I have a student who is moderately knock-kneed and has trouble closing in fifth position without bending her legs. She has a swayback, and her turnout isn’t very strong. Do you have any advice? As a teacher, knock knees can be particularly challenging to work with, because they stem from a structural condition that won’t […]
We’ve all been there—standing in front of a sea of eager students, ready to create the next eight counts on them, when our brains decide to shut down. All the creativity we’ve been cultivating in preparation for this choreography session has disappeared, and we are left completely blocked. YIKES! What do we do?? Have the […]
Q: I’d like to integrate some academic subjects into my dance classes this school year. What online resources do you recommend I use to get started? A: In my choreography class, I spend nearly as much time teaching my students how to craft dances as I do honing their ability to watch and talk about […]
Q: I’m looking to hire new instructors. How can I create a competitive job listing? A: We’ve found the best way to attract qualified applicants for teaching positions at our studio is to be as specific as possible with our expectations, while communicating what makes our studio a great place to work. Here’s an example […]
No matter how hard I work to change it, I’m often told that I have a shallow plié. Is there any hope for improving the depth of my plié through special stretches to make it juicier? I’m doing a lot of exercises, but I don’t seem to getting any results. Looking forward to reading your […]
When New York City–based dancer Dan Lai began choreographing Figure 8, he had a specific vision in mind. Inspired by a song by FKA Twigs, he wanted the movement to represent the music’s “dark and twisted vibe.” “My thought process was to make shapes and phrases that were abstract and unique that complimented the intricate […]
A few months ago, both my knees started hurting after I would exercise. Now, the pain occurs at the bottom of my kneecap and is the worst when I lock my knees. I’ve been doing a little research, and I was wondering if this could be Osgood-Schlatter disease. If it is, do you have any […]
What’s your opinion regarding the use of weight vests on young female dancers? I’ve heard that it helps them strength-train, but I’m concerned it could do damage to their weight-bearing joints and cause compression of the spine. You’re right to question the use of weight vests for dancers. We know the impact force of running, […]
Dance teachers are a special breed of people. Known to eat, sleep and breathe their trade, they can be found living at the studio, sporadically shouting out “5, 6, 7, 8” and choreographing in random locations like the grocery-store line. In an effort to find out what characteristics and quirks are unique to our community, […]
As another season of the popular show “Dance Moms” just wrapped, many are left wondering, “How is this still a show?” The switch from Abby Miller, now behind bars, (wonder if she’s able to watch from her new home?) to ballroom’s sweetheart Cheryl Burke, to the cat-fighting between moms and daughters, clawing their way through […]