Learn how to set back to dance goals with reflection, planning & focus. Advice from a dancer & educator + a printable planner for success.
5 Trailblazing Black Dance Companies (Other Than Alvin Ailey) You Should Know About
When most people think of Black dance in America, the name Alvin Ailey often rises to the top and rightfully so. Ailey’s work created a legacy that brought African American stories to the concert dance stage in a way that hadn’t been done before. His company opened doors. But as a Black dancer and educator …
Exploring the Field of Dance Therapy: A Career That Moves the Body and Heals the Mind
Dance has always been more than just movement. For many, it’s a language of healing, a way to connect, express, and rebuild. That’s why careers in dance therapy have been gaining attention, especially as more people recognize the mental, emotional, and physical benefits of combining movement with psychology. If you’ve ever considered turning your passion …
What Is Dance Science? Exploring the Degree, Careers
I love all things dance. From technique classes to choreography to performance, I’ve always felt at home in a studio. But over the past year, I’ve started diving deeper into the field behind the movement, what makes dancers perform at their best, stay injury-free, and train smarter. That curiosity led me to dance science. And …
Can Adults Start Pointe in Ballet? What You Need to Know Before You Begin
One of the most common questions I’ve seen online, and one I get asked pretty often is:“If I start ballet as an adult, or return to class after a long time, can I ever go on pointe?” It’s a fair question. Pointe shoes seem like the pinnacle of ballet training, something reserved for dancers who’ve …
What to Pack for a Summer Dance Intensive: Essentials List
If you’re prepping for a summer dance intensive, you already know how exciting and slightly overwhelming it can be. From packing your dancewear to figuring out what’s actually essential, it’s easy to overthink what to bring (and what to leave at home). It’s been a while since I attended a summer intensive, but I still …
Why Work Ethic Is More Important Than Talent
You’ve probably heard the saying before:“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” But in the world of dance, it’s not just a catchy quote, it’s a reality. As someone who spent years in the studio, I’ve lived this truth. I was never the favorite. I didn’t have the best feet, the highest extensions, …
Proper Foot Alignment in Ballet Class: Why It Matters For Injury Prevention
Whether you’re new to ballet or have been dancing for years, mastering proper foot alignment in ballet class is one of the most important, yet sometimes often overlooked fundamentals. And it starts at the bottom: your arches. Improper alignment doesn’t just look off; it can lead to injuries that disrupt your training, strain your joints, …
Did You Know Dance Has Teaching Standards Just Like Math and Reading?
When I worked as a dance teacher in the public school system, one thing that constantly surprised me was how many people, including other educators didn’t realize that dance has state and national standards, just like every other subject in school. Even today, while I continue teaching in the private studio setting, I find myself …
Why Dance Class Etiquette Matters: Setting the Standard for the Next Generation of Dancers
Do you ever find yourself saying things like, “Kids just aren’t the same anymore,” or “Back in my day, we would never get away with that”? If you’re a dance teacher, chances are you’ve had those moments, watching students yawn during barre, chew gum in the middle of pliés, or check their smartwatches while you’re …
