Your Pre-Barre Sequence Is More Important Than You Think
Your pre-barre warm-up isn't just about getting the snaps and pops out of the way. You can use this time to really target some of the most c
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Geek Out, Don't Freak Out
The answer is out there somewhere--I just haven't found it yet
7 days ago2 min
Clarity in Ballet Technique--Chassé
There are small details in chassé that can be taught differently, depending on your preference and goals. The most important thing is consis
Sep 262 min
Play to Your Strengths as a Ballet Teacher
I grew up hearing a lot of "turn your weaknesses into strengths." I see the value in that. That philosophy is why we practice pirouettes on
Sep 193 min
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
Sep 52 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 292 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 222 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 152 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 22 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 253 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 183 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 43 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 273 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 203 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 132 min