As we approach the end of the year and make our way into summer vacation, I am hopeful you can take some time for reflection.
As a dance educator in Alberta, it can often feel like we are islands. You may feel similarly, maybe you are the only dance educator in your area or district. It can feel lonely, and maybe you even question what you are doing and if it is enough. I see you and I feel it too.
This Spring, I listened to some dance education podcasts, and it helped me to feel like I wasn’t alone in what I was doing and that there are like-minded educators around the world each in little pockets of dance education. I find a lot of community in listening to dance podcasts and they help affirm what I am doing in my classroom. These two specific episodes made me feel really seen in the areas of dance education that I often question or struggle with. Both podcast series have other amazing episodes to encourage and inspire you as a dance educator. I have linked the following podcast links through Apple Music, but you can listen to podcasts on other platforms like Spotify as well.
 | Count Me In: Dance Education Podcast 47: Building Community, an Interview with Serene Webber |
 | Fostering Creativity & Building Community: a dance education podcast Episode One – Lindsay Viatori https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/episode-one-lindsay-viatori/id1583009472?i=1000533194663 |
I love to listen to podcasts when I am driving to and from work when I am cleaning (either the dance studio or my home) and I also have a podcast running while I do data entry of marks. I hope this does not feel like another thing to add to your to-do list, but instead, something for you to indulge in as you multitask. I know for me; it made me feel inspired and affirmed of my work; I hope it does for you too. Remember the toughest seasons often provide the most lessons and growth as an educator.
Let’s keep in touch! Let’s not be islands, let’s connect and support one another as we provide amazing dance education for our students. I am hopeful in the Fall we can connect as dance educators, please reach out to me if I can support you in any way.
If you are a dance educator in Alberta, currently teaching dance classes in any grade level, I would really appreciate it if you would fill out this very short form, so I can get to know each of you better before the start of the year: Survey Form
3 RANDOMLY SELECTED MEMBERS WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE GIVEAWAY WILL RECEIVE A $10 GIFT CARD - COMPLETE THE SURVEY BEFORE JUNE 15 TO WIN!
Wishing you a wonderful end to your year and a wonderful relaxing summer break.
Keep shining,
-Victoria
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