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This week's newsletter is sponsored by Mandy Fouracre LRAD B Phil (Hons), author of the Lafour Prima Dance syllabus

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South West England (Bristol):

Established and thriving dance school for sale teaching RAD ballet, modern & tap. Can be sold as a whole or divided up. May suit two teachers wanting to go into partnership together.

For further details, please email adenford@hotmail.com

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I received some interesting information from DTOL member Leica Hardy (info@leicahardyschoolofdance.com) from Nova Scotia, Canada. Although it is specific to that province, the principle may be of interest to other members:

"The Nova Scotia Department of Education is currently in the process of developing policy that would give high school students credits for education received outside of the school system. This would mean that high-school students would be able to choose courses and programmes recognized by the provincial Department of Education that promote student leadership and achievement in languages and arts.

This could eventually have a very direct impact on your children should they continue in dance through their high-school years. It is proposed that Dance Nova Scotia would be the supervising body for the external credential providers. Dance Nova Scotia initially consulted with me on the development of their proposal to the Department of Education and I will continue to work on the committee as the programme develops.

To quote from the draft policy, Dance Nova Scotia would supervise the following:

The dance courses satisfying external credentials will meet a specific set of criteria established by a special committee of Dance Nova Scotia representing the major national and international syllabus systems in western concert dance forms (ballet, modern, jazz) highland and Irish dance, as well as dance teachers at the master teacher level for culture specific dance forms (African Dance, Flamenco dance) which have no syllabus. The base line for a Grade 12 external credential will be a level of knowledge and proficiency to qualify a student to apply for a recognized post-secondary degree (university) or diploma (conservatory) program in dance, or to be accepted to take part in a closed (pre-screening of candidates) audition for a professional company. A grade 10 external credential will also be available.

To translate, this would probably mean that students who are in Intensive Training Programmes, who participate in examination assessments with recognized examining Societies, and who participate in pre-professional calibre performance opportunities would be candidates for external credits. Students would probably have to be taking examinations at high levels (such as Russian Pre-Elementary or higher) for the work to be considered of a standard to prepare them for post-secondary programmes of study or of a calibre to consider a professional career.

I feel very strongly that high levels of arts education is delivered better via education external to the school system. Having taught at a high school for the arts in the Toronto area in the early 1980's, I was disappointed to see that this model was not very successful in delivering the calibre of education that was necessary for preparing students for post-secondary programmes. The scheduling necessity of grouping students in the same grade in the same level of dance class undermined those students with the greater skill level, who were also the ones who had the greatest potential to continue past the high-school level. I believe this new model that the Department of Education proposes has a far greater potential for success. Students will be able to learn and progress with experts in their fields. It also makes this opportunity available to all students in the province, as it does not require the facilities nor infrastructure that a high school for the arts would require (which would probably only exist within HRM). This model capitalizes on existing facilities and expertise in all the communities of the province creating more equitable opportunities for all students in Nova Scotia.

The Department is currently seeking community response to the policy. For your information I can send a copy of the draft policy. Here is the link to the online response form: http://www.ednet.ns.ca/events/external_credentialing_policy/index.shtml

No matter the age of your child I hope you will support this policy and take the time to send in a response."

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One additional way in which I try to support teachers is by giving professional development seminars. It's often difficult for enough teachers to get together in their area, in order to pay my travel expenses and a seminar fee. So I developed the seminar notes as something which can be purchased. For most of these notes (all except "Expand and Develop your Dance School"), the notes contain Interactive Exercises, and instructions on how to do them. As part of the sale of the products, I am committed to helping customers as much as I can on the seminar topic. So customers are encouraged to:

(a) undertake the exercises in their own time and send them to me; I reply as promptly as I can;
(b) ask any other questions they have on the topic, even if they are not related to my suggested exercises.

The seminar notes available are:

"Appropriate and effective teaching methods"

There is much that we in dance can learn from best educational practice. Exploring learning strategies, monitoring and assessing children's progress, reporting to parents and building self-confidence in pupils are essential tools in effective teaching. How to look after the interests of each individual student in a group learning situation.

Seminar notes: "A coherent talent recruitment programme for your dance school"

All teachers want to find and develop talented children. Do you have a strategy for achieving this? Or do you simply wait for it to happen? Learn how to find and develop that special talent in students and to focus your time and efforts effectively. Learn how to motivate them, how to make them feel good about themselves and show them dance is fun! Their parents will feel proud too of seeing them achieve at a high level.

Seminar notes: "Professional development for dance teachers"

Teachers play many roles in helping students develop. Sometimes a mentor, often a counsellor and always a performance coach. How to understand these roles, perform them effectively and enhance your own skills as a teacher.

Seminar notes: "Expand and develop your dance school"

This seminar is about various ways in which you can improve your dance school:
* Getting more students
* Keeping the students you've got
* Developing new programmes

Further details of these products, and others, can be seen from the DTOL Shop web pages:

www.dtol.ndirect.co.uk/dtol18oz.htm - for those resident in Australia
www.dtol.ndirect.co.uk/dtol18ca.htm - for those resident in Canada
www.dtol.ndirect.co.uk/dtol18eu.htm - for those resident in the Euro zone
www.dtol.ndirect.co.uk/dtol18uk.htm - for those resident in the UK
www.dtol.ndirect.co.uk/dtol18us.htm - for those resident in the USA
www.dtol.ndirect.co.uk/dtol18z2.htm - for those in other parts of the world

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I thought I'd remind you of the dance teacher resources available from DTOL's Shop:

Dance School Administrator - software to help you manage your student records and produce invoices

Ballet books - "Mime in Ballet" and "Ballet Through The Lens"

Teaching materials - "Combinations for Allegro" and "Lafour Prima Dance Resource Packs" (see the Sponsor's Section below)

CDs of class music - for ballet, tap, contemporary, modern and Showtime

DVDs - pole dancing, ballet in Ireland, waltz and salsa

Check out the details at the DTOL Shop addresses shown above.

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SPONSOR'S SECTION

I was reading an article recently about peripatetic dance teachers who feel that they work very much in isolation teaching as they do often at several different locations in one week. Obviously meeting lots of children, young people and parents during the course of their work but seldom with support, encouragement or discourse with other dance teaching professionals.

In my own experience of teaching and training/mentoring teachers on the Lafour Prima Dance syllabus it has been a privilege to help and support teachers either starting out on their dance teaching careers or experienced teachers who feel that they have become stuck in a bit of a rut and need a fresh perspective.

Increasingly I am being asked to visit teachers at their own teaching premises to teach the Lafour Prima Dance syllabus while at the same time offering constructive help, support and advice. This option has been welcomed by teachers, particularly those starting out with little experience of teaching younger children. Often they feel that their classes are not working as well as they would like but are not quite sure why. The opportunity to have another teacher coming alongside as a non competitive, impartial mentor and support has proved to be extremely helpful to them.

If this idea would be of interest to you please contact me to discuss the matter further on:

T - 01344 466017

Or email me at info@lafourprimadance.com

(For the present this applies to UK based teachers although I have received an enquiry from Australia and Canada so this could be a possibility for the future.)

Any DTOL members living in or near Liverpool?

I will be exhibiting the Lafour Prima Dance syllabus at the British Dance Edition 2008 Trade Fair @ St George's Hall, Liverpool on Friday 1st February. Do please call in to say hello.

'Bubbles, Wings & Sparkly things' a booklet for teachers of dance to young children which includes teaching strategies, ideas & suggestions will be on sale (£5) at the BDE 2008 Exhibition or available from the 1st February on the Lafour Prima Dance website www.lafourprimadance.com

Wishing all DTOL members a happy, healthy year in 2008.

Mandy Fouracre

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NEWSLETTER COUNTRY-SPECIFIC SECTIONS
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UK SECTION
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DTOL member Sharon Watson (sw179@leicester.ac.uk) from Leicestershire asks:

"We are trying to obtain public liability insurance. The problem is that, although I am the dance teacher I have two senior dancers who also help to teach. One has a CRB check but the other one doesn't and has been told that she needs the school to do it for her. There is no employer/employee at the school, we are all working together to keep the school open and running. Any ideas or information as to how and from whom we can get some insurance and a CRB check?"

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DTOL member Janet Vella (VlJan@aol.com) sent me the following information:

"The Dance Awards 2008

For the first time ever in Cranbrook - an event that will bring dancers together in an explosive blend of creativity, art and inspiration.

The Dance Awards 2008 has been founded on the belief that a need exists for a dance event to unite dance artists and offer them a unique opportunity to compete in a friendly and very artistic environment. It represents all disciplines of dance and nurtures cultural and artistic understanding. It aims to support emerging dancers and opens doors to raw unseen talent. This is one of the very few dance competitions open to such an array of categorised dance disciplines.

Kent Audiences will be treated to an outstanding spectacle of diversity and original dance creation. It will be a celebration of the heart, the soul, and the future of dance.

The Dance Awards will form part of a community event set out across two days. Hosted by JP Omari, (BBC1's Strictly Dance Fever 2006, Vauxhall Tribes 2007 Winner, Director & Choreographer of Funkstarz (B & H Hip Hop Youth Dance Company) Breakin' Convention - Brighton's Hip Hop Representative), Saturday 12th July will see a full schedule of all the dance entries forming the main competition, followed by a variety of Dance Workshops and Street Demonstrations throughout Sunday 13th July. The day will culminate in a Spectacular Dance Finale incorporating Guest Companies and all the Winners of the Competition.

Who can enter?
Dancers - Solo Artists and Groups established, newly formed, community groups, schools, individuals.

Categories
1 - Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical Jazz, Classical, Tap and Musical Theatre
Soloists, Duets, Trios       A) Juniors 7-12      B)  Teens/Adults 13 and over
Group    - A) Juniors 7-12,     B)  Teens/Adults 13 and over  (minimum of 4, maximum of 10)

2 - Ethnic  - Latin, Flamenco,  Indian
Soloists, Duets, Trios       A) Juniors 7-12     B)  Teens/Adults 13 and over
Group     A) Juniors 7-12     B)  Teens/Adults 13 and over  (minimum of 4, maximum of 10)

3 - Hip Hop/Locking/Break-Dance
Soloists, Duets, Trios       A) Juniors 7-12    B)  Teens/Adults 13 and over
Crews    A) Juniors 7-12    B)  Teens/Adults 13 and over  (minimum of 4, maximum of 10)

4 - The Choreographic Awards
16+ Groups with a minimum of 5 dancers.

Choreographic Awards Entries - Work may be entered by the choreographer or a dance group who has hired the choreographer to set the work. You will be given a concept to work in the form of Art work and Poetry. The choice of music is in the hands of the choreographer. All Dance Styles accepted.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY 29TH FEBRUARY 2008"

DTOL member Susanna Vincent-Taylor (info@pinnertheatredance.co.uk) from Pinner, Middlesex asked me to pass this warning on to members in the area:

"A lurker was seen outside a hall where some dance classes were taking place in Pinner, Harrow and is known to be stalking dance classes in this area, as well as Ealing and other parts of London. He is described as in his early twenties, about 6 feet tall, light afro Caribbean, usually smartly dressed in a suit and carrying a laptop bag strapped around him. He is known to police and we have been advised to call 999 if we see him."

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Students seeking classes:

Candice (slimdeb@hotmail.com) from Dudley, West Midlands has "been dancing in ballroom latin freestyle for 9 yrs and am looking to go to college to train as a teacher in these subjects Can anyone give me details on the best course to do national diploma etc Thank you."

Katie Colledge-Price (katie.colledge-price@freedom4.com) from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire is "looking for a dance teacher in the High Wycombe area, who is carrying out dance classes for adults. I'm not looking at taking exams. I'm looking at taking up classes again to improve my balance and posture and get fit. Hope you can help."

Jodi Ralph (jodir@hotmail.co.uk) from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire is "a dance teacher for a performing arts academy for children and have been doing amateur choreography for ten years. I am currently looking to gain further experience and to expand our dance abilities and therefore would like information on how to attend instructor courses and becoming affiliated with an examination board or another organisation where the children can win awards and such like. The level of our current intake is rather limited and so a fairly easy level would be appropriate. Please could you provide me with the necessary contacts or point me in the right direction. Many Thanks,"

Anna Asmah (ashantwa@hotmail.com) from Hendon, London is "a dance lover who never had the time for it, but I'd love to learn some back flips and I'm not very sure what sport this is in. I would really like it if I could active these moves. Thank you."

Jamiew (j.dea@hotmail.com) from Nottingham says "since I was a little girl I have been dancing till I was about 14 but stopped because I moved. I miss it loads and would like to get back into it all and become professional and enter shows and stuff it's my ambition."

Sunny Sheena (enquiries@beattheagents.co.uk) from Uxbridge, Middlesex is 26 years of age with no previous dance experience. I would like to learn how to be able to dance in a RNB/ hip hop club and also learn to dance with my girlfriend. The situation is as such, I have recently met my girlfriend who has vast dance experience in street dance, hip hop, and belly dancing. I myself have never danced a day in my life and would like to learn how to dance confidently in a club and with her when we are out and I would like to begin as soon as possible. I would be grateful for anyone who could help me or point me in the right direction. My contact details are, Sunny Sheena, on 07961 433 514, landline 01753 88 29 84."

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ASIA SECTION
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Rohit Kalia (rohit_icon18@yahoo.com) from Chennai, India wants "to learn western dance and have great enthusiasm for dance, working in a software firm ,will be available on Saturday and sunday,,,please give details of dance teacher and dance school ,,where I can pursue my passion."

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THIS WEEK'S NEW DTOL MEMBERS

The reason for listing new members each week is to foster DTOL's community. I hope that, from time to time, you will find a DTOL member in your area, or who is teaching your specialism in another area, and you will want to make contact with them, to share experiences. That's what DTOL's all about! But the listing is also a "welcome" to the new members. Perhaps you can take a minute this week to email one of these members to welcome them to DTOL.

The second line in each case is what each member says about themselves.

Beth Williams, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. Email: bethcresswell@btinternet.com
Freestyle,Street,Latin,Ballroom,Cheerleading.From age 3+.  Shows,exams & competitions

Taylor Walker, Arkansas, USA. Email: thestudio5678@gmail.com
Offering an education in dance (ballet, tap and jazz) & visual arts.  Ages 3 - 100.

Manisha , Virginia, USA. Email: mropic@yahoo.co.in
Bollywood, Semi-Classical, Indian Folk - Gujarati,Rajasthani,Bhangra..,Fusion

Gyanendra Bajpai, , Japan. Email: gbajpai_dance@yahoo.com
There are free Bharatanatyam dance classes in Tokyo organized by the Govt. of India.

Natalie Menns, Avon, United Kingdom. Email: Nataliemenns@hotmail.co.uk
Basic Belly Dance & meditation

Hilary Gainey, Arizona, USA. Email: info@gaineydance.com
Teach all styles of Ballroom and Latin Dance.  Quality Instruction, affordable rates

Kate Lauridsen, London, United Kingdom. Email: info@weddingdanceuk.com
Wedding Dance UK the nation's premier Wedding Dance agency - Creating unique first dances

Bridget Olorogun, London, United Kingdom. Email: bridget28@hotmail.co.uk
I teach streeet dance and gospel street dance. I have 14 years street dance experience.

DTOL now has 6,06 members, in 88 different countries.

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For further information about Lafour Prima Dance or to order the syllabus please view the Lafour Prima Dance website @ www.lafourprimadance.com

email Mandy Fouracre at info@lafourprimadance.com

or call + 44 (0) 1344 466017

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