Giving students, teachers, and parents an edge in dance education
It takes more energy to break down and store processed foods. The last thing you want to do before a performance is waste energy on eating! This fresh, light salad is great to eat before you hit the stage and the mint will help calm your pre-show jitters.
A dance career is not for everyone. Even those who’ve spent many happy years training, with dance classes every night, rehearsals, competitions and performances every weekend, formed deeply bonded friendships, and had amazing dance mentors. But after all the blood, sweat, and tears, what do you do now? Jessica Shoop Williams has been there… and back again, and shares her advice with you.
Co-Director of The Ailey School, Co-Chair of The Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. program, and former Dance Theatre of Harlem ballerina, Melanie Person answers ten questions: on leg extension, encouraging ballet students, what studios could do to better prepare students for college, and what she knew when she was twelve.
Mia Michaels is known as a tough character and dancing in her company RAW was definitely rough. But it taught Melanie Doskocil a valuable lesson about struggle and perseverance. Her story will leave you asking what you would have done in her shoes.
A bowl of sugary, processed cereal is not going to energize you for the day. Start your morning off right with a whole grain like kasha.
In the 1920s, wings were all the rage, and many variations existed. The Pump, the Pendulum, the Saw, the Double Back… like time steps, most dancers had a signature wing variation. But there was one variation in particular that caught the public’s attention, and it was the 5-count wing, created by Frank Condos.
Sliding has long been a popular tap step. The novelty of the slide comes from the illusion that the floor has somehow developed a slick surface, giving the impression that the dancer is off balance and could fall at any minute. Discover how it’s done, view classic footage, and learn about the men who made the step famous.
These sweet little snack balls of oats, nuts, and seeds travel well in your dance bag and give you the perfect combination of nutritional energy to help you last until dinner. Try the recipe for yourself!
Young ballet dancers gain integral qualities that lead to success, not only in dance, but in life. Guest and School of the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Director, Melanie Doskocil describes for readers two occasions when it was clear her students had discovered important life lessons – ones that will carry them far toward a successful future.
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.
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.
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.
