Tag: advice

How to Balance Studio Training With a Busy Dance Convention Schedule

Attending multiple conventions throughout the year has become increasingly popular among dancers. Conventions provide valuable exposure to world-class faculty, not to mention coveted scholarships and assisting opportunities. But most dancers at weekend conventions also have a full plate of classes at their home studios during the week—a difficult lifestyle to maintain. So, should you be […]

The "Balanchine Head," and How to Master It—Including Spotting Front

As a teacher and choreographer, George Balanchine—founder of the School of American Ballet and New York City Ballet—finessed even the smallest details. And in his technique, extra-special attention is paid to the carriage of the head, which is both unique and transformational. Whether held forward or at a particular tilt, the “Balanchine head” forms a […]

College Dancers, Climb Aboard the SS Mentor-ship

You might be surprised to hear that both Seán Curran, chair of the dance department at the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and Jodie Gates, the director of the University of Southern California Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, still have mentors. After all, they’re both leading educators at two of the country’s most prestigious […]

Commercial Phenom Mollee Gray Writes a Letter to Her Teenage Self

If you’ve looked at a screen at some point within the past decade, chances are you’ve seen Mollee Gray dancing across it. Television? She appeared on “Glee,” “Shake It Up,” “Victorious,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The X Factor,” and “America’s Got Talent,” and even made it to the Top 8 on Season 6 of “So […]

Pointe Shoe Fitting 101—for Men

Josephine Lee, resident pointe shoe expert at The Pointe Shop in California, has found perfect pairs for quite a few men. Are you a male dancer hoping to try pointework? Here are Lee’s tips for your first pointe shoe fitting appointment. Make sure the shank is hard enough. “Men typically weigh more than women, which […]

Dear Katie: How Important Are Private Dance Lessons?

In our “Dear Katie” series, Miami City Ballet soloist Kathryn Morgan answers your pressing dance questions. Have something you want to ask Katie? Email [email protected] for a chance to be featured! Dear Katie, Do I need private lessons? I’m a professional-track dancer, and my teachers say that I should start scheduling privates to advance more […]