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Students must feel a sense of belonging to the whole class. In this way, they are able to feel confident being part of the group but also being unique in their individuality Read More
August is a special time in the Chicago dance community--because that is when Dance for Life takes place. This annual event is celebrating it's 30th year in 2021, and now more than ever we'l… Read More
This work has so much value for today’s students--from both a general wellness and mental health perspective as well as from a dance technique training perspective. It teaches the impo… Read More
Through the month leading up to Christmas, ballet dancers live and breathe The Nutcracker—leaving the theater pretty much only to eat and sleep. Whether you love it or hate it, it&rsqu&hell…Read More
The goal of the Bridge Dance Project is to build a bridge between the current realm of dance medicine and science and the commercial / competition areas of dance --- to bring more informatio… Read More
Choreographer Hanna Brictson was asked to choreograph a World Premiere - a challenge under usual circumstances, made that much more difficult by COVID-19. We sent Hanna some questions about… Read More
Quarantine also gifted me the gentle but vital reminder that I make art because of the magic I feel in the process of making it. If other's can eventually feel joy from something I've made t… Read More
I so glad to be able to let you know about a just-launched charity effort to benefit the dance community, specifically dance studios – The Love of Dance Challenge. As we all know… Read More
Re-framing can seem like a magic trick, but it can be used in as many ways as you can think of. Use it as much as possible, and learn to re-frame the way you talk to yourself Read More
Research shows that dancers can train more effectively by supplementing their technical training with fitness conditioning. Aerobic conditioning enhances stamina and endurance improving your… Read More
by Samantha Galler In life, I was taught to always prepare for the worst. So, you do what you can and hope that it is enough. With injuries, if mobile, a dancer can travel from place to plac… Read More
We're pleased to bring you a timely article revolving around the current COVID-19 crisis / quarantine, and the many online dance classes that we are now seeing on social media. It is wonderf… Read More
by Luis Edwardo Gonzalez I wanted to write about something I learned through an experience that I think most dancers – as well as others who have dedicated themselves to something for… Read More
by José Pablo My name is José Pablo, aka JP, at least that’s what everyone calls me in the Company–and I love it. I’m writing this to tell a little bit about… Read More
I am pleased to bring you a 2nd article by Nefeli Tsiouti, MS, MsC, one of the young leaders in the dance medicine world, who has been bringing attention to the injuries of dancers in the Br… Read More
I'm very pleased to be able to let you know about a new dance medicine book just published by Princeton Books, Princeton, NJ. This is a 2nd edition of one of the classics of dancer medicine… Read More
The pathway from dancer to choreographer was not one I expected. When I left Hubbard Street in 2012, I didn’t intend to stop dancing, but choreographic opportunities presented themselv… Read More
A common theme among dancers, whether they have eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, or the basic belief that it’s never enough, is that they need to control the s… Read More
Adjusting to this promotion starts with realizing that it has actually happened. Then it is important to put it somewhere in your mind where it motivates you, and does not stop you from push… Read More
The Taskforce is the dance medicine arm of Dance/USA, an organization that serves professional dance companies in the USA. It is a small group, numbering about 100 nationwide -- and there we… Read More
Generally, in Breaking the most common injuries occur on the upper body. The axis of the body is very often vertical in Breaking, therefore the impact on the joints and the demands for the u… Read More
The author Mark Manson has a quote which I found interestingly relevant to this story “The desire for more positive experience is itself a negative experience. And, paradoxically, the… Read More
Contrary to popular claims, appropriately designed and managed vegetarian diets contain foods nutritionally sufficient for health, well–being and physical performance. Vegetarian dance… Read More
by Emma Love Suddarth Emma LOVE? “Yeah I suppose it is a pretty great last name—thanks!” I can’t count the number of exclamations at the uniqueness of that last name… Read More
One cannot help but ask the question -- is the mirror a helpful or harmful tool in the dance studio, or perhaps a bit of both? Most of the literature on this topic comes from dance instructo… Read More
I have used a variety of graphic organizers to guide students’ thought process during formative assessments on movement sequences, feedback on choreography studies, and self-assessment… Read More
Whether it’s the directorship of a company, a ballet master position, a choreographer, a teacher, a school owner, there will be situations where we will have agency over situations tha… Read More
Princess Sasha is a tiger about to receive her royal tiara. She’s got big feet, she’s shy and clumsy, and is nervous about being presented to the kingdom. Her best friend and her… Read More
A standout for his ability to quickly absorb choreography and for his versatility, Billy was hired on the spot during a master class by choreographer Paul Becker for appearances as a dancer… Read More
So, you find yourself dancing to live music instead of a recording? Congratulations! That’s special! But this magical collaboration is not without its challenges. Here are thoughts and… Read More
by Luis Eduardo Gonzalez Swan Lake is one of the most loved and mesmerizing classical ballets of all time. The ballet was composed in 1875 and was Tchaikovsky’s first. It debuted in 18… Read More
Dance for Life conducts an annual photo shoot with Chicago dancers to develop imagery for our marketing and promotional material...I contacted Todd about working with Dance for Life in 2018… Read More
We love a good dance conference, and we recently heard about this new offering for dance studio owners and teachers that takes place in Chicago in August. Energize provides a space for these… Read More
During Swan Lake Boyd Bender's physical therapy table was occupied by a never-ending stream of swans with any number of lower leg problems—a common one being a bad calf. The audience m… Read More
1. How did you first become involved in dance? I’ve been dancing as long as I can remember. After having seen me improv my way through the living room for years, my mother asked if I&r&hell…Read More
The regular physical pain of a professional ballet dancer’s life can be overwhelming. Every dancer experiences a different pain level during their careers. At a young age, the dancer i… Read More
1. How did you first become involved in dance? I first became involved with dance through the Polynesian side of my family. My mother was a hula dancer, along with her brothers and sisters g… Read More
Appropriately choreographed, dance enables excellent physical fitness and includes all the elements of physical activity that research demonstrates are effective for optimal health in pregna… Read More
by Luis Eduardo Gonzalez “Dance is low on the totem pole of the arts, because you’re not left with a painting…a book that will stay there, a score you can read.” ~Je… Read More
We are fortunate today to be joined by the Music Director for The Joffrey Ballet, Scott Speck. We asked him some questions about the music for Joffrey’s upcoming performance of Balanch… Read More
We offer an exciting and diverse curriculum at our Summer Intensive where dancers of all levels, from beginner to intermediate to more pre-professional levels, are able to study with Kibbutz… Read More
The Trocks appealed to me because it was a world I knew so little about, and I wanted to learn more...and subsequently share what I learned with the public. I also love uncovering untold sto… Read More
The continued development of strength that comes with having an honest work ethic, in my experience, is the only thing that can provide purpose, resilience, and longevity through success and… Read More
Founded in 1989, the Performing Arts Medicine Association, also known as PAMA, is an organization made up of educators, artists, medical professionals, and administrators that share a common… Read More
Opportunities at the Dance/USA conference range from practical, hands-on sessions, to discussions about more abstract ideas and ideals. This year the programming centered around themes such… Read More
How many years have you been doing ballet? I started ballet at age 4, so I’ve been dancing for 23 years now (10 of those years professionally). What are some roles you’ve da… Read More
By Samantha Hope Galler Layoff periods of up to five months gave me the opportunity to educate myself in and around the dance world. What I learned is invaluable. No matter where we stand in… Read More
Experiencing an injury can be a very lonely and challenging time for a dancer, and it is hoped that the app will not only help the dancer seek specialist care and information, but to also re… Read More
On August 19th, Dance for Life Chicago will once again take place at the Auditorium Theatre, and anyone who has attended in the past knows that this performance isn’t one to be missed… Read More
Learn about the structure of Dance Medicine organizations in the UK, including what they do for dancers, and how to find help for a dance-related injury. Contributing writer and Dance Wellne… Read More
by Jessika Anspach McEliece It’s funny to look back and remember what you were up to a year ago… This time last year my husband and I were in the chaotic process of preparing fo… Read More
By Samantha Hope Galler Several dancers here at Miami City Ballet know that this is one of my favorite dishes to make at a get together. It is easy to make and provides a nice source of prot… Read More
by Emma Love Suddarth Summer… a break… rest. For almost every professional dancer in the United States, summertime means layoff—a time to trade in the pointe shoes for fl… Read More
by Rachel Hellwig No matter which side of the pond you’re on, just about anything associated with the Royal Ballet just has a certain magic to it…Cocorose London has created a s… Read More
Finding just the right model for a dance company is important, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every company out there. Margi Cole has been at the helm of The Dance COLEctive… Read More
by Alessa Ashley Rogers Looking forward, looking back. On October 7, 2014, 27 dancers waited expectantly in Atlanta Ballet’s sun-dappled studio 1. What we knew: Our resident choreograp… Read More
by Rachel Hellwig Atlanta Ballet’s original production of Camino Real will return to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre from May 12-14. Created on the company in 2015 by choreograp… Read More
by Catherine L. Tully This lovely book was sent to us by Anne Dunkin (the author) for review, and it’s easy to recommend. Dunkin has assembled a very interesting resource that would se… Read More
by Sharon Wehner As a professional ballet dancer, I often get questions from non-dancers about what a work day/week/month looks like. This is usually followed by a look of surprise when I sa… Read More
Music for Ballet Class Volume Three by Charles Mathews Charles Mathews by Rachel Hellwig If listening to a ballet class CD makes you want to get up and jeté, that’s a good sign… Read More
by Rachel Hellwig Gennadi’s Choice marks a new chapter for Atlanta Ballet as the company is shaped by the new artistic direction of Gennadi Nedvigin. The first mixed bill of his inaugu… Read More
By Samantha Hope Galler Understanding Injuries Since I began my career nearly 10 years ago, I have discovered that professional ballet dancers are among the strongest human beings. When I wa… Read More
by Rachel Hellwig A popular meme in the dance community online depicts the diagram of an iceberg—the 20% above the water labeled “The Show,” the 80% below marked “The… Read More
The 17th annual Vancouver International Dance Festival will present 14 companies at various venues around the city from March 1-25. Highlights include San Francisco’s Alonzo King LINES… Read More
These simple, tasteful photos aren't costume-heavy. They don't rely on tricks or heavy editing to make them pop. They just feature a gorgeous ballerina through the lens of a photographer tha… Read More
Time is precious and something you can’t get back; having an injury feels as if time slowly crawls at a snail-like pace because you aren’t capable of fully participating in rehea… Read More
Atlanta Ballet’s production of David Bintley’s edgy, contemporary Carmina Burana returns to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for its final weekend of performances from Febr… Read More
by Rachel Hellwig “No matter how a dancer feels about their retirement and what they felt they did or did not accomplish, it is important to know you do not have to retire from dance a… Read More
I’m very pleased to bring you this current article, on The Alexander Technique, from a longtime dance / dance medicine colleague of mine, Nada Diachenko, faculty in the Dept. of Theatr… Read More
Vibration training (or Power Plate training) has been shown to improve jump height and developpé height after just 8 sessions (2 ten-minute sessions per week). Take a closer look at t… Read More
by Rachel Hellwig “Live performance will always be my first passion, but I am grateful for the opportunity to explore my craft through a different medium.”- Adriana Pierce Lookin… Read More
by Cara Marie Gary I vividly remember the day Christopher Wheeldon came into the studio to start creating his world premiere of The Nutcracker. It was early August, and with enthusiasm, he s… Read More
Music for Ballet Classes Volume Two Charles Mathews by Rachel Hellwig If you’re a ballet class regular, chances are you’ve plié-d and rond de jambe-d through this CD befor… Read More
Joffrey's new Nutcracker does a lovely job of updating this holiday favorite without abandoning the magic that makes it such a part of the holiday season. Here are some thoughts on the produ… Read More
by Rachel Hellwig Footloose, founded in 2010 by Becca Duberman, is an organization that collects new and gently-used dance shoes for aspiring dancers from lower-income backgrounds. Duberman… Read More
by Catherine L. Tully There are days when you take class in your grungiest clothes and pin your hair up quickly, and there are days you want to look more “put together’. While no… Read More
by Catherine L. Tully Leg warmers are a standard item for most dancers, and the quest to find the perfect pair is an ongoing search. Everyone has different requirements for how they f… Read More
I stood on stage one final time. And as the red velvet curtain rose, everything all hushed and still, somehow, miraculously the weight of it all lifted too. To describe to you all that trans… Read More
By Samantha Hope Galler To this day, Giselle is one of the most beloved classical ballets.The work premiered in Paris, France in 1841. Act I of Giselle presents the audience with drama, danc… Read More
My first experience with the work of Kylián came and went in a blur. As a fairly new dancer in the company, simply learning one of the four women of Sechs Tanze was an unbelievable th… Read More
Dealing with mental stress can be just as important as addressing physical injuries for dancers. In this piece, dancer Ashley Werhun shares some thoughts on how to cope with the day-to-day c… Read More
by Cara Marie Gary As a dancer with The Joffrey Ballet I spend countless hours in the studio rehearsing and preparing for upcoming productions. Often times I will be required to rehearse mul… Read More
Aloha! Today we have another excellent post from Matt Wyon, PhD, President of IADMS / Professor of Dance Science at Wolverhampton University (UK) — this one is on running! I was… Read More
by Catherine L. Tully This project has been no small undertaking. Over 200K Roman bricks. 39 different types of light fixtures. High definition video projectors. Retractable seating for 140… Read More
Aloha! We are pleased to bring you several short posts from one of our Dance Wellness Panel members, Matt Wyon, PhD, who is current President of IADMS (International Association for Dance Me… Read More
Go on tour behind the scenes with Miami City Ballet's Samantha Hope Galler. Get a glimpse of what it's like to go on the road, and take advantage of her "touring tips"!
"Touring with a pr… Read More
Aloha – Happy back to school / class / rehearsal month!
This month I’m so pleased to bring you a new guest contributor, Dr. Lynda Mainwaring, with an introductory post about the… Read More
by Rachel Hellwig
Miami City Ballet dancers Rebecca King and Michael Breeden are the hosts of the new ballet podcast Conversations on Dance. Learn about how the podcast got started, what&rsq&hell…Read More
by Catherine L. Tully
If it’s one thing dancers love, its to pamper their feet – and with good reason – they are our tools. To that end, I’m always interested in tr… Read More
Aloha! The following is a post from all of us on the 4dancers.org Dance Wellness Panel…it’s something we have been wanting to bring you for some time. It represents the combined… Read More
Dance USA Conference 2016, Ballet Austin
by Catherine L. Tully
June 8-11 marked the 8th Annual Dance USA Conference, and this year it was held in Austin, TX. As in prior years, people came f… Read More
Interview by Laura Donnelly
Monika Volkmar
Monika Volkmar, is the creator of the Dance Stronger multi-media strength training resource for dancers. She is a graduate of the Ryerson Universit… Read More
By Rachel Hellwig
Atlanta Ballet has a performing group, Wabi Sabi, that provides company dancers with performance opportunities during the summer.
Find out how Wabi Sabi works and what&rsq&hell…Read More
“Jump” by Marco Sanchez. Licensed under CC Attribution 2.0 Generic. [Changes: cropped]
Editor’s note: this series by Karen is targeted specifically to competition dancers a… Read More
Aloha to All –
We are very pleased to have as our next Dance Wellness guest contributor Judith Lynne Hanna, PhD. Dr. Hanna is a longtime dancer and anthropologist whose work spans man… Read More
If it’s one thing dancers are always thinking about it’s their feet, and with the many hours spent in class and rehearsal, it can help to have a little something that freshens th… Read More
Music for Ballet Class Volume Four
Charles Mathews
by Rachel Hellwig
I’ve always found it helpful for artistry and musicality to dance to melodies from ballet classics in class. Also… Read More
John McFall and dancers from Atlanta Ballet. Photo by Brian Wallenberg.
Dear John,
You are stepping down as Artistic Director of Atlanta Ballet this month after 21 years. How to describe wha… Read More