Deep Dives, Not Overwhelm

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.

Teaching individual ballet steps without underlying concepts leaves students confused and struggling. Discover the missing link in ballet pedagogy: how to connect vocabulary to foundational concepts so students understand WHY steps work. Learn systematic approaches that create spiraling momentum in learning and help students progress naturally.

Finished your curriculum early or tired of repeating the same combinations? Try the 3-Challenge method: 1 favorite combination, 1 medium challenge for today, 1 big challenge for this month. This flexible lesson planning approach works for any level and helps you think more creatively about class structure.

Tired of ballet class feeling like drills instead of dancing? Learn proven strategies to transform combinations into choreography while maintaining technical focus. From freeze dance variations for young dancers to partner work for advanced students, discover how to create joy and artistry in every class level.

Overwhelmed by ballet student assessments? Learn why focusing on a few foundational expectations works better than comprehensive testing. Discover how strategic advancement requirements indicate readiness, simplify evaluations, and provide clear feedback to students and parents about progress and placement decisions.

Starting an adult beginner ballet class? These proven strategies help you navigate the unique challenges of teaching mature students. From modified class structure to alternative exercises for limited jumping, learn how to create welcoming, age-appropriate classes that keep adult dancers coming back for more.

Confused about why ballet calls everything 'battement' when it means 'beating'? I was too until I discovered this game-changing definition: the legs aren't beating against anything - they're showing the musical beat. Learn how this revelation transforms teaching from tendu through advanced batterie, plus practical metronome exercises to help students master rhythm and movement connection.

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.

Think plié is just bending your knees? This common oversimplification is causing the gripping, shallow pliés, and hip flexor pain you see in your students. Discover why plié actually involves three joints working as a team, plus practical teaching strategies to transform your students' most fundamental movement into beautiful, tension-free ballet technique."