Some Pointe Shoe History For You

pointe shoe history

Ballet dancing on pointe has only been happening for the past couple of hundred years. According to pointe shoe history, pointe work is a relatively new and ongoing development. Ballet dancing itself was happening for about 200 years before pointe work even came into the picture. Technology and advancement on the pointe shoe are ongoing … Read more

Knee Injuries In Dancers – Prevention Is Better Than Cure

knee injuries in dancers

Knee injuries in dancers are not uncommon, as the knee joint is very complicated and in a way also sensitive to injury, especially amongst both dancers and athletes. Knees although they seem simple, are one of the most complex joints in the human body. The knees and knee joints are hot spots for ballet dancers … Read more

Prevent Achilles Tendon Injuries In Your Dancing

achilles tendonitis causes

Even though the Achilles Tendon is the strongest and thickest of all the tendons in the human body it is still subject to injuries, and as a dancer, you want to try to prevent Achilles Tendon Injuries. As a dancer, the Achilles tendon is under a lot of stress because it transmits force from your … Read more

Hyperextended Knee Treatment Especially For Dancers

hyperextended knee treatment

Over the years of teaching, I have come into contact with a lot of pupils with hyperextended knees, and hyperextended knee treatment and training require care, especially in ballet training. What Is A Hyperextended Knee? A hyperextended knee is one that looks as though it is bending backwards when the knee is fully stretched. Hyperextended … Read more

How To Stretch For Higher Dance Extensions

how to stretch for higher extensions

Let’s explore how to stretch for higher dance extensions. And with that stretching there also comes strengthening, because without strength you are not going to be able to hold that leg up there. How To Stretch For Higher Dance Extensions Dance extensions are all about reaching new heights—literally and figuratively. When dancers talk about extensions, … Read more

Stress Solutions for Dancers

stress solutions for dancers

Let’s look at some stress solutions for dancers, and dance teachers. Here is how to identify, manage and prevent overwhelm. Dance students and teachers often carry stress from dance and everyday life at the same time, class and rehearsals layered over school, work, finances, and relationships. The hard part is that overwhelm can feel like … Read more

Do You Need A Ballet Turning Board To Do Good Turns?

ballet turning board

The dance rage at the moment seems to be the ballet turning board. This board also goes by other names like dance turn board, pirouette turning board or just plain TurnBoard. It seems like this is the must have for any dancer who wants to improve their turns. Training to do pirouettes in ballet requires … Read more

How To Pirouette In Ballet – Tips and Tricks

how to pirouette in ballet

Pirouettes are one of those things in ballet that take endless practice, and there are no shortcuts when it comes to how to pirouette in ballet. Here are some tips and tricks to improve your pirouettes How To Pirouette In Ballet Tips and Tricks From the Pros Learn to turn first – form and technique … Read more

Ballet Strength Exercises and Why To Do Them

ballet strength exercises

Ballet strength exercises are really important if you are a dancer. Having a strong body is very important in your ballet dancing because a body without strength won’t be able to hold itself up, let alone move with grace. Having strength means more than the ability to pick up heavy weights.  Strength in your body defines … Read more

Posture for Kids (Especially The Younger Ones)

posture for kids

When teaching ballet to young children, especially those in preschool, we have to be careful how we address posture for kids, especially when it comes to training certain aspects of ballet technique. We need to be both realistic and safe when teaching these little bodies and be very aware of what we are saying, as their … Read more