December 20th
I am a ballet teacher living and working in New Jersey. I used to teach in New York City, and my teacher training started with Don Farnworth in New York. As time allows, I contribute to Dance.net. A question just came up regarding splits and young dance students. When is it safe to start doing [...]
November 1st
Today’s posting looks at another way to help get your extensions higher and développés even smoother and more controlled. It has to do with the wonderful iliopsoas muscle that you hear so many anatomists and body workers talking about! I know I’m someone that always looks at this muscle carefully when I am assessing someone’s [...]
October 23rd
I am teaching at a local ballet school. I work with the children from the ages of 3 1/2 to 10, primarily. I also conduct conditioning/pre-pointe classes for slightly older girls. I am the only teacher for the youngest dancers but do share teaching assignments with other teachers for the girls in both the Ballet [...]
Read more of How to keep young dancers from overturning out?…
July 9th
First of all I would like to thank you for the great website and your great blog! I am a 19-year-old ballerina and have been doing ballet recreationally since I was 5. A couple of years ago I decided to take it more seriously and to train more hours. I have three questions and I [...]
July 1st
Summer is right around the corner and I know that I need to continue dancing. I am going to take a few classes here and there but I won’t be able to take them everyday like I usually do at school. (performing arts) Is that OK? I mean I guess I could do a barre [...]
March 31st
I’ve been dancing for 12 years and about 3 days ago I dislocated my knee and it popped right back into place. This happened right as I was about to go into a lunge stretch at the barre. My left foot was in tendu derriere and my right leg was straight and turned out. When [...]
February 6th
There was a comment on the Splits entry that I’d like to use as this week’s post. Heidi writes Do you recommend a particular approach for beginning training for splits. Are there other stretches that should be done first. Should a student demonstrate flexibility in other ways (e.g. be able to touch her toes) before [...]
November 22nd
Training For Splits #1: I have my splits, but they aren’t straight (my hips aren’t straight). I’m wondering; is it necessary for your hips to be straight in the splits to be able to do good kicks and stuff? Or is it okay to not have straight hips in ballet? Thanks!!! Talya #2: I am [...]
May 20th
Today’s blog entry is in podcast form. Here’s the question and then you can click on the highlighted link to hear my verbal response. Hi! I have always have struggled with my turnout due to my bone structure. I have a few questions regarding my turnout and would LOVE to hear your advice. First, I [...]
May 4th
click here to view a quick clip on demi pliés. Start to train your eye to see assymetries! I’ve got a few spaces left for the workshop in June – only 20 total participants. Come join me!