Founder and Editor

About Nichelle (admin)

Nichelle Strzepek began Dance Advantage in 2008, equipped with little more than passion for movement education, curiosity, and an intuitive sense that the Internet could bring dancers together. She has written about 100,000 words on dance and dance training each year of its existence. Nichelle holds a BA in dance and is an instructor with more than 16 years experience. She continues to perform as a contemporary dance artist, covers dance in the Houston area as a freelance writer and critic, and balances daily life as a full-time mom of two young children.

John Jacobson Shares Tips For Staging Your Own Flashmob

John Jacobson leads Double Dream Hands choreography on Ellen.

Music educator, composer, philanthropist, and youtube sensation, John Jacobson has choreographed for “mobs” of dancers, including the staff and crew of the Ellen DeGeneres show. Get John’s tips on how to stage your own flashmob and learn more about his true life’s work and positive message.

What I Learned From A Performance Fail

IMAGE The word FAIL in red. IMAGE

We all make mistakes. I share one of my own performance fails in this month’s Circle Time roundup as well as a few inspiring quotations. Meanwhile some other dance bloggers shed some light on what they’ve taken away from their on and offstage mistakes. Don’t forget to add your own fabulous faux pas to the comments!

Q&A Saturday: The Road To Juilliard

IMAGE Dance studio at Juilliard overlooking Broadway IMAGE

A young dancer dreams of attending Juilliard but has concerns about money and training. Should she continue taking free classes? And how important are the basics? See what I have to say in this Q&A Saturday installment.

How Leon Got His Groove Back (and how you can, too)

IMAGE A couple dance the waltz dressed in formal wear for competition IMAGE

As a ballroom instructor and competitor, Leon is no stranger to burnout. Sometimes getting to class or continuing with training can feel like a chore. When he needs a boost of inspiration, he uses these 5 strategies to re-energize and look forward to dancing and training again.

Enforced Arch: Dancers As A Force For Change

IMAGE Please Don't Touch -- Break Free From Fur || ARTIST CREDIT: Julie Gueraseva IMAGE

Enforced Arch is a dance and performance community of intelligent communicators who use their unique talents to bring life to environmental and social issues. They were also voted #2 in a very close race to decide the Top Dance Blogs of 2011. Learn more about the community and its creator James Koroni in this interview.

Carla Escoda Brings Ballet To The People

IMAGE Carla in the studio IMAGE

Carla Escoda is the blogger and ballet instructor behind Ballet To The People, voted the Top Dance Blog of 2011. Carla’s site is a feast for ballet-lovers everywhere. Learn more about her training and 20-year hiatus from dance, her teaching, her writing, and how she successfully battled her most severe arthritis symptoms with an active, rigorous ballet program.

Circle Up: The [Dance] Things I Love

Two-Hearts

What dance things do you love? The smell of hot stage lights on a Marley floor? The strange looks you get when entering a restaurant still wearing your performance makeup? Hey, I don’t know about you, but some bloggers and I have come to the circle to share what we love about dance. Join us!

Sunday Snapshot: Born from a Boombox

IMAGE Kenny, a breakdancer from Clonmel, Ireland captured by photographer Berit Alits IMAGE

Berit Alits loves capturing people. A photographer based in Ireland, her portraits feature actors, dancers, families, children, and individuals. This photo features Kenny, a highly regarded breakdancer in the community of Clonmel. He is an instructor and member of a local crew called Dance Revolution.

The First Film To Tell The Joffrey Ballet Story — Autographed DVD

IMAGE The first film to tell the story of this groundbreaking company. www.joffreymovie.com IMAGE

You could own a signed DVD copy of Joffrey: Mavericks Of American Ballet, the first documentary film to tell the story of this groundbreaking dance company, considered the first truly American ballet company. Only 100 autographed copies for sale! Giveaway ends Feb 23, 2012.

$99 To Spend On Positive Dance Products by Rhee Gold Company

IMAGE Positive Dance, a division of the Rhee Gold company IMAGE

Enter to win one of three $99 gift certificates for the positivedance.com store, a division of the Rhee Gold Company. Winners can choose from an array of products like t-shirts, subscriptions to Dance Studio Life Magazine, handbooks, DVD’s and more. Giveaway ends Feb 22, 2012.

Inspired By Dancers, Active Apparel by MPG®

IMAGE PNB principal, MariaChapman for MPG IMAGE

Enter to win the Radiate activewear tank from Mondetta Performance Gear, MPG, a line that was initially inspired by dancers. Since its inception the brand has used dancers, instead of models, in nearly every photo shoot, including NYCB principal Ashley Bouder and PNB principal Maria Chapman.

Developed By Dancers, Barre Makes Healthy Snacks

IMAGE Barre - a real food bar developed by dancers, created for dancers IMAGE

Enter to win a box of 12 healthy snack bars from Barre, developed by dancers, created for everyone. Made from all natural, whole food ingredients –unlike some other bars, you can pronounce all of the ingredients that make up Barre. Giveaway ends Feb 20, 2012.