Category Archives: Ballet

On Balance: How to Nail Long Balances

Posted on Dec 1, 2011 by .
Houston Ballet’s Melody Mennite holds a long balance as Lise in La Fille Mal Gardée. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.

Few things top that jaw-dropping moment when a ballerina hits a balance—and just stays. And when you’re over your leg … Continue reading →

Posted in Ballet

Breathtaking Bourrées

Posted on Aug 18, 2011 by .
Photo By Gene Schiavone

When I was a young ballet student, I used to pop in my favorite video of Giselle and quickly fast-forward … Continue reading →

Posted in Ballet, How To

Partnering for Newbies

Posted on Jun 1, 2011 by .
Washington School of Ballet students in pas de deux class. Photo by Stephen Baranovics.

You’re at a summer intensive, taking your first pas de deux class—ever. Your palms sweat as you grasp your partner’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Ballet, How To

Hop to It!

Posted on Apr 11, 2011 by .
Photo of New York City Ballet's Lauren King demonstrating hopping on pointe. Photo by Nathan Sayers.

You’re at a performance of Giselle, watching the ballerina hop on pointe during her Act I variation like it’s the … Continue reading →

Posted in Ballet, How To

How to Dance in a Tutu

Posted on Jan 1, 2011 by .
NYCB's Jennie Somogyl in Balanchine's Serenade Photo by Paul Kolnik

Shortly after joining San Francisco Ballet at 16, I wore my first real tutu: a gorgeous white number for George … Continue reading →

Posted in Ballet, How To

Web Bonus: Tutu Care

Posted on Dec 29, 2010 by .
Boston Ballet's Larissa Ponomarenko Photo by Angela Sterling

(Click here to check out “How to Dance in a Tutu.”) Cleaning the skirt:Don’t get the netting or the hoop … Continue reading →

Posted in Ballet, How To