As we approach mid-June and year-round programs come to a close, it is time to begin thinking about and preparing for summer intensives. For example, my summer course at Ballet Chicago starts in only 2 weeks! These couple weeks before the workload gets really heavy are vital to your success and improvement this summer. It…
In preparation for difficult end-of-year performances, summer programs, and casting for next season, early summer should become your biggest time of year for cross-training. This is something that every dancer should focus on before heading away for the summer. The physical demands of summer programs are intense; and having a foundation of strength, agility, and…
Continue reading ➞ Fitting cross-training into your schedule
One of the more valuable skill sets you can have for auditioning or building your personal brand on social media is proficiency in turns. Most of us have probably seen the ridiculous video of that dancer taking off her warm ups mid-turn. It seems impossible, and sometimes those videos that are supposed to be inspiring,…
Continue reading ➞ How to Achieve Multiple Pirouettes, Featuring Velvet360
Today I thought I would share my thoughts after a packed week of performances. The junior company is currently performing "Mother Goose," which is the balletic interpretation of a well-known collection of nursery rhymes. The performances were done over spring break, meaning that it wasn't much of a break at all (but that's okay...because I…
I have had quite the journey with my pointe shoes...I have worn Capezios, Grishkos, Bloch, Suffolks, and Freeds; and a handful of different styles within each of them. I count my pointe shoes (to hold me accountable for how many pairs I use...it is a good but painfully guilty exercise), and I am on pair…
I wanted to write to all of you to let you know that I have made my decision in regards to my summer plans. In 2016 I went to Joffrey Chicago (which many of you know thanks to my excessive documentation of it on this blog), and last summer I stayed home at GRB for…
Today I thought I would share with you all of my tips for how to be an understudy. I have understudied before, and I just got another understudying duty in the Wizard of Oz, I will be understudying with Wicked Witch. So, I thought that this would be a good time to both share my…
Happy New Year everybody, and I'm sorry it's been so long here on the blog. It has just taken the back burner for a while due to other things and stressful situations at school and ballet. Regardless, today I want to talk to you all about New Year's Resolutions for ballet and how to set…
World Ballet Day just happened recently, and while it is great to watch the livestream for the beautiful dancing and insight into the daily lives of many prominent company members...I also love to look at the fashion. The recorded company classes of over three of the biggest companies in the world really gives you a…
Dancing during the colder fall and winter seasons can be harder on your body than it is during the summer and spring-- fatigue, sickness, and tiredness sets in. I am currently experiencing this difficulty: I have tech week this week and it is the first cold rush of the season! Here are a few tips…
