Tag: technique

How to Kick Your Mirror-Gazing Habit (Because There's No Better Time to Do It)

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Dance Spirit‘s Spring 2020 print issue, before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the dance world. But we hope you’ll still find its advice useful—especially since many of us are being forced to dance in our homes, without large mirrors, right now. It’s not hard to spot dancers […]

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 […]

5 Principal Dancers on the Ballet Steps That Still Challenge Them

Their technique might seem effortless onstage, but even the most seasoned ballet professionals have that one step that still drives them crazy. We asked five principal dancers to open up about the skills they still find challenging, and how they’re working to finesse them. Dana Benton as Kitri in Don Quixote (Francisco Estevez, courtesy Colorado […]