowing it on a group of preteens. Costumes can be cute and sassy without being too revealing. Eroticizing children is unfair. Dance educators need to exercise discretion. We have a responsibility to the next generation of artists and choreographers to show that we are creative enough not to take that cheap shot. Again, this is my opinion and you might think I'm off base and exaggerating.

Costumes can be cute and sassy
without being raunchy

I sometimes have an issue with the term "age appropriate". How about just "appropriate"? Is there really a situation where it is appropriate to teach other people's children something that is sexually explicit? I think it's a very bad choice and in poor taste. There may be a certain amount of sensuosity that is acceptable for teenagers approaching adulthood, as we know they are not asexual. However, do they need to be pushed in that direction? I'm not suggesting that a choreographer never explore this in any way, but I believe that sometimes we need to remember that these are young impressionable minds and bodies. We cannot completely ignore the sensuous aspect of dance but we can proceed with caution.  I do think dance for young people can be done with class AND style without being overtly provocative and still leaving room for choreographers and dancers to express themselves.

I've heard the argument that a child knows it is only acceptable to wear revealing clothing and move suggestively in dance classes and on stage. I am in disagreement. Are kids able to compartmentalize like that?  It hurts my heart to see little sweet girls bumping and grinding in really skimpy costumes in front of an audience when at home they are clutching their teddy bears and sucking their thumbs.

Dance instructors can be very influential in a child's life, especially if a kid loves dance! Beware of instructors who vicariously live out their dream of being an LA or Vegas choreographer on kids. My advice to them…GO FOLLOW YOUR DREAM! It's out there waiting for you. It's not necessarily in your local dance academy.

It IS possible to create entertaining, artistic, and excellent dance that doesn't embarrass an audience. I hope more dance teachers will make the right choice. We should not be in the business of teaching dance to children for our own notoriety.  If you do it for love, the notoriety will follow! We should be seeking to pass on our knowledge to the next generation of artists and entertainers as well as just teaching kids something fun and healthy that doesn't make them grow up too fast.

To find out more about Desert Star Dance go to: http://www.desertstardance.com

Happy Holidays from Desert Star Dance

DESERT STAR DANCE WISHES YOU A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

At Desert Star Dance, We believe that being an active member of the community is an important learning experience for children. We know that performing at local celebrations is a great way to give students a sense of belonging and a fun way for families to come together. Fall and spring festivals, showcases, sports venues, and Holiday events are some of the places that Desert Star Dance performs throughout the year.  We love to share what we know and entertain our friends and neighbors with our talent and enthusiasm.  Allowing children a venue to dance that is non competitive is an important and valuable part of dancing at Desert Star Dance. As an instructional dance academy, we are proud to be active members of the Chandler and Gilbert communities.

We would like to wish everyone a very happy Holiday Season! Whatever you celebrate this time of year, we hope it is a time filled with joy and happiness. We wish you all the best and much prosperity in the coming year!

This year we are participating in two Holiday events and would love for you to join us at these family friendly gatherings.

DSD Holiday Performances

Gilbert Night of Lights
Friday December 6, 2013
5:30-9:00pm
Gilbert Civic Center Lawn
Desert Star Dance Performance: 7:40pm
A fun-filled event for the whole family, featuring food vendors, sponsor booths, music and entertainment by community and school group. Holiday Light Displays and Trees with a special appearance by Santa Claus.

Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park Downtown Chandler
Saturday, December 7, 2013
4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION!
Desert Star Dance Performance: 5:00pm
The lighting of the Tumbleweed Tree draws a large crowd. Over 12,000 are expected to watch the Mayor flip the switch to light this magnificent sight.

Don't forget to share our web site with friends and check back often. http://www.desertstardance.com.
We hope you have a very happy Holiday season! Merry Christmas and may the New Year be one of happiness and prosperity.

Sincerely,

Ann Bode
Desert Star Dance director


Competition vs. Art and Entertainment

Part 2: The competition business

Over the past 20 years, the field of dance competitions has ballooned from a select few in to thousands of different companies holding events around the country every week. There are competitions that stand alone or others associated with conventions. There are also conventions that just offer classes and showcases. Some are quality organizations with the best intentions. They hope to share their knowledge of dance and the arts, give constructive critiques, and encourage young dancers to stay with it. However, in recent years a certain culture seems to be emerging. I'm going to call it "The Dance Mom Culture". I don't think I need to say more if you've ever seen the show "Dance Moms" currently on television...

The competition circuit has literally created it's own style of dancing. It's full of tricks, turns, amazing jumps, incredible displays of flexibility and peppered with gymnastics and wild gyrations. Generally the costumes are scant and loaded with hundreds of rhinestones (why not just rhinestone fabric?) and the song choices and subject matter are often provocative. I've already voiced my opinion on this to my own peril. (and support!)

For me, competitions are always a touchy thing in dance. It seems unfair to judge art or entertainment with a point system. I realize the judging is based partly on technique - which is most certainly an important part of dance.  However, dance is personal and a matter of taste and style too. It's sometimes a ridiculous thing to try to put a number on it. I spent some time working for dance competitions in my early teaching years. It was grueling and difficult. I tended to score the entertaining numbers higher as I value the enjoyment as much as the accomplishment. Hence my love of the "Entertainment Award" at any competition. It's the one I want to go home with. Dance is a performing art, meant to be shared and it's impact on an audience is the most important thing to me. The other thing I always took notice of was the choreography. It's an amazing feat for a teacher to create art with their students. That is why the other award I always hope for is the choreography accolade. The competition scene does not always reward creativity, but often encourages conformity. Not something I feel is enhancing the art of dance.

My reasons for attending competitions with my dance studio have always come from my students. They want to be able to get out there and show what they are doing as well as see what their peers are up to. However, the more I attend these competitions, the more dismayed I become with what they are rewarding and how they are influencing young dancers. The style of dance that competitions are encouraging is close to absent in the professional dance world.

After my last exposure at competition, I have decided to be as selective as possible when choosing a company to work with. These competitions exist because of businesses like mine. They would not BE if it weren't for the dance studios that they solicit. They charge between $30 and $100 per number in some cases just to perform, and many times my dancers leave feeling let down. We are not the type of studio that pushes for the technical perfection at a young age. It's about development and timing. So, we sometimes are overlooked because our routines do not include moves that seem to be compulsory to the top scorers. Most of my kids understand this but the younger ones have a harder time.

 Perhaps finding a way to bring some of the dance community together to celebrate what we do rather than compete is a better idea! I don't like feeling competitive towards other dance studios as I think those of us who dance and teach dance have so much in common! A love for dance and children and a desire to share our knowledge and love for the art form. As a creative person, when obstacles arise I am interested in finding a way around them. How about we create something BETTER for kids to achieve rather than a plastic trophy and an elite top first platinum titanium award. Isn't it time to find a cause other than winning to use our talents towards? I think so.

Benefits of Preschool Dance and Creative Movement

At Desert Star Dance, our main goal for younger dancers ages 3-5 is to encourage them to develop independence, learn to follow directions, enhance their enthusiasm for dance, and most importantly to have FUN!

To understand the positive aspects of movement, all anyone has to do is watch the smile that graces the face of a child spinning and hopping to the beat. There is a sense of pride and self-accomplishment that comes with mastering the movements. Dance teaches preschoolers to follow directions, learn new vocabulary, gain rhythmic skills, and much more. Additional Benefits of Dance for Preschoolers:

• Enhances social skills
• Promotes physical fitness
• Improves attention span
• Encourages participation and group interaction
• Provides opportunities to lead, share and respond to others 
• Creates a positive self image
• Teaches arts appreciation
• Enhances poise and grace 
• Improves balance, coordination, and agility

We know that dance, creative movement, and programs encouraging coordination development are of great importance to preschool aged children. We have seen the benefits through many years of developing our Preschool Dance Program.

There was a time when parents didn’t worry about their preschoolers getting enough exercise. After all, kids that age are a bundle of energy that don’t ever seem to stop being in motion so they naturally get all of the exercise that they need, right? Wrong. With technology creating more sedentary activities for children as young as toddler age, it is our responsibility to help ensure kids get moving and get the exercise they need.

Television, video games, computers … these are tools that, when used correctly, can help improve a child’s life. They can give him or her new skills, be used for educational purposes and appropriately entertain children at certain periods throughout the day. But these tools sometimes cause a drop in the necessary amount of exercise a child needs for optimum health. With more sedentary options available, young children are exercising less. We’ve all heard that obesity is increasing and we know the risks that come along with that. Make sure your child develops a routine that incorporates regular fitness. Fitness is fun at their age, and dance classes are a great way to add some of the necessary exercise they dearly need.

Ann Bode

Lisa Hammond - Jazz and Lyrical Instructor

Lisa Hammond - Lyrical and Jazz instructor for Desert Star Dance

Lisa Hammond grew up dancing in the Phoenix area. She received a scholarship to and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Arizona with a BFA in dance. She has completed her Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.
As a dancer, Lisa performed on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and was also a member of the local modern dance troupe “Scorpius”. She has taught dance at Highland High School, Mesa Community College, and many studios all around the valley. She has since made Desert Star Dance her home base, where she teaches jazz classes and lyrical/contemporary classes, and is the co-director of the Senior Company.
Lisa has excellent communication skills and her teaching style is clear and concise. She also has a great sense of humor and unlimited patience to help students succeed. As a choreographer, Lisa is innovative and edgy with a great comedic flair. She is a choreographic risk taker which has resulted in numerous awards for Desert Star Dance including “Top Choreography”, and “Most Entertaining” at numerous competitions.

Lisa is happily married to Aaron Hammond, also known fondly as “Mr. Lisa” around the studio. She has three young children - Taylor, Sydney, and Jake. We are so proud to have such a gifted and talented instructor on our staff at DSD