When to Diversify Styles in Ballet Training
There are many wonderful training systems in the ballet world. One question that I often hear is, "When should we start introducing other
top of page
Geek Out, Don't Freak Out
The answer is out there somewhere--I just haven't found it yet
- Sep 12
- 2 min
Effective Ballet Teacher Training Meetings
Teacher trainings are an important part of a well-organized ballet program. This sample agenda will help you plan meetings that are short...
- Sep 5
- 2 min
Clarity in Ballet Technique--Piqué Turns
I don't think there's a magic trick that will automatically get every student to maintain turnout in piqué turns. It's just attention to det
- Aug 29
- 2 min
Barre is Not the Most Important Part of Ballet Class
Barre work is helpful, but NOT the most important part of class. It comes first, but the work we do later has a much bigger impact on whole-
- Aug 22
- 2 min
Core Strength > Turnout in Ballet
Everyone wants flat turnout. Never mind that the huge majority of us are never going to safely attain it (although most of us can get close
- Aug 15
- 2 min
Simplifying Your To-Do List in Ballet Class
We've all been there. You're evaluating your teaching and the list of things you want to improve keeps getting longer and longer and longer
- Aug 8
- 2 min
Ballet Curriculum Tips for 5-7 year-olds
As children mature, the shift from "baby ballet" into "big kid ballet" can take some of them by surprise. There are steps teachers can take
- Aug 2
- 2 min
Clarity in Ballet Technique--Pirouette, part 3
Do you teach pirouette in cou-de-pied? Ever? Before pirouette in retiré? After? Why? One very commonly needed correction in pirouette is to
- Jul 25
- 3 min
Clarity in Ballet Technique--Pirouette, part 2
Progressing pirouette includes what foot position you are starting from and finishing in. Here is a logical progression--although there are
- Jul 18
- 3 min
Clarity in Ballet Technique--Pirouette, part 1
How are you introducing pirouette to your dancers? And when? Unless you are the only teacher in your school, clear communication about how
- Jul 11
- 2 min
But We Really Want to Learn _____ in Ballet Class!!
We've all heard. It there is some step that dancers really want to learn and you know they aren't ready for it. So what do you do?
- Jul 4
- 3 min
Clarity in Ballet Technique--Frappé, part 2
In this second post exploring teaching frappé we look at the flexed foot, wrapped, and fully pointed options.
- Jun 27
- 3 min
Clarity in Ballet Technique--Frappé, part 1
To brush or not to brush? More importantly, are all you teachers teaching frappé the same way? If not, why not? A clear plan is critical to
- Jun 20
- 3 min
When it Feels Like All You Do is Run Out of Time
Do you ever feel like your class is behind? Of course you do--we all do. But "behind" requires us to compare our class with someone else's
- Jun 13
- 2 min
Teaching Steps v. Concepts in Ballet Class
Most ballet teachers cover the steps. But a top-quality ballet education needs to include steps and concepts--and not all
- Jun 6
- 4 min
The Tender Hearts That Come With ADHD
People with ADHD are often hyper-sensitive to criticism. They aren't being dramatic--their brains genuinely react more strongly. So how can
- May 30
- 3 min
Compare Me to a Turtle
I know "turtle" is not the animal most dancers would like to be described as. Most of us would prefer to be called a swan, or a gazelle, or
- May 23
- 3 min
But I Didn't See a Single Trophy
An invitation to teach at a new-to-me studio led to discovering one of the healthiest, growth-oriented cultures I've seen in a while.
- May 16
- 3 min
What to Do When Your Students Finish the Year's Curriculum Before the End of the Year
Two different lesson plan models to help you best prioritize what you want to teach and what will best connect with your students.
- May 9
- 6 min
Transforming Ballet Combinations from Drills to Dancing
Some teachers are really gifted at creating combinations that feel like choreography but also contain needed repetition. For the rest of us,
bottom of page