Spark Lab
Small Sparks
Big Discoveries
An Ongoing Programme to Support Dance Teachers
Spark Lab
Small Sparks Big Discoveries
What if meaningful change didn't require another certification, another complex system or syllabus, or hours upon hours of additional training?
What if powerful change can be the result of a single spark?
- A single new idea
- A single new insight
- A single new way of looking at common challenges
- A single short intervention that changes everything
Not only is it possible and exciting, but it how real LEARNING takes place.
Learning is not about repetition and drilling skills.
That is part of dance training, but only a part!
Spark Lab is a monthly membership for dance teachers, movement educators, and curious movers who want to better understand the connection between the brain, body, and nervous system.
Each month, we'll explore one powerful concept through practical movement experiences, sensory nourishment, and embodied learning that you can immediately apply to yourself, your students, and your teaching.
This is not about memorizing more information.
This is not about learning new exercises to drill into your students.
It's about learning to notice things that may not have been noticed before.
It is about:
- Learning readiness via the Brain State
- Increasing sensory awareness.
- Enhancing brain-body connection
- Speaking directly to the nervous system
It is about Drawing Out the Body's Wisdom, not more information to Pour In
And that difference changes everything
The Spark Lab Philosophy
The body is intelligent. Drawing Out the body's inherent wisdom is vital as part of any refined training, such as dance.
When we learn to listen more deeply, new possibilities emerge.
When we awaken the brain integration, brain-body connection and sensory processing the potential of each person can be fully realized.
Rather than relying on rigid formulas, Spark Lab combines research-informed movement education with exploration, curiosity, and practical application.
Come Discover!
Together we will use the L.A.B. Framework:
Look & Listen
- Notice what is already happening in the body: outside eyes AND inner vision (how does it feel not just what does it look like?)
- Observe movement habits, patterns, preferences, compensations, and strengths
- Listen to voice of the body: Is there ease or a sense of blockages?
Awaken & Activate
- Experience new possibilities and enliven new potential
- Explore movement, sensory input, rhythm, regulation, and developmental foundations through simple practices and experiments
- Awaken the many input systems of the body to be used both consciously and unconsciously
- Heighten interoception and language to convey to self and others
- Activate muscles with trigger points to create balanced work in the body
Believe & Become
- Believe that sometimes it really can be that simple and that quick to make a positive change
- Allow new habits and capacities to emerge authentically and in a stress free environment (both brain and body)
- Integrate discoveries into daily life, teaching, training, and performance
- Embody the changes authentically so that students are able to use mirror neurons effectively for self improvement
What You'll Receive Each Month
Monthly Spark Lab Session
A live 90 minute workshop exploring one focused topic.
Tuesday 10-11:30 am PST
1st Tuesday of the month
**If necessary and with sufficient numbers, an additional time zone day/time will be arranged.
Monthly Main Topic
Each topic (see below) will be explored with the L.a.b. framework of:
- Look & Listen
- Awaken & Activate
- Become & Believe
Structure will include session elements:
Integration Bites
Small, practical experiences you can immediately apply.
Simple enough to use right away.
Powerful enough to create lasting shifts.
Notice & Nourish Practice
Each month you'll receive a guided observation challenge.
What are you noticing?
What might support or nourish what you're observing?
This practice helps transform information into embodied understanding.
Movement Invitations
Playful explorations designed to awaken curiosity, awareness, and possibility.
Community Connection
Learn alongside a growing community of teachers and movers who value thoughtful, intelligent movement education.
Application Guidance
The most important part: How do I use this in my daily classes?
Teachers who have dedicated themselves to their training will love discovering ways to enhance this training.
PBT certified teachers will be delighted with how to super charge this work
Guidance will be given by The Radiant Dance Teacher as well as some time dedicated to a group mastermind.
Teaching Resources
Checklists
Printable PDF's of explanatory topics, anatomy and imagery
Topics for Sessions
- Balance Skills
- Brain Integration
- Breath Progressions
- Embodiment Strategies
- Fascia Lines, Rebound, Spirals and Counter-Spirals
- Hearing and Listening Enhancement
- Interoception Activities
- Muscle Activations via touch points
- Nervous System Regulation
- Neurolymphatic Points
- Noticing Skills
- Reflex Integration
- Proprioception Progress
- Self Awareness and Assessment Skills
- Sensory Processing
- Tactile Tips
- Vestibular Development
- Vision Training
Spark Lab Is For:
- Dance Teachers (18 hours of CPD per year)
- Studio Owners
- Movement Educators
- Therapists and educators curious about movement-based learning
- Dancers who want a deeper understanding of their own bodies
Please Note: The application examples will be for the dance industry/teachers/dancers
Why was this Programme Created
Dance Teachers and Studio Owners:
- Are Busy
- Have Limited Energy for Learning
- Likely Limited Funds for Ongoing Training
- Desire to give their Best t their Students
Desire to KNOW and therefore GIVE the latest research for
efficient and effective training
As a recent winner of the RAD Innovation in Dance Teacher Award, Mariah-Jane of The Radiant Dance Teacher is perfectly suited to bring YOU the latest and best in dance research AND complementary research that has yet to be applied to the dance industry.
Founding Member Pricing
Spark Lab Membership
$24 USD/month
Or Save almost 30% by via a yearly price of $200 USD (18 hours CPD)
After August 5, monthly membership goes up to $39/month
Studio Owners: Reach out if you'd like to discuss a special pricing for your entire staff
Includes:
- Monthly LIVE Spark Lab Session
- Weekly Emails Supporting the Main Session
- Session Recordings
- Access to the ever building library of resources
- Dedicated Facebook group for exchange and support
Cancel anytime
Small Investment . . . BIG Return
The biggest progress happens with consistent steps. Even little steps.
But...you are a teacher...you knew that didn't you!
Do the same for yourself!
You don't need to take full day courses that take months to process how to actually apply the information. You need little bits every week just like your students.
Start With the Launch Workshop:
Tuesday July 7
11 am - 12:30 pm PST
Join the Spark Lab Launch Workshop and discover how small shifts in awareness can create powerful changes in movement, learning, regulation, and performance.
Your launch workshop registration includes your first month inside Spark Lab (August).
Because every transformation begins with a spark
Can't come LIVE?
All sessions are Recorded!
Coaching Add-On Option
If you would like to work one on one with Mariah-Jane that option exists.
Topics for coaching can be with a singular focus or a multitude of topics; whatever you need during each session.
Examples of Topics:
In Studio Environment Cultivation
- Enhancing and encouraging student focus and engagement
- Trouble Shooting and Mastermind Support for any in studio challenges
Artistry and Musicality
- Drawing out greater authentic expression including dynamics
- Helping students to have range of expression and the confidence to share
Technique Development
- Posture with Tension
- Weight Placement during movement
- Turn-Out Freedom and Adaptation
- Port de Bras: Function for Expression
- Use of Feet: Creating Responsiveness and Strength
RAD Teaching
- Progressions Creation
- Refinement Tools
- Polishing the Criteria
Interested in Coaching with Mariah-Jane?
Please fill in the form below and I will be in touch!
Thank you for your interest.
