top of page
Geek Out, Don't Freak Out
The answer is out there somewhere--I just haven't found it yet



5 days ago3 min read
Teaching Dynamic Alignment in Ballet
We've all been there---a student looks gorgeous at the barre but struggles during their center work. It doesn't make sense. After all, you'v
0 comments


Jan 161 min read
Teaching Demi-Seconde With Pirates and Umbrellas
Transform demi-seconde arms from a technical challenge to an engaging adventure! Discover 5 imaginative teaching cues that help young dancer
0 comments

Jan 92 min read
The Center Line Truth in Rond de Jambe
Want to help your students develop stronger, more beautiful rond de jambe? There's one common mistake that might be undermining . . .
0 comments


Dec 26, 20241 min read
The Changement Controversy: Three Valid Teaching Approaches
Discover three proven approaches to teaching changement in ballet. Learn the benefits of each method . . .
0 comments


Nov 21, 20242 min read
OMG Point Your Toes
Are you having trouble getting your students to point their feet? Here are six tips to help you help your ballet dancers
0 comments


Oct 4, 20242 min read
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
0 comments

Sep 5, 20242 min read
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
0 comments


Aug 29, 20242 min read
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-
0 comments


Aug 22, 20242 min read
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
0 comments


Aug 2, 20242 min read
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
0 comments


Jul 25, 20243 min read
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
0 comments


Jul 18, 20243 min read
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
0 comments


Jul 11, 20242 min read
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?
0 comments

Jul 4, 20243 min read
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.
0 comments

Jun 27, 20243 min read
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
0 comments


Jun 13, 20242 min read
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
0 comments


May 16, 20243 min read
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.
0 comments


May 9, 20246 min read
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,
0 comments


Feb 29, 20243 min read
Tips for Teaching Beginning Adult Ballet, part 1
I love teaching adult classes! It's a completely different vibe from kids and teens. Adult classes are gaining in popularity (yay! Ballet...
0 comments


Feb 22, 20242 min read
Finally! Battement Makes Sense at Last
I have always been confused about the term "battement." Yes, I know that it means "beating" but does that really make sense? Battement...
0 comments
bottom of page