For dancers, Twitter can serve many purposes. It can share information about performances, classes, substitute teachers, and programs. Twitter posts can inspire movement activities and dances, as well as be the venue for virtual conversations. Listed below are a few examples.
1. Diablo Ballet
As of now (January 13) through Valentine's Day, Diablo Ballet has launched an interesting Twitter conversation between choreographer and audience members. You are encouraged to write in to help select music, mood, and movement ideas for choreographer Robert Dekkers's new piece. Read all about it through KQED.
2. Twittermoves with the Luna Dance Institute
The Luna Dance Institute is one of the top dance education organizations in the country. For over a year now, they have posted weekly "Twittermoves" activities. Using the novelty of "120 characters or less," they will share a fun movement exploration that can be enjoyed by adults, college students, and youth as a part of a class or personal warm up. One recent post was:
TwMvs340: As if wiping a window, circular motions start w/ hand, switch L/R, gradually larger motion. Vary body part, tempo. Rpt tabletop.
3. Dance New Amsterdam - using Twitter to Create Buzz Around Performances, Classes, and Guest Teachers
As a former director of a dance center, I know how hard it is to keep all students updated, curious, and inspired, especially when your schedule frequently changes due to substitute teachers. Check out DNA's Twitter feed to see how they tackle these issues.
4. Dialogue Via Twitter?
Yes, even conversations are taking place via Twitter these days. Set a time and organize people to do it. The group #artsmgtchat runs a weekly conversation online (Fridays 2 pm EST) "for arts managers by arts managers."
5. Twitter as a Venue for Reflection/Check-Ins Within College Courses?
I recently lead a lecture for college students, and asked them to reflect on their arts education internship as if they were writing a Twitter post (ie 120 characters or less). This exercise challenged them to succinctly reflect on the week.
What if you used Twitter as a way to "check in" with your students at the end of a week? If you teach a class that has students off campus working on projects, using Twitter could be a great way to get a "pulse" on everyone's activities. Try it within a service-learning course, internship program, or dance education course. And, the 120 character parameter is simply fun (and a little poetic) too.....
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