Tag: dancer

How to Keep Jealousy From Taking Over Your Dance Life

How to Keep Jealousy From Taking Over Your Dance Life

To adapt the immortal lyrics of Olivia Rodrigo, “co-comparison is killing [dancers] slowly.” No surprise, when you consider what dance is: a highly competitive artform practiced in front of a mirror, shared on social media with easily compared stats, and set against the backdrop of a pandemic that’s inhibiting training and sidelining careers. Everyone (and […]

#BlackDanceHistoryIsHappeningNow: “Big Will” Simmons

In celebration of Black History Month, Dance Spirit is saluting young Black artists who don’t just represent a bright future for the dance industry—they’re already making history of their own. Fourth in our series: Will Simmons. Be sure to check dancespirit.com throughout February to meet more dancers who embody Black excellence in dance and in life. #BlackDanceHistoryIsHappeningNow No matter […]

5 of the most romantic pas de deux in classical ballet

5 of the Most Romantic Pas de Deux in Classical Ballet

Classical ballets may vary in style, setting and plot, but one theme unites the most famous ballets: love. These five lovely pas de deux—French for “step of two”—are the ballet equivalent of a lacy paper valentine or heart-shaped box of chocolates: sweet, romantic, and perfect to enjoy around Valentine’s Day. The Balcony Pas de Deux […]

Meredith Aleigha Wells Is Breaking Boundaries This Holiday Season

Chicago-based dancer, actor, singer and writer Meredith Aleigha Wells dreamed of a career in the arts from a young age, and landed at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, to pursue that dream. It was there, however, that Wells (who uses they/them pronouns) was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS,) a form of autonomic dysfunction, […]

6 Ways to Make the Most of Your Winter Break

Happy holidays! If you’re not performing in The Nutcracker, these few weeks off of school and normal dance classes are likely a welcome intermission in the middle of a very busy year. Dance Spirit has compiled a few suggestions for how you can maximize this breather and enter January rested and ready to go. Adjust […]

Pick Your Favorite Dance Performance and We'll Match It With a Fall-Themed Movie

If you’re completely over warm weather—and ready to trade flip-flops for boots and lemonade for pumpkin-spice everything—this is the list for you. Pick your favorite iconic dance performance and Dance Spirit will recommend a cozy fall movie for you to enjoy. Pepperland, by Mark Morris—It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown If you picked Mark Morris’ […]

7 Habits of Highly Successful Dancers

The dance industry is overflowing with artists who have hit the big time, left their marks and made their wildest dreams come true. But how did they do it? You’ve likely heard of the best-selling book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey. Well, we thought it was high time we […]

What Your Dance Class Warmups Say About You

When you walk into a dance class for the first time, before you do a single plié or tendu, you’ve already made a first impression with what you’re wearing. And odds are, you’re not coming to class in only your dancewear. What you layer on top of your class clothes can say a lot about […]