Deep Dives, Not Overwhelm

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 . . .

After 25+ years of teaching, I've learned that beautiful arabesque isn't something you suddenly achieve in center work—it's the natural result of systematic preparation that begins the moment students walk into your studio. Here's the complete warm-up progression that makes arabesque feel inevitable rather than impossible.

Walk into any ballet class and you'll see students attempting arabesque with collapsed lower backs and wobbly supporting legs. Teachers spend countless hours trying to fix these issues, but here's the truth—by the time students reach center work, it's too late. The real solution starts at the barre with tendu.

'Fix your line' - but which line? The straight line of alignment? The curved path of port de bras? The illusion of extension in grand jeté? After years of research, I've defined the three types of line in ballet that every teacher needs to understand.

If your breath cues work for some students but backfire with others, it's not your teaching—it's developmental readiness. This guide breaks down age-appropriate breath and plié cues from early elementary through high school, with practical "instead of this, try this" examples you can use immediately in class.

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.

The transition from studio to stage can overwhelm young dancers. These seven proven strategies help build stage-readiness into regular class structure, creating naturally confident performers from day one.

Skip the anatomy lessons with 5-year-olds. These 2 playful breath games naturally teach proper support while making young dancers smile. No complex instruction required.

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.

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.

As children mature, the shift from "baby ballet" into "big kid ballet" can take some of them by surprise. There are steps teachers can take

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.

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.

Transform summer ballet camps with purposeful crafts that teach artistry elements! From bubble painting for breath awareness to ribbon wands for line extension, discover how simple DIY projects deepen creative exploration. Each craft connects directly to artistry development - no more time-killing activities, just meaningful fun.

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.

Think systematic ballet curriculum is only for large studios? Think again! Small studios face unique enrollment challenges, but that doesn't mean you can't implement structured, age-appropriate training. Learn practical strategies for combining levels, adapting programming for different studio types, and maintaining educational integrity even when you can't fill every single level.

Should 4-year-olds face advancement requirements in ballet class? Research on child development and the Relative Age Effect reveals why traditional testing undermines joy and creates unfair advantages. Learn why the Geeky Ballerina curriculum prioritizes developmental appropriateness over formal evaluations, and discover practical guidelines for making advancement decisions that support every young dancer's success. A: In the beginning division of the Geeky