Deep Dives, Not Overwhelm

"Lower your leg in dégagé." You've said it hundreds of times, yet students keep doing low grand battements. The problem isn't the height—it's how they're executing the movement. Students using quads to lift can't moderate effort levels. Learn why slowing down dégagé (yes, really) builds correct technique faster than rushing through it incorrectly.

Some ballet teachers insist combining pointe levels is never appropriate. Others point to economic realities at non-ballet-academies. The debate misses the key question: Can you do this safely with your specific students this year? Learn the honest assessment framework and practical strategies for teaching multi-level pointe classes successfully.

Most ballet teachers put tremendous effort into individual lesson plans but still feel like their students aren't progressing. The problem isn't the planning itself - it's the lack of connection between today's class and the overall plot of the year. The biggest mistake I see teachers make is planning each lesson in isolation. Today is planned, tomorrow will be planned, but the systematic progression that builds real technique never gets considered.

Managing multi-level ballet classes creates a constant dilemma: how do you group students appropriately without hurt feelings? My friend Nikkii Riley developed a brilliant visual system that solves this challenge through ribbons, flowers, and strategic leotard colors. Here's how to implement her approach in your own studio . . .

The first time I taught class, I thought preparation meant knowing the vocabulary and having a few combinations ready. I was wrong. Teaching ballet is an entirely different skill set from dancing ballet. After 27 years, here are the five most important lessons I wish someone had told me before I taught my first class.

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.

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.

Students walk in with post-Halloween energy? Snow day excitement? This bulletproof ballet lesson planning method keeps classes on track while adapting to real classroom moments.

Can't fit everything into your ballet class? Stop trying. This selective abandonment strategy helps you prioritize what matters most and actually accelerates student progress.

Confused students, conflicting teaching methods, and spinning wheels in ballet class? The problem isn't your curriculum - it's unclear priorities. Here's how to set and communicate clear ballet teaching goals.

Think pre-barre is just about warming up? This targeted sequence prevents common corrections before they happen and builds better habits from day one.

Should you teach Cecchetti AND Vaganova? Most studios think more styles = better training. Here's why focusing on one method actually accelerates progress and creates cleaner technique in your dancers.

Transform your studio with teacher training meetings that actually work. This proven agenda creates consistency across your faculty and accelerates student progress through systematic communication

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.

Overwhelmed by endless teaching corrections and competition feedback? Learn the 'one thing at a time' method that transforms scattered improvement efforts into focused success. Discover how to chart feedback, prioritize systematically, and make real progress without teacher burnout.

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.

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.

Feeling behind in your ballet teaching? Constantly worried you're not covering enough material fast enough? Learn why 'behind' is just a comparison trap and how following a well-structured plan means your students are exactly where they need to be. Shift from racing to treasure-map teaching.