The Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy is revolutionizing dance education with the launch of their Curriculum Design Seminar, a comprehensive four-day virtual program designed to empower dance educators with cutting-edge approaches to ballet instruction.
The first seminar, set for February 2025, represents a paradigm shift in dance training. Led by Stacey Forsyth Mahan, Ballet West Associate Director of Curriculum, and Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, Director of Ballet West Academy, the program incorporates the latest research in child development, learning styles, and educational best practices.
“When we set out to re-envision ballet curriculum, our goal was to elevate the training of today’s dancers to meet the demands of the current market while preserving traditional aspects of ballet instruction,” explains Mahan. “We started by looking at research in general education and child development to bridge this gap, along with discovering a need for incorporating social emotional development.”
The expert-led experience integrates child development and curriculum design to support the entire individual in overall growth, including training on supporting young male dancers and insights on holistic student wellness.
“Understanding child development allows teachers to design lessons that incorporate a variety of learning styles and educate the whole child,” adds Cisneros-Legate. “Our goal is to provide educators with a deeper understanding of why, when, and how to teach, which helps reduce frustration for both teachers and students.”
While February marks the first offering, Ballet West Academy plans to provide additional sessions in the future. The program, designed for experienced teachers and academy directors, offers multiple engagement levels, from the basic seminar to enhanced options including follow-up consultations and potential affiliate programs featuring in-person visits from Ballet West Academy faculty.