Author Archives: Julie Diana

About Julie Diana

Julie Diana is a principal dancer with Pennsylvania Ballet. She holds a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania and writes for various dance publications.

Madeleine Gardella

Posted on Apr 15, 2013 by .
Madeleine dancing a variation from Coppélia, Act 1 (I. Siggul/Visual Arts Masters)

With perfectly arched feet and a petite frame, 14-year-old Madeleine Gardella looks like a jewelry box ballerina. She stands just … Continue reading →

Posted in Who's Hot, You Should Know

Pain in the…

Posted on Apr 9, 2013 by .
Not nearly as pretty as pointe shoes... (iStock)

Every dancer, at some point, is faced with physical pain. Fractured bones, inflamed tendons and muscle strains seem to come … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Your Body

Big Fish in a Little Pond

Posted on Mar 21, 2013 by .
Faye Arthurs rehearsing with Craig Hall for the 1999 workshop performances at SAB (Rosalie O'Connor)

If you’re a talented small-town ballet student, you’ve probably wondered: Should I leave my local studio to study at a … Continue reading →

Posted in Ballet, How To

Kiss and Tell

Posted on Feb 10, 2013 by .
2010 American Music Awards - Show

When Galen Hooks danced with Ne-Yo at the 2010 American Music Awards, they paused mid-routine—and kissed. “It was the first … Continue reading →

Posted in New Stories We Love

Warming Up

Posted on Nov 7, 2012 by .
Always give your muscles a solid stretch before you perform. (Matt Karas)

When it comes time to perform, you can’t wait to be onstage. But preparing for a show takes more than … Continue reading →

Posted in Fitness, Your Body

Dancing Forsythe

Posted on Sep 10, 2012 by .
The Joffrey Ballet's Christine Rocas and Rory Hohenstein in In the middle, somewhat elevated (Herbert Migdoll)

There I stood, center stage, during a performance of William Forsythe’s In the middle, somewhat elevated. Rehearsals for the ballet … Continue reading →

Posted in Ballet, How To