How important is foot health to your dancing technique? It really can’t be overestimated. The arch — the middle portion — of the foot can greatly impact your dancing technique as well as your overall body alignment. Just like anyone else’s feet, dancers’ feet can be described in terms of the shapes of their arches: […]
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How Many Classes Per Week Is “Too Much” for a Young Dancer?
One of the most common questions dance parents ask is: How many classes should my child be taking each week? It’s a fair question – especially when your dancer loves being at the studio and wants to add “just one more class.” Between ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, conditioning, and competition rehearsals, schedules can fill […]
Dance Recital Planning, Settled
From venue and costumes to programs, the overall success of your dance recital relies not only on proper planning but also on careful preparation. As the event date gets closer, be sure to communicate repeatedly with parents to ensure they know when and where to have dancers ready. In addition to that all-important element, you’ll […]
Navigating Puberty in Ballet
Puberty is a transformative time for any adolescent, but for young ballet dancers, it can feel especially challenging. Suddenly, bodies that once moved with ease begin to change shape, strength, and coordination. Movements that were once effortless may feel awkward, and technical goals can seem harder to achieve. Understanding the physical, emotional, and psychological changes […]
When Should My Child Start Pointe? A Parent’s Guide
Few milestones in ballet feel as exciting – or as nerve-wracking – as pointe shoes. For many young dancers, dancing en pointe represents dedication, progress, and the dream of becoming a “real ballerina.” For parents, however, it often raises one big question: When is the right time? The answer is not based on age alone. […]
Private Ballet Lessons: Are They Worth the Investment?
At some point in a dancer’s journey, many parents hear the suggestion: “You might consider private lessons.” Whether it comes from a teacher, another dance parent, or your own observation, the idea can feel both exciting and intimidating. Private ballet lessons often come with a higher price tag – and naturally, you want to know: […]
Writing Jokes That Actually Get Laughs
Comedy is both an art and a skill. Writing a joke that consistently gets laughs requires understanding timing, audience, and structure. While some comedians rely on natural talent, anyone can learn techniques to craft jokes that resonate. Here’s a guide to help you write jokes that actually make people laugh. Understand Your Audience A joke […]
Transform Your Holiday Dance Recital From Predictable to Profitable, Part 3
Along with the revenue you generate from the ticket sales and the add-on items themselves (see Parts 1 & 2), another way you can make your next holiday recital profitable is to use it to gain exposure for your studio. One of the benefits of using online ticketing for your holiday dance recital is that […]
Understanding Dance Levels: Why Advancement Isn’t Always About Age
One of the most common frustrations dance parents experience is level placement. Your child is 10 years old – so why is she in a class with 8-year-olds? Your 13-year-old has been dancing for years – so why wasn’t she moved up with her friends? It’s natural to equate advancement with age or grade in […]
Happy Feet for Dancers: Basic Foot Care
Basic foot care is an important part of a dancer’s preparation. Not only can taking proper care of your feet help you prevent injuries, but you can also improve your dance skill level. Wear Properly Fitted Shoes & Padding In order to ensure a proper fit, you’ll want to be certain you have a professional […]
Cross-Training for Dancers: What Actually Helps?
If you’ve spent any time around the dance world, you’ve probably heard the term cross-training. Teachers recommend it. Physical therapists emphasize it. Older dancers swear by it. But for parents, the question often remains: What does cross-training actually mean – and what truly helps a young dancer? Is it gymnastics? Soccer? Pilates? Weightlifting? More stretching? […]
Teen Acting Workshops in Southern York County, PA – PhotoArtGraphy
Unlock Your Teen’s Potential with PhotoArtGraphy Teen Acting Workshops Every teen has a story to tell, and for many, acting provides the perfect stage to express creativity, build confidence, and develop essential life skills. At PhotoArtGraphy, based in New Freedom, Pennsylvania, we now offer specialized Teen Acting Workshops for teens aged 12–19. These hands-on workshops […]
The Truth About Stretching for Dance: What’s Safe and What’s Not
If you’re the parent of a dancer, you’ve probably seen it: splits in the living room, oversplits against the couch, a foot propped up on the kitchen counter “just to stretch.” Flexibility is highly valued in dance. High extensions, deep backbends, and beautiful lines are often celebrated on stage and social media. It’s easy to […]
Preschool Dance: What Skills Actually Matter?
Tiny ballet shoes. Sparkly tutus. A stage full of wiggly 3- and 4-year-olds waving at their parents instead of watching the teacher. Preschool dance is adorable – but it’s also often misunderstood. Many parents quietly wonder: Is my child learning enough? Should she already know her positions? Why isn’t the class more “structured”? If you […]
Dance Studio Tips: Keeping Staff Members Happy, Part 2
Your dance studio will run so much more smoothly when you hire quality staff members and keep them happy! Not only will you as the director have fewer headaches associated with the fallout of high turnover rates — including hiring and training new staff members on a regular basis — but you’ll also appreciate the […]