A website for dancers, dance teachers and others interested in dance
Your dance bio on Twitter is a make it or break it thing…people will decide to follow you or ignore you based on that alone. I found a good resource that will help you think through how to write one. Want to share photos on Twitter? Did you know you can? You can use one of the photo sharing tools that have evolved to help out. While you are on TwitterTips, check out some of the other great info they have. Very helpful site.
When I was about 12 years old, my dance teacher told me that there was nothing else for me to learn from her. She told me to go and take class downtown in Chicago from one of the notable schools so that I could continue to improve. At that moment, she became more than a teacher–she was a mentor, nurturing me and guiding me onward in my career.
I have mentored a few students of my own over time. Mentoring is more than taking an interest in a particular student in class. It involves a committment to their development, both personally and professionally. It means you go the extra mile and try to share your experience in a way that will help them grow. It is extremely satisfying and rewarding… [Read more…]
Andros on Ballet is a wonderful resource for dancers and teachers alike. The author, Dick Andros has been involved with dance for over 50 years and he has a wealth of experience to share with readers. Here you will find pieces on history, vocabulary and an extensive biography area that features dancers such as Cynthia Gregory and Anna Pavlova.
(Just a little warning–you could spend a lot of time browsing on this site, so you may want to save it for when you have a little bit of time to sift through all of the information that is there.)
I’m a huge Balanchine fan, so today I’d like to share a great resource with 4dancers readers…The George Balanchine Foundation. If you haven’t heard of this website before, be sure to take a look–especially if you are a fan as well. Besides information about the man himself, you will also find a database of all the dance works that he created. You’ll be able to see such details as when the dance was first performed, revisions and information about visual records if they are available. This is a massive undertaking and I have great respect for those that put it together.
Taking class is a big part of every dancer’s life. Here are some tips for getting the most out of every hour you spend in the studio:
+ Listen to all the corrections. Just because the teacher didn’t direct a correction to you specifically doesn’t mean that you can’t benefit from it.
+ Don’t get mirror-dependent. It can be easy to rely on the mirror too much for your dancing. Practice not looking too.
+ Change things up. Don’t stand at the same place at the barre every time (I know it’s hard!). Go in the first group if you usually wait until last. Do things differently and challenge yourself–it will pay off in the long run.
+ Warm up properly. Don’t get to class and expect plies to do the trick for you. Go early. Warm up well. You’ll be glad you did and your body will thank you. Plus, this is just a good habit to get into… [Read more…]