Tag: ballet

4 Tips to Make Your Jumps Soar to New Heights

Miami City Ballet principal soloist Nathalia Arja is known for her powerful jump—in fact, she recalls one reviewer describing her as “popcorn.” But flying through the air wasn’t always second nature. Growing up training in her native Brazil, she says, she didn’t know how to use her body efficiently during grand allégro. So what changed? […]

These Are (Some of) the Legendary Ballet Dancers That You Should Know

There’s so much history in the ballet world! Some of the dances that are being performed today date back to a century ago, and you wouldn’t know it if you didn’t study it. It’s important to know the origin of the companies and choreography we’ve come to know and love. The following are nine legendary […]

Minimalist Magic: Dancewear That Lets You Focus on Your Technique

Understated classwear puts your technique front and center. Dance Spirit photographed Mikaela, Mio, and Zoe on Juilliard’s campus at the end of the 2016–17 school year. Mio Ishikawa and Mikaela Kelly in Discount Dance Suppy leotards. (Kenneth Edwards) (From Left) Mio Ishikawa is in Just For Kix leotard and So Danca skirt. Zoe Hollinshead is […]

Acclaimed Dance Movie "Polina" Finally Hits Theaters

The French dance film that made waves at last year’s Venice Film Festival is now stateside: Polina opened in theaters on August 25th. The story follows a young Russian ballerina-in-the-making, played by dancer Anastasia Shevtsova, who’s performed with the Mariinsky Ballet. A still from Polina (Courtesy of Oscilloscope Laboratories) Polina is about to join the […]

How Going to College Abroad Could Take Your Dancing to the Next Level

When it comes to college, you’ve got countless options. University or conservatory? BA or BFA? East Coast or West? But there’s one potentially game-changing option you probably haven’t considered yet: U.S. or international? The perks of going global are hard to ignore. For one, international programs are often significantly cheaper than domestic ones. “The tuition […]

Meet the Photographer Behind All Those Dance Photos You're Obsessed With

We’re on somewhat of a dance photography kick here at DS, so we figured we’d keep it going in a very big way: an exclusive interview with Rachel Neville, the photographer responsible for all those absolutely drool-worthy dance photos on your Instagram feed. We caught up with Neville at PurePoint Financial in NYC, where she […]

Let's Let Chrissy Teigen Off the Hook for That Pointe Video

Yesterday, Chrissy Teigen posted an Instagram video of her trying out a pair of pointe shoes, with a hand from husband John Legend. Yes, Teigen is obviously not a trained dancer. Yes, she looks pretty awful in the video. Yes, she could’ve hurt herself. Dancers and dance fans have been quick to point out all […]

Top 5 Reasons to Always Have Apolla Shocks in Your Dance Bag

You may already know Apolla Shocks are able to replace your current footwear and dance shoes because of the durability, aesthetics, and traction, BUT there are many other reasons to ALWAYS keep a pair in your dance bag. BESIDES wearing them in class or onstage: TOP 5 REASONS TO ALWAYS HAVE APOLLA SHOCKS…BEYOND DANCE CLASS: […]