For dancers, dance teachers, and those who love dance. – Page 248 – A website for dancers, dance teachers and others interested in dance

Mentoring Dancers

October 27, 2009 by 4dancers

4dancers4 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

October 27, 2009 by 4dancers

andros 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.)

The George Balanchine Foundation

October 26, 2009 by 4dancers

gbf

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.

Getting The Most Out Of Dance Class

October 25, 2009 by 4dancers

1-26-2009 11;56;44 AM 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…]

Remembering Rebecca Wright

October 22, 2009 by 4dancers

wright When I was a young girl I was cast as an angel in the Ruth Page production of The Nutcracker in Chicago. It was a small part, and after I danced I had to sit on stage–on a hard wooden stool–all the way through the second act. There was only one thing I looked forward to during these perfomances…seeing Rebecca Wright dance the Sugar Plum.

Ms. Wright was the picture of femininity as she floated across the stage. She made me hold my breath when she danced, and she could turn faster than anyone I had ever seen. I still remember the beads of sweat flying off of her as she spun madly around the stage–the lights catching each drop and lighting it up for those of us who were close enough to see… [Read more…]

Disclosure – Affiliate & Ad Info

Copyright Notice