Deep Dives, Not Overwhelm: My Collection of Teaching Insights

That frustrating 'clunk' in your students' rond de jambe? It's happening because they're playing connect-the-dots with ballet positions instead of moving smoothly through space. Here's how embracing 'the ugly place' transforms choppy ronds de jambe into flowing, effortless circles.

Every ballet teacher has seen them - technically strong dancers who somehow lack that compelling presence that makes you stop and watch. Here's the systematic approach that transforms paper doll dancers into full-bodied artists through intentional spatial awareness training.

When students struggle with plié, it's rarely just about 'not bending enough.' Discover how to address misconceptions about hip, ankle, and knee coordination that create choppy, tense pliés.

Ever assigned the perfect set of foot exercises only to see zero progress? In this post, I share the revelation that hit me after a lunch...

Developing ballet turnout is a delicate balance. Push too hard and dancers get hurt; don't challenge enough and they never reach potential. Here are the systematic signs that guide safe turnout development.

"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.

Struggling to teach demi-seconde arm position to young dancers? Skip the technical explanations. These 5 imaginative cues (pirates, umbrellas, tutus!) secretly build perfect ballet technique.

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.

When do students change feet in changement? This foundational jump has three valid teaching approaches. Here's when to use each method and why studio consistency matters more than picking the "right" one.

"Point your toes!" isn't helping your dancers. They need to point feet AND ankles. Here are 6 simple exercises that strengthen, stretch, and improve foot articulation in ballet students.

Is chassé different from gallop? Should it land in demi-plié or fondu? Here's why having a clear, consistent chassé method across your studio matters more than finding the "right" technique.

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

Discover why spending 70% of ballet class in center creates stronger, more coordinated dancers. Learn the systematic approach to ballet class structure that prioritizes movement over stationary barre work.

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.

Should you teach pirouette in cou-de-pied or retiré first? Learn why starting with cou-de-pied prevents lifted hip problems while building core strength. Discover systematic progression that creates technically correct pirouettes and maintains diversity in advanced training.

Which position should you teach pirouettes from at each level? Learn systematic progression from Beginning parallel through Elementary 1st, 5th, and 4th positions. Discover why teaching 5th before 4th creates stronger turnout habits and better technical development.

When should you start teaching pirouettes? Learn systematic progression from Beginning Division spins to Elementary en dehors/en dedans. Discover why teaching one direction first, coordinating across genres, and organizing turns by class (not unit) creates faster student progress.

Students begging to learn advanced steps they saw on TikTok? Learn how to turn student requests into systematic skill-building opportunities. Discover the 'building blocks instead of no' approach that keeps students motivated while maintaining curriculum integrity and technical progression.

Teaching frappé from flexed foot, wrapped cou-de-pied, or pointed position? All are correct, but consistency matters. Learn progressive approaches to frappé foot positions, from Elementary flexed feet through Advanced pointed variations, and why systematic progression builds stronger technique.

Confused about teaching frappé? Some schools brush the ground, others start from cou-de-pied - both create excellent dancers. Learn the pros and cons of each method, how they connect to pointe preparation, and why school-wide consistency matters more than which approach you choose.