Deep Dives, Not Overwhelm: Expert Teaching Insights

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.

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!

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.