She just retired as a principal with Pacific Northwest Ballet, but as a teenager, Maria Chapman struggled to gain control of her flexibility. “I looked pretty good at the barre,” she says, “but I was relying on it way too much, and focusing exclusively on what my legs and feet were doing.” Without the barre’s […]
In our “Dear Katie” series, former NYCB 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’m a strong dancer on flat, but once I put my pointe shoes on, everything falls apart. I’ve been studying pointe for four […]
In Act II of Giselle, the ballerina stands center stage and dances an adagio—without a partner. She has to control incredibly slow développés and arabesque penchées effortlessly, as if she’s floating on air. When it’s performed well, the solo creates a feeling of magic. The slightest wobble or shake, though, can ruin the moment. Most […]