March 19th
Thank you so much for all the information you provide on your web site and in Tune Up Your Turnout! Since I have a sway back, it was a nice surprise to buy a book about turnout and also get so much help with alignment. After stretching the hip flexors (it’s like a miracle!) I [...]
March 13th
Dear Deb, I lately struggle lots with my knees, especially when I do a plie type exercises in second position, this is in gym and dance classes. I have to admit I am 40, but have been dancing all my life. Was wondering if you have any suggestions to strengthen my knees. Regards, Lisel Great [...]
March 5th
I am a 15 year old ballet student who hopes to pursue a career in dance. Right now I have an achilles tendon injury that requires passive healing, a lot of physical therapy and may take many months to heal. I have been off of dance for about 2 months now, and I’m having a [...]
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 [...]
January 31st
Today’s Q&A post includes an excerpt from Train Your Brain: A Teen’s Guide to Well Being. Enjoy! I just found your web site and blog and it is really interesting. I have an almost 7 years old ballerina at home, and I have some concerns. She’s very lean, but she’s not so flexible and I [...]
January 20th
Anneliese Burns Wilson was kind enough to talk to me about training for balance and why it is so important! You can listen to the podcast by clicking here Thanks to all who took the quick survey. I’m going to keep it open for a few more days and then I’ll send more information out [...]
January 15th
How do you know when hip popping and snapping is something to be concerned about? A general rule of thumb is if you have pain in the joint along with popping sounds you want to see a qualified health practitioner. There are three areas where snapping or popping may be felt and heard. The most [...]
January 1st
When teachers say, tuck under or pull in your bellybutton, what is happening to the body anatomically? What are better catch phrases to use? You bring up a very important point that dance teachers need to be aware of. Our language should be as anatomically accurate as possible. As teachers, we should be aware of [...]
December 6th
I’m going to talk about balancing for ankle sprains in just a moment but first I want to announce that Effective Stretching: The Ultimate Guide is ready to ship! Its on sale from $45 to $29 just until December 31st – and you get free shipping as my holiday gift to you! (sorry… only for [...]
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 [...]