Tag: ballet

Dear Katie: Help! I Need More Stage Experience!

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, I love my dance studio—the training is really good—but we only get to perform twice a year. I really want more stage […]

Kathryn Morgan Opens Up About Body Image in Ballet

Kathryn Morgan is on a mission to change the dance field. The Miami City Ballet soloist and Dance Spirit advice columnist appeared on the “Today” Show on February 27 where she openly discussed the challenges of body image and mental health in dance. Two days later, Morgan took to her own YouTube channel to dig […]

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 […]

Why You Should Know Technical Powerhouse Christian Burse

Christian Burse’s long, flexible limbs create showstopping shapes onstage. But what really captivates audiences are her seamless transitions between those gorgeous shapes, showing incredible technique and control. Christian is a student at both Dance Industry Performing Arts Center and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and her long days in […]

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 […]

Why More and More Men Are Dancing on Pointe

Like many professional dancers, New York City Ballet’s Gilbert Bolden III is totally used to sharing pics and vids of his dancing on social media. But in the fall of 2018, the corps de ballet member hesitated before posting one particular clip. “I was extremely nervous the first time I posted a video of me […]

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 […]