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Deep Dives, Not Overwhelm
Practical Solutions for Ballet Teachers



What to Do When Your Ballet Students Still Sickle
You've corrected it a hundred times. You've demonstrated the correct shape. And yet—there they are, sickling again. Here's the thing: most beginning and elementary dancers sickle because the medial ankle ligaments are naturally stronger. Our anatomy doesn't care about ballet aesthetics. The problem isn't that students aren't listening. The problem is that they can't feel that they're sickling. So what do we do? Give them external feedback that builds internal knowing.
Jan 13 min read


Level Hips in Retiré: Why Students Hike (And the 3-Level Teaching Fix)
Students lifting their hip in retiré? Learn why it happens and the systematic 3-level progression that builds correct placement before adding speed.
Dec 18, 20256 min read


How to Teach Ballet Posture Without Overwhelming Dancers
Teaching proper ballet posture can feel like walking a tightrope. Push too hard, and students become self-conscious. Don't address it enough, and poor habits become permanent. Here's how to introduce body alignment systematically without creating classroom stress . . .
Oct 2, 20252 min read


Ballet Legs: Why "Straighten Your Legs" Isn't Simple (VMO Activation Guide)
"Straighten your legs" seems simple, but proper ballet leg extension requires VMO muscle activation that most teachers never address. Here's the developmental approach that actually works.
Feb 27, 20252 min read


Clarity in Ballet Technique: The Center Line Truth in Rond de Jambe
Passing through fifth position in rond de jambe might seem helpful, but it's actually undermining your students' turnout development. Here's the center line approach that builds real strength.
Jan 9, 20252 min read


Ballet Corrections Order: What to Fix First in Dance Class (Pelvis→Knees→Ankles)
Stop fixing sickled feet first! This systematic ballet corrections order prevents re-teaching and builds proper alignment faster. Learn the pelvis-to-ankles method that works.
Nov 14, 20241 min read


Why Core Strength Beats Forced Turnout in Ballet Training
Discover why focusing on core strength before extreme turnout creates stronger, injury-free dancers. Learn the systematic approach that builds sustainable technique while protecting young bodies from common ballet injuries.
Aug 22, 20242 min read


The First Suggestion I Give When Teaching Ballet Class (usually)
After years of guest teaching, I've discovered one correction that transforms posture, releases tension, and improves turnout all at once. 'Imagine your hip bones as balloons and let them float upwards towards your ribcage' - this research-backed technique from Lulu Sweigard's 9 Lines of Movement replaces force with gentle effectiveness. Learn why this simple cue works better than traditional 'grip and hold' corrections.
Feb 15, 20242 min read
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