Deep Dives, Not Overwhelm

Since I've spent the last dozen years researching and experimenting with artistry in ballet, integrating these elements into all levels has become second nature to me. Today I'm sharing some quick starting places with you

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.

Talented dancers who constantly apologize for taking up space break our hearts. Discover how research-backed journal prompts create genuine belonging in dance class without crossing into therapy territory.The first thing I noticed when implementing these prompts was an energy bump in class. Not that day—introspection is tiring—but the general energy of the next class was higher and stayed high throughout the year.

After pouring energy into students all year, summer offers precious time to recharge and prepare. Discover how clear boundaries and efficient systems help dance teachers truly thrive without burning out.

Progress reports used to feel like a huge burden—a ton of mental work for little appreciation. Now they're an opportunity to celebrate growth and create individualized roadmaps for students. Discover how having clear benchmarks, essential vocabulary lists, and built-in celebration points can transform progress reports from dreaded paperwork into valuable teaching tools. Learn practical strategies that save time while providing meaningful feedback to students and parents.

The summer slump is real - but it doesn't have to be a free fall. Discover the science behind technique loss and practical strategies to help dancers maintain their progress while still enjoying vacation time.

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.

Your class can only be as energized as you are. Discover how thoughtful lesson planning transforms challenging technical work into joyful victories that keep both teachers and students excited about ballet.

Springtime brings the perfect opportunity to focus on somatic awareness with young dancers. These four playful games help 9-year-olds develop crucial body awareness while having fun!

Teaching adult beginners ballet feet? Discover why typical approaches fail and learn practical tips using everyday imagery that helps adults

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...

We listen and we don't judge: I used to hate it when kids asked to play "ballet games." You know why I hated it? Because games felt like...

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.

Selecting the wrong ballet variation can derail months of coaching. After years of coaching experience, these 5 systematic criteria ensure students feel confident, challenged, and connected to their performance.

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.

"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.

Ballet tights causing dancers to quit? Don't dismiss this real problem. Here are community-tested solutions for tights discomfort, plus flexible policies that keep students dancing.

Finding supportive ballet leotards shouldn't be impossible. After polling our dancer community, here are the brands and styles that provide real support without compromising movement or comfort.

Creating inclusive ballet spaces doesn't mean compromising technique. After 26 years of teaching diverse students, here are proven strategies that maintain excellence while ensuring every dancer feels welcome.