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.

As dance teachers, we focus so much on our students' challenges that we ignore our own. This summer, I'm finally addressing my big toe that won't point—a decade-old issue from a stupid pointe class teaching decision. Since doctors dismiss it as "what happens to retired ballerinas," I'm becoming my own case study. I'm trying lymphatic massage, targeted stretching, and joint mobility work to see what actually helps.

When students struggle with plié, it's usually from misconceptions about where the movement occurs. This troubleshooting guide explores the three key joints involved in plié and offers practical teaching solutions for common issues. Learn why toes gripping the floor limits ankle flexibility, how to help students visualize hip joint movement with paper fans, and why engaged quadriceps create choppy pliés. Includes imagery and exercises to help students discover proper plié mechanics.