Hello dancers! The summer intensive I've been doing with the Martha Graham Dance Company is coming to a close. Our final showing is tonight and tomorrow afternoon; we've been doing nothing but taking technique class, rehearsing, fitting costumes, and rehearsing more! We've made our own sections of the "Name-Calling" from Clytemnestra, videos of our own choreography, and an adaptation of Maple Leaf Rag (that we're jokingly referring to as "Maple Syrup"). We're doing Panorama again, which we did at SPAC last week, and we will have a combo of live musicians and pre-recorded music. You can actually watch our performance live no matter where you are because we'll be streaming it. Check it out at 7:30 on Thursday (and possibly 2 p.m. on Friday) on clytemnestraproject.com. My parents (hi mom and dad!) can't make it tonight, but they will be able to watch me from home.
Even thought I'm getting tired, I don't want this intensive to end. I might start taking classes at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance in NYC. All the teachers I've had have been outstanding and I really love this technique. Also, my hard work has already paid off because Skidmore just asked me if some of the pictures I've taken of the company and students could be used in a portfolio on the Skidmore webpage. But as of now, I need to focus on our showing tonight. Check it out at 7:30 and I'll be sure to let you know how everything went sometime next week. Until then, keep dancing!
Latest Posts
Mar 26, 2021
Protocol like mandatory face masks, temperature checks, and careful class staging have become the norm at comps and conventions like NYCDA (Evolve Photo & Video, courtesy NYCDA)
4 Industry Leaders Walk Us Through the State of the Competition/ Convention World
After a year of tumult, virtual events and constantly moving targets, it's more than reasonable to wonder: What exactly is the state of the competition world?
For months, we didn't see our favorite friends and teachers unless it was through a screen—now, against all odds, programs are rising from the ashes to bring you meaningful training and performance opportunities both in person and online. We asked four prominent competition/convention directors to give you the inside scoop on what to expect from this season (and, yes, that includes Nationals).
First: Things are going to be OK
<p>If you ask leadership from 24Seven, NYCDA, Showstopper or Radix Dance Convention, the trajectory of the dance convention/competition world is on the upswing. "As numbers improve and restrictions are eased, we're ready to kick it into high gear," says Radix director Eddie Strachan.</p><p>Programs have returned to their regional tours, tackling unique pandemic hurdles as they strive to create as "normal" an event as possible. "Things are definitely looking up," says 24Seven director Danny Lawn. "For us, an event this past weekend felt as close to normal as it has in a long time."</p><p>According to Nikki Cole, director of marketing and media relations for Showstopper, the competition world is an inspirational place to be right now. "The dance community has come together in remarkable ways to bring positivity, hope and light to dance studios by getting kids back onstage," she says.</p>Right, but what about Nationals?
<p>Good news! Every competition/convention we've spoken with is committed to hosting Nationals this year, one way or another.</p><p>COVID willing, Showstopper, Radix and The Dance Awards all hope to hold a normal Nationals (you know, in-person), but it's important to remember that things are always subject to change. "We are ready to hold Nationals as normally as possible, but if we still need to have safety protocols in place during that time, then so be it," Strachan says. "We are just trying to push through each month to see what the next one brings."</p><p>Capacity for both the Florida and Las Vegas Dance Awards is still to be determined by the tide of the pandemic, but as of right now, registration is open to those who are interested. Regardless, Lawn says dancers can anticipate something magical. "The directors are so good at shifting plans and making everything special," he says.</p><p>For NYCDA, things will look a little different. Rather than hosting one event in NYC, director Joe Lanteri has decided to hold two separate summer events: one in Phoenix, AZ, and one in Orlando, FL. "We are committed to making it feel like a true NYCDA Nationals," Lanteri says. That means it will still include award-winning choreographers, artistic directors and college-scholarship auditions. Safety precautions that have been a staple throughout the year will continue, but the details of how many dancers can attend are still to be determined by the ever-changing state of the pandemic.</p><img
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Regular temperature checks are required to participate at the majority of events (Evolve Photo & Video, courtesy NYCDA)
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Okay, so what does "in-person" actually look like these days?
<p><strong>Schedule Shakeup</strong></p><p>In order to host as many dancers as possible, and avoid cross-contamination between studios, scheduling at conventions and competitions is a bit different this year.</p><p>"If you're only allowed 200 dancers in the venue at a time, that's really limiting for four different age groups," Lanteri says. NYCDA's workaround? In some venues, a split schedule. Morning classes are reserved for mini and junior dancers to take class, and the rest of the day is reserved for teen and senior dancers. "That alone doubles our capacity."</p><p>In order to avoid eating and congregating en masse, 24Seven is staggering lunch times, as well as class start and end times.</p><p><em>The takeaway?</em><em> First, pay close attention to the schedule the competition gives you: It's going to be different from years past. </em></p><p><em>Second, if you have a younger sibling, your parent or guardian will likely be running back and forth like crazy all weekend, so be sure to tell them how much you appreciate them.</em></p><p><strong>Mask Up, Temperature Check and Complete That Health Survey!</strong></p><p>These days, your mask is your golden ticket to any convention or competition. Other than the moments immediately before you walk onstage to compete, and immediately after you finish, your mask will be on your face for the entire weekend. (Some cities even require them onstage.)</p><p>"We completely understand that none of us like to wear masks," Strachan says. "But we all like to dance in person, so if that is what it takes, that is what we have to do."</p><p>Beyond masks, regular temperature checks are required to participate at the majority of events, as well. And NYCDA teachers and staff are going the extra mile to keep you safe. "We have a partnership with a testing lab, so every week, everyone on the NYCDA team is PCR tested before they get on an airplane," Lanteri says. "The lab sends someone out to the cities with us, and most of us test again while we're there. I personally also test every Monday when I get back to my home base."</p><p>NYCDA also requires each of their dancers and attendees to fill out a wellness survey every day along with getting a temperature check. This gives them access to a wristband that shows they're clear to participate. </p><p><em>The takeaway? </em><em>These competitions and conventions aren't messing around. Nothing is more important to them than your safety.</em></p><img
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We can practically promise that celebrating a win will feel just as good in a face mask (courtesy Showstopper)
<p><strong>Class Staging</strong></p><p>The current industry standard for conventions is to require six feet of space between each dancer. Events maintain this by taping 6-foot-by-6-foot squares on the ground that the students are asked to dance in. "I love looking out into a sea of clean lines with everyone in their spot," says Lawn. "In that sense, it's kinda fierce."</p><p>Most conventions begin the weekend by dividing the participants into combo groups that will be used throughout the weekend. This keeps the dancers from crossing paths as they move on and off the floor, and limits potential exposure between groups as they observe.</p><p>In a major shift from years past, dancers may no longer be asked to go onstage next to the teacher to demonstrate, depending on the size of the ballroom. "We keep the stage as clear as possible," Lawn says of 24Seven.</p><p><em>The takeaway? </em><em>You've practiced perfect spacing your entire life—you were born for this.</em></p><p><strong>Studio Blocks</strong></p><p>In order to avoid contact between studios and keep numbers in the venue low, most competitions currently have schools compete all their numbers, one right after the other during a single block of time.</p><p>"Studios A, B and C may compete during a three-hour chunk of time," Strachan says. "Then we clear them out of the ballroom and sanitize the stage and dressing rooms before the next set of studios come in to dance their block." At Radix, security has a list of people in each given block, and checks who they are before they're allowed to enter the ballroom.</p><p>At 24Seven, solos follow the same studio-block pattern as group numbers. All mini and junior solos from studio A will go back-to-back, followed by studios B and C, before the room is cleaned for the next block. "We call everyone beforehand to make sure they are comfortable sharing a block with other studios," Lawn says.</p><p><em>The takeaway?</em><em> You're gonna be pretty tired after running your dances consecutively. Bring a good energy booster to snack on!</em></p>
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Many competitions are spreading out chairs for audience members to encourage social distancing (Evolve Photo & Video, courtesy NYCDA)
<p><strong>Exclusive In-Person Performances, Online Entourages</strong></p><p>Just as there is less space for performers at competition these days, there's also less space for audience members. For those who can attend, competitions are spreading chairs out for social-distancing purposes. Showstopper audiences sit at round tables spread out across the room in watch groups.</p><p>For those who can't attend in person due to capacity or proximity, the majority of competitions livestream the event.</p><p><em>The takeaway?</em><em> The fewer people there are, the safer you'll be. But you'll still get virtual hype from loved ones.</em></p><p><strong>Socially Distanced Awards</strong></p><p>Most competitions aren't hosting in-person awards, but you can stream them online. At competitions like Radix and NYCDA, all the awards for each studio are placed in a box or a souvenir bag that your studio owner or teacher can pick up later.</p><p>For Showstopper, in-person awards are possible, they just have to be done more frequently. "In years past we would have had 3-4 award ceremonies, now we do 10," Cole says. "This means when we finish each category (like Teen Small Groups), we do an award ceremony before moving on to the next one." According to Cole, parents really appreciate this new structure. "They don't have to sit and wait around all day if they don't want to," she says.</p><p><em>The takeaway?</em><em> You can officially watch the awards ceremony from your bed with zero shame.</em></p>
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Apr 09, 2021
What happens if you are passed over for the opportunity when it feels like your time? (Getty Images/kf4851)
What to Do When Your Dance Teacher Says You're Not Pointe Ready
Since the day you pulled on your first leotard, you have no doubt been dreaming of the day you would attend your first pointe shoe fitting. Going on pointe is a rite of passage as a ballet dancer, and the result of years of hard work.
But what happens if you are passed over for the opportunity when it feels like your time? It's totally understandable to be disappointed and frustrated if your teacher doesn't move you on pointe, but don't lose faith in yourself. "I've seen a lot of dancers go on pointe over the years," says Josephine Lee, professional pointe shoe fitter and founder of The Pointe Shop. "I don't think I have ever seen a dancer who was held back from pointework feel like they were behind in the long run."
Ideally, your teacher has laid out clear guidelines for what makes a dancer pointe-ready. But if they haven't, there are some milestones that ballet professionals are looking for to give the green light for your first pair of shoes. Factors like your age, technique level, range of motion and strength all come into play. And the good news is that if going on pointe is a goal for you, there are proactive ways that you can get there.
Age
<p>The "correct" age to begin pointe is a controversial one, and that is largely because being pointe-ready depends on so many different factors of physical and technical development. But there is a growing consensus that you can definitely be too young to dance on pointe safely. In most professional training schools, <a href="https://royalballetschool.org.uk/2018/11/07/ballet-competition-culture-are-we-putting-young-dancers-at-risk/" target="_blank">dancers don't start pointework until age 11 at the earliest</a>. In 2018 the Youth America Grand Prix updated its rules so that competitors should be 12 years old to perform on pointe. Dancers 10 years old and younger are not allowed to compete on pointe, and it is strongly discouraged for 11-year-olds.</p><p> For many, one concern for going on pointe too early is that if the student is not done growing, the growth plates in their bones are not fully closed. While this can certainly lead to injury, <a href="http://www.weissmd.info/sites/default/files/start-pointe.pdf" target="_blank">medical professionals are more concerned</a> with injuries that can result in a student lacking the strength, range of motion and coordination needed to start safely twirling on their toes. Natalie Imrisek, a physical therapist who works with dancers in L.A., adds, "Dancers also need to have the maturity to have an understanding of how to care for their bodies and the hard work that they are doing."</p><p><u>To Keep Improving</u>: Waiting is the hardest thing, but it's the only real remedy here. Trust that your teachers are looking out for your best interest: They just want you to be safe and successful. Going on pointe too early can be frustrating, and even lead to burnout. Focus your attention on the rest of the pointe-ready milestones, and you will be a better dancer for it.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMfbf6SgEXp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMfbf6SgEXp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; 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Coordination and Technique
<p>Being developmentally ready for pointework happens for different people at different times. There are so many factors that contribute here—how long have you been seriously taking ballet classes? Maybe you have had a big growth spurt and are regaining the strength to manage your longer limbs. "Being developmentally ready means being able to really multitask with your body," says Jennifer Milner, a Pilates instructor and ballet coach in Dallas. "With pointe shoes, we are adding one more thing you need to think about," she says. "You're learning how to balance differently."</p><p> In class Milner looks for control in a student's dancing to determine if they are ready for pointe. She wants to see a dancer who can do a clean single pirouette with a landing without hopping or falling down off of demi-pointe. She will also test a dancer's proprioception (your ability to know where your body is in space) by having them stand in parallel and bring one leg up to a parallel passé. She asks them to hold the position without touching the working foot to their knee and without clasping their hands or putting their hands on their hips. "Can you do it for 30 seconds with your eyes open?" she asks. "Can you do it for 10 seconds with your eyes closed?"</p><p><u>To Keep Improving</u>: Practice, practice, practice. Make sure that your commitment to getting your pointe shoes is matched by your commitment to your overall ballet training. Are you taking multiple ballet classes every week? Are you committing yourself fully to the corrections you are receiving and working hard to improve? Don't focus on pointework as a trophy—it will be a natural continuation of all of your hard work.</p><div style="padding: 20px 0 40px;">
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Range of Motion
<p>The flexibility of the mid-foot and ankle was cited by Lee, Milner, and Imrisek as a primary challenge for young dancers being pointe-ready. "You need to be able to get your metatarsal in line with your shinbone when you point your foot to get on pointe safely," says Imrisek. Milner will have dancers sit on the floor with their legs straight and point their feet. If you lay a pencil on your ankle pointed down to your toes, it should be pointing straight ahead or down toward the floor. If it is pointing up, you still have a range of motion challenge to overcome. Imrisek says that this flexibility is important because if you can't get over on the box of the pointe shoe, you are likely to compensate with other parts of your body and end up injured. You are also much more likely to roll and sprain your ankle.</p><p> On the other side of range of motion is those dancers with very flexible feet and ankles—the banana feet we all want. But Milner warns that with great flexibility comes a greater need for strength in order to avoid injury. While the feet may look great in the shoes, these dancers can be at higher risk of sprained ankles and Achilles tendon problems, which can become recurring injuries. "The biggest predictor of having an ankle sprain is already having had an ankle sprain," says Milner. The ligaments don't go back after they have been overstretched.</p><p><u>To Keep Improving</u>: If you are lacking the range of motion in your ankles and mid-foot, don't go reaching for the foot stretcher! Imrisek warns that doing so can overstretch the ankle, increasing the risk of sprains and causing Achilles and os trigonum issues. Instead, she suggests focusing on opening up the tissue in the mid-foot and the top of the foot. To do this, she suggests dancers get toe spacers like <a href="https://yogatoes.com/" target="_blank">YogaToes</a>, or lace their fingers between their toes to release the tightness. While your toes are spread, massage the top of the foot up toward your shins like you are pulling on a pair of pantyhose. To keep the added flexibility, she says to follow this up with some strength exercises, like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CWeLL43S9E" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">piano toes</a>.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CG8IGQMnzsp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CG8IGQMnzsp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CG8IGQMnzsp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Josephine Lee (@josephineylee)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
Strength and Balance
<p>"Think of pointework as a full-body experience," advises Lee. "Often the dancer incorrectly only focuses on their feet and their ankles. But you have to be strong in every part of your body in order to be successful." Lee is looking to see if a dancer can hold a relevé on demi-pointe without shaking or wobbling, which requires the whole body to be engaged to be done successfully. A lot of this strengthening happens naturally in class, but adding a cross-training routine will make you a stronger dancer all around. Milner suggests that you skip the crunches for core strengthening. "We don't often dance in a crunched position, so we want to learn to strengthen our trunk and maintain it in a neutral position," she says.</p><p><u>To Keep Improving</u>: Most of Milner's students prepare for class every day with the same favorite exercise called "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml2xTP45jVQ" target="_blank">toe taps</a>." Practicing your relevés in both turned-out as well as parallel positions will help with needed calf strength. <strong></strong></p><div style="padding: 20px 0 40px;">
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<p>Both Milner and Imrisek have seen dancers get injured after being on pointe before the time is right. Sometimes these are immediate injuries, like sprained ankles and stress fractures, but for others, it results in nagging injuries that plague dancers for the rest of their careers. It is hard to wait, but you need to invest in yourself and the long game. If you still feel confused about why you didn't make it on pointe this year, Milner says that it is completely fine to respectfully ask your teacher for a meeting to discuss it at a time that is convenient for them. "You can say, 'I understand that you don't feel that I am ready for pointe, so what can I work on so that I can achieve that goal?'" By working with your teacher to create tangible goals for yourself, you can move forward with support knowing how to get there.</p>
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Apr 07, 2021
Because it seemed like time to revisit yet another Barbie classic (Getty Images/M-A-U)
55 Thoughts I Had Rewatching "Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses" as an Adult
I have a confession to make: I think I only saw this movie once during my childhood. By the time this film was released, I had already begun to outgrow my Barbie fandom.
But if TikTok is any indication, Barbie in the Twelve Dancing Princesses is a fan favorite among Barbie movie connoisseurs. What could be better than one dancing princess Barbie? Twelve dancing princesses Barbies, of course!
Naturally, I have high hopes going into this movie. Here are my moment-by-moment reactions to what many consider to be the *absolute zenith* of Barbie ballet movies.
<p>1. Apparently Universal Studios made all of these Barbie movies. Could we potentially see a Barbie-themed area in a Universal Studios theme park one day?</p><p><span></span>2. Unlike the other dance-heavy Barbie films, this one is not based on a Tchaikovsky ballet. Does this mean the plot will make even less sense?</p><p><span></span>3. This theme music is an absolute jam. Tchaikovsky wishes he wrote such a bop.</p><p><span></span>4. Once again, choreographed by Peter Martins. Get out of my childhood movies, Peter Martins!</p><p><span></span>5. I kind of miss the Barbie frame narrative. This time we're jumping straight into the main story.</p><p><span></span>6. Mattel was onto something brilliant with this movie. Twelve different princesses, each with different hair and outfits? Imagine the merchandise potential.</p><p><span></span>7. King Randolph seems like a cool dad.</p><p><span></span>8. Oh, I get it. The daughters are named in alphabetical order! That's a cute vibe.</p>
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@barbiebutmakeitgay/video/6901120023109192965" data-video-id="6901120023109192965" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@barbiebutmakeitgay" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@barbiebutmakeitgay">@barbiebutmakeitgay</a> <p>Their parents said, not think, just the alphabet. <a title="barbie" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/barbie">#barbie</a> <a title="12dancingprincesses" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/12dancingprincesses">#12dancingprincesses</a> <a title="barbiemovies" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/barbiemovies">#barbiemovies</a></p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Cal ✌️" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-6901120097398606597">♬ original sound - Cal ✌️</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>9. The cat is named Twyla! Please tell me that's a Twyla Tharp reference slipped in for the dance fans.</p><p><span></span>10. Genevieve has the most Main Character Energy out of all the sisters. She gets her own hairstyle *and* a fancier fit.</p><p><span></span>11. "They're just shoes!" Cue the horrified gasps.</p><p><span></span>12. To be fair, I was equally excited for my first pointe shoes.</p><p><span></span>13. Derek the royal cobbler is going to be our love interest. But he's *different* from other brown-haired love interests in Barbie movies! He has a <em>talking parrot.</em></p><p><em></em>14. So, these shoes are kind of pointe shoes but not? They don't seem to have ribbons, but the princesses still dance en pointe.</p>
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<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@veronicagershonn/video/6893835522268089602" data-video-id="6893835522268089602" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@veronicagershonn" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@veronicagershonn">@veronicagershonn</a> <p>if u know, you’re a real one <a title="barbie" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/barbie">#barbie</a> <a title="fyp" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp">#fyp</a> <a title="12dancingprincesses" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/12dancingprincesses">#12dancingprincesses</a></p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - veronica" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-6893835513632017154">♬ original sound - veronica</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>15. Derek just pulls a recorder-type instrument out of thin air and proceeds to lay down the sickest beat the 12 princesses have ever heard.</p><p><span></span>16. And the princesses whip out some perfectly in-synch choreo, on the grass no less.</p><p><span></span>17. A whole castle is available and yet these princesses still have roommates. Major "The Bachelor" vibes.</p><p><span></span>18. The evil duchess has a monkey. This might be a record number of animal sidekicks.</p><p><span></span>19. A LITERAL JUMP SCARE in a Barbie movie?! Why is this monkey so menacing omg.</p><p><span></span>20. Props to Duchess Rowena for showing up at the castle with carbon copies of each girl's dress in grey. That's some forethought.</p><p><span></span>21. Never mind, King Randolph is not exactly winning father of the year. He let Rowena come into his own castle and turn it into a joyless prison because his daughters were...too quirky? Okay, hater.</p><p><span></span>22. Oh, she is <em>absolutely </em>going to poison him with this tea.</p><p><span></span>23. More instruments coming out of thin air! And a bop of a birthday song and dance.</p><p><span></span>24. Dancing is forbidden! Cue <em>Footloose</em>.</p><p><span></span>25. This magical self-steering gondola would make a good theme park ride…<em>cough cough Universal Studios</em>.</p><p><span></span>26. I'm a little less impressed by the choreography in this movie so far, compared to the other Barbie movies. Lots of waltz steps, and the développés look kind of funky.</p><p><span></span>27. As I suspected, the king is sick and Rowena is acting sus. She's clearly hoping to dispatch the king and all the princesses in order to take the throne.</p><p><span></span>28. The princesses are going to heal the king with the power of...lyric-less choir singing. Sure.</p>
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@barbieconspiracytheories/video/6879159645911387397" data-video-id="6879159645911387397" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@barbieconspiracytheories" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@barbieconspiracytheories">@barbieconspiracytheories</a> <p>he was straight up over it <a title="greenscreen" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/greenscreen">#greenscreen</a> <a title="12dancingprincesses" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/12dancingprincesses">#12dancingprincesses</a> <a title="barbie12dancingprincesses" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/barbie12dancingprincesses">#barbie12dancingprincesses</a> <a title="barbie" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/barbie">#barbie</a> <a title="fyp" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp">#fyp</a> <a title="ilikedthebeat" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/ilikedthebeat">#ilikedthebeat</a></p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ I liked the beet - Michaél myerhs" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/I-liked-the-beet-6873490020846537474">♬ I liked the beet - Michaél myerhs</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
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<p>29. If you're going to dump out the medicine, Rowena, maybe wait until the doctor has at least left the hallway.</p><p>30. I love the implication that Derek's only job and source of income is to make shoes for the princesses. These secret midnight dance sessions must be good for business.</p><p><span></span>31. It was kind of Rowena to leave the princesses with their signature color hair accessories, or I'd have no idea who's who.</p><p><span></span>32. Gosh Genevieve, stop hogging the magic dance steps. Maybe one of your sisters wants to open the portal this time.</p><p><span></span>33. "What should we dance to first?" "We love ballet!" Is ballet a music genre?</p><p><span></span>34. "I wish we had ballet music!" Apparently, the answer is yes.</p><p><span></span>35. It wouldn't be a ballet-centric Barbie movie without the ribbons tied all the way up the knees.</p><p><span></span>36. These ballet outfits are cute. I'll make allowances for the hilariously large donut buns.</p><p><span></span>37. Okay, this choreo is fun. Lots of tour jetés and some seriously impressive Italian pas de chats.</p>
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@swaggyhimbo/video/6943367149289278726" data-video-id="6943367149289278726" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@swaggyhimbo" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@swaggyhimbo">@swaggyhimbo</a> <p><a title="fyp" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp">#fyp</a> <a title="barbie" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/barbie">#barbie</a> <a title="barbieandthe12dancingprincesses" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/barbieandthe12dancingprincesses">#barbieandthe12dancingprincesses</a></p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses Flute Song - IsaBella " href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Barbie-in-The-12-Dancing-Princesses-Flute-Song-6781148985898830598">♬ Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses Flute Song - IsaBella </a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>38. I feel like if you actually tried to do pirouettes from 5th on grass you would drill a hole into the ground.</p><p><span></span>39. The princesses are dancing en pointe, but the ball and heel of their shoes are completely worn out. No amount of Jet Glue will fix those dead shoes.</p><p><span></span>40. Okay, but even if Rowena poisons the king, wouldn't the princesses take over the kingdom? I'm not following her plan here.</p><p><span></span>41. Derek, aka Sherlock Holmes, spots shoe polish footprints on the magic steps. Meanwhile I'm left wondering what kind of pointe shoes need to be polished.</p><p><span></span>42. Well, that answers my question about Rowena's master plan. Rowena has no reservations about locking the princesses away forever.</p><p><span></span>43. Nooo Randolph, you dummy. Stop drinking the tea!</p><p><span></span>44. "You have to dance together! Oh, how romantic!" Took the words right out of my mouth…*checks notes* Princess Fallon.</p><p><span></span>45. While some of the sisters definitely suffer from lack of character development, Derek is one of the more interesting love interests from these movies. I'm very here for this dance scene he has with Genevieve.</p><p><span></span>46. He makes shoes, plays the recorder, and can dance? Derek is the Barbie renaissance man.</p><p><span></span>47. They're dancing on air! And the cat can dance too! This is amazing, I have nothing funny to say, I love this movie.</p>
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<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@katelyn_power/video/6838264975144799493" data-video-id="6838264975144799493" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@katelyn_power" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@katelyn_power">@katelyn_power</a> <p>barbie in the 12 dancing princesses🤩🤩 <a title="greenscreensticker" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/greenscreensticker">#greenscreensticker</a> <a title="barbieballet" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/barbieballet">#barbieballet</a> <a title="barbie" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/barbie">#barbie</a> <a title="barbiemovies" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/barbiemovies">#barbiemovies</a> <a title="balletdancer" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/balletdancer">#balletdancer</a> <a title="ballerina" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/ballerina">#ballerina</a></p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Darren La" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-6835318314760506118">♬ original sound - Darren La</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
<p>48. I'm glad the princesses get to keep their magical ballet outfits for the final showdown with Rowena.</p><p><span></span>49. And Derek can swordfight with a fire poker. What a man.</p><p><span></span>50. Lacey to the rescue! Big or small, there's a difference only you can make.</p><p><span></span>51. And so the evil duchess is hit with her own curse and dances into the night. That's another theme in these movies: The villain being taken down by their own curse.</p><p><span></span>52. Now the princesses are riding a carriage big enough for all twelve of them. First off, that would be *the most* coveted Barbie carriage if Mattel actually made it. And second, I <em>knew </em>we weren't getting through this movie without a pretty carriage turning up.</p><p><span></span>53. Genevieve and Derek are getting married! Why am I so emotional?</p><p><span></span>54. First up in the credits are Charles Askegard, Maria Kowroski, Tiler Peck, and Abi Stafford from NYCB. I'm loving that they're listed before any of the voice actors.</p><p><span></span>55. The credits song is another *bop* and a perfect end to another cinematic masterpiece.</p>
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