Is Cross-training A Good Idea?

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Lauren’s answer: a resounding ‘Yes!’ But don’t dancers have to be careful about getting bulky? See what Lauren has to say. Plus, learn the difference between anaerobic and aerobic activity and how intensity plays a role. And, discover how to decide if a cross-training activity is right for you.

Burnout, Obstacles, and Overcommitment

"Exhausted Dancer" by Edgar Degas - Wikimedia Commons

Mental Performance Consultant, Chantale Lussier-Ley, who works extensively with dancers has already given us her professional advice on “quitting dance” and on nurturing positive rivalry in dance. This time we asked her three quick but big questions on Burnout, Obstacles, Overcommitment. See what she had to say to parents on these important topics.

Sunday Snapshot: Without dance, what’s the pointe?

IMAGE Without dance, what's the pointe -- photo by Emily Cromarty

Photographer Emily Cromarty’s grandfather influenced her interest in photography. This photo features a street dancer on her toes (though not en pointe exactly). The lighting, unique pose, and concrete environment combine for a striking image.

Nutrition On The Move: Lasting Energy With Lentils

Long days call for long, lasting energy.  Lentils will give you a nutritional boost.

Long days call for long, lasting energy. The iron in lentils will give you a nutritional boost while their source of soluble fiber will help stabilize your blood sugar. Check out this recipe for Lentil Salad from Joanie Johnson of Motivated Nutrition.

LINES and Limitations: Ask Yourself This Question

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Some lessons stay with us for life. In this installment of Ballet’s Un-X-pected Lesson Files, Melanie Doskocil talks about a particularly difficult rehearsal and the lesson mentor and choreographer, Alonzo King, taught her about limits and giving more when you think you’ve given it all.

Does Your Devil Wear Dancewear? Dealing With A Rude Coworker

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Like Anne Hathaway’s character in The Devil Wears Prada, you may occasionally find yourself working with an Emily: someone rude, intimidating, undermining, or downright mean. Learn how to stand up for yourself and be worthy of the respect you want and deserve. And if it’s time to address the issue with your employer, discover how to make your approach like the professional you are.

Dance Gets Screentime In Toronto

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Screening at the Toronto International Film Festival are First Position, a new dance doc follows six young ballet dancers aged 9 to 19 as they struggle to maintain form in the face of injury and personal sacrifice on their way to one of the most prestigious international ballet competitions in the world: Youth America Grand Prix; and Pina, the Wim Wenders performance documentary featuring the extraordinary choreography of Pina Bausch. Learn more and watch these exciting trailers at Dance Advantage.

Ten Years Ago I Was Dancing

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Multiple events are scheduled to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States through dance, including a work to be simultaneously performed in Washington, New York, and Shanksville, PA. In addition, Nichelle describes her morning ten years ago and invites you to share your own events, memories, or stories of 9/11.

New Piano Music for Ballet Class: A Little Patience, Please.

Patience Clements is the company pianist for Charleston Ballet Theatre and has been accompanying dance classes for over 30 years. In this post, Dance Advantage reviews 2 of her 4-disc series, New Piano Music for Ballet Class. If you’re looking for original melodies with lots of variety for your classes, try New Piano Music for the Dedicated Dancer (with Susan Jaffe) and for the Young Dancer.

You Must Love Dance to Stick to It — Talking About College Dance

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Not all dancers become professionals. However, the arts produce creative thinkers, able to connect pathways that standard students may not initially consider and dancers tend to be successful in many other aspects of education and life. So, starting as early as Kindergarten, dance can be used as a gateway to discuss college with students. Here’s how one educator begins the conversation at different ages and includes families in the dialogue.

A Fresh Start; A Firm Foundation: The Upcoming Season in Dance

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Are you feeling torn or unsure of how to balance what’s fresh and trendy with what’s tried and true? You aren’t alone. And that goes for both the artistic and business sides of studio ownership! Armed with two timely lessons and whole lot of links, Suzanne Gerety, offers guidance and reassurance. Give us YOUR take, and you could walk away with a year’s membership to DanceStudioOwner.com.