[Note from the Proprietor: In case you're wondering what it's all about, well, we're smack in the middle of BLOGAPALOOZA! Hey, you're welcome to join in the fun if you like! All ya gotta do is click that cute little link and read all about it!]

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Guest post by Nichelle Strzepek who writes over at Dance Advantage

I knew little of blogs or blogging when I got the bright idea to start using the platform to write my thoughts about dance last April and I feel I’ve come a long way. Throughout my years of dancing, performing, and in particular, teaching, I’ve collected a lot of “stuff” in my head and in my heart about this wonderful and infinitely interesting art form. It is important to me not just to teach dance but to educate about dance and I’ve found that even dance students know little about the art form they train within. Therefore, I consider my blog a resource as well as a place to put all that “stuff” that’s been graciously offered to me by my own teachers, my peers, and other artists. Interestingly, what I’ve learned (in 2008) is that often my best posts are the ones that have the potential to reach beyond the regular readers of my “niche” blog and educate or influence those outside of dance.

April Encouraging Boys to Dance
In the U.S. there are a lot of misconceptions and fears regarding men in dance that keep boys from pursuing what is an intensely athletic and creative art form. In essence, dance provides the perfect combination of these two pursuits and would enrich the lives of young men, if they received more encouragement to participate. This post received a great response from readers, other educators, and parents. And so, in 2008, I learned that although there’s a long way to go, that attitudes are changing toward boys/men in dance.

May Bullying in Dance Class
Bullying is an issue in all educational settings but many don’t realize that girls can be quite capable bullies. In 2008, I learned that teachers are looking for real-life applications to solving problems in their classes.

June What is Modern Dance?
As this post is one of the most popular on my site, I learned in 2008 that a lot of people want to know the answer to this question and that answering questions is a great way to generate posts!

July A Dancer’s Guide: How to Decide on a College
Most of my questions on dancing in college come from parents doing research for their children, so… in 2008, I learned that parents are VERY actively involved in their child’s transition from high school to college.

August Dance of Independence
In 2008, I learned that a post about helping teachers deal with preschoolers could end up helping parents learn to let go.

September How to Conduct Oneself as a Professional (actually part one of a two part-article, part two is here)
This post was inspired when I witnessed someone acting incredibly unprofessionally toward another. I had never thought to put my ideas about professionalism into words before so in 2008, I learned that unfortunate events can be turned into something good. Also, I made the connection that acting professionally is very much about leadership and was reminded that people could learn a lot about life through participation in the arts.

October Blog Action Day: ASTEP Toward Ending Poverty
In 2008, I learned that those who have a voice should use it… even dance bloggers.

November The Thought That Counts
I learned that posts about gifts can bring big traffic to a blog around the holidays and that all a teacher ever really wants is a thank you.

December Houston Ballet’s Got The Nutcracker Covered
In 2008, I learned that even I could still enjoy a performance of The Nutcracker!

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Nichelle balances careers as a dancer, dance instructor, and mother. In addition to a degree in dance, her experiences have included acting, singing, and choreography, all of which she has been doing since childhood. She utilizes her blog, Dance Advantage to share her thoughts and passion for dance with those involved in dance education, including students, teachers, and parents, as well as other dance professionals and enthusiasts.
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[Further note from the Proprietor: Hey, if you're interested in having your own "best of 2008" posts highlighted right here at the Middle Zone, then by all means, click on this link: (BLOGAPALOOZA: What I Learned From 2008) and read all about it! BLOGAPALOOZA will be open for entries from now until Sunday, January 25.]

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