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 [...]
June 10th
I teach a course on Somatic Studies at Oberlin College and shared with them a YouTube clip on affirmations (since we spend a lot of time exploring how words influence our behavior and our results) I ran into a few of them recently and they told them they are starting their day off by watching [...]
June 5th
When teachers say, tuck under or pull in your bellybutton, what is happening to the body anatomically? What are better catch phrases to use? Joanellyn ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* 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 [...]
April 29th
About two years ago when I started training very seriously for just ballet, I started having a popping sensation in my hip. I soon learned that I had snapping tendon syndrome. During the winter of that year I hurt it badly enough where I couldn’t walk comfortably and couldn’t dance for about two weeks. It [...]
April 18th
Let’s continue the theme of physical wellness and aging… I am a teacher who teaches 6hrs straight a day, some tap, mostly jazz. I stretch with one of my classes throughout the day. I am finding when I have my next class my hamstrings are even tighter. Any suggestions on why I feel I am [...]
April 14th
What is your feeling about adults (20′s and beyond) dancing on pointe? Some people (dancers and teachers) feel that adults cannot be successful on pointe, and that, indeed, it is risky because of their “advanced age”. I have a group of 30-45 year olds who do quite well, thank you very much. They are strong, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]