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. […]
Dance
Explore everything dance-related, from technique and choreography to performance tips and competitions. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced dancer, find guidance, inspiration, and practical advice to elevate your skills and express yourself on stage.
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: […]
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? […]
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 […]
The Awkward Middle School Years in Dance
If you have a dancer between the ages of 11 and 14, you’ve probably noticed it: something shifts. The child who once skipped happily into the studio may now sigh dramatically in the car. Technique that once seemed steady suddenly looks uncoordinated. Confidence rises and crashes within the same week. Welcome to the middle school […]
Dance Kinesiology 102: Understanding Strength, Stability & Muscle Control in Dance
Every dance movement – from a simple tendu to a powerful grand jeté – requires the body to coordinate multiple muscles at the same time. While Dance Kinesiology 101 introduced the basic types of muscular contractions, the next step is understanding how muscles work together to create movement, balance, stability, and control. One of the […]
What Dancers Should Know About Eating Before Class
For dancers, food is more than simply something that tastes good or satisfies hunger. Food is fuel. The body relies on nutrition to jump, turn, balance, stretch, stabilize, and perform with both strength and control. Yet many dancers struggle to figure out what they should eat before class – and just as importantly, when they […]
Dance Recital Planning, Streamlined
All the creative and amazing plans in the world can’t make up for organized preparation! Proper preparation will not only reduce the likelihood of last-minute disasters, but it will also give you the margin needed to weather any problems that may come up. As you simplify your recital preparations, you’ve probably already begun to sigh […]
Why Does My Stomach Hurt When I Dance?
For many dancers, stomach discomfort can feel confusing, frustrating, and sometimes even a little frightening. A dancer may feel perfectly fine before class, only to suddenly experience cramps, tightness, nausea, bloating, or aching during rehearsal or performance. Some dancers notice discomfort during jumps or turns, while others experience it before stepping on stage for a […]
Teen Burnout in Dance: Prevention & Recovery
For many teenage dancers, dance is a central part of life. Hours are spent in the studio perfecting technique, rehearsing for performances, and preparing for competitions. While dedication is admirable, there’s a real risk: burnout. Burnout is more than feeling tired after a long rehearsal. It’s a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that […]