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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Last week during an over enthusiastic assemblé I managed to slip, flip into the air, and fall on my back. My doctor said I bruised a bone; my sacroiliac joint. It has been nearly 2 weeks, and I have been resting it. However, it still hurts to développé do the left side, left passe, and [...]