16 Audition Basics and Pointers For Keeping A Positive Perspective

Expecting a certain outcome puts your mind in a place and time other than the audition and you’ll need to have your head in the present tense to do well. Clear your mind and dance because you love dancing, not because of the pot of gold that may or may not be at the end of this rainbow.

Is It Okay To Stretch Before Class?

If you are stretching with the goal of long-term changes in your flexibility (for example, you can’t do the splits and would like to), save your stretching routine for after class or between barre and center when your muscles are “warm.” Generally speaking, both of the stretching techniques above have acute (short-lasting) effects on your range of motion before activity, but don’t really increase your overall flexibility.

“Late Beginner” Blues And How To Get Beyond Them

Possibly the worst thing dancers can do when there is a strong desire to improve is make negative comparisons of themselves to other dancers. Sometimes comparisons help us create a realistic picture and provide awareness of where we are and where we still have to go. However, comparisons must stop there.

Curtain Call: The Art and Expectations of Performance Time

It is very important to be budget conscious but also expectation conscious as well when it comes to dance recitals and performances. With everyone on the same page, performance time can be a magnificent time to learn, develop, explore and ultimately have fun!

Role Of A Lifetime: Returning To Dance As A Mom

“Your body does change,” confirms Sara, “and my fear was that I wouldn’t be able to look or dance the way I did before pregnancy and birth.” It was a fear that Toni shared. When asked what concerns she had about pregnancy, Toni answers, “That my body would never be the same. Its true, my body has never been the same. So what.” However, Toni concedes, “Like most dancers, I am hard on my body image, and that got worse after having a baby.”

Pas de Deux: Two Career Dancers On Pregnancy

Balancing any career with motherhood has its challenges but mother/dancers certainly face some unique concerns and questions. To produce a picture of what it is like for mothers who are also professional dancers, I spoke with two dancing moms, one a ballet dancer, one a contemporary dance artist and choreographer. In this first installment, we discuss pregnancy and what it is like to dance and perform while expecting.

Face Value — JAM Cosmetics Review

What I liked most about JAM is that it is lightweight like street makeup but “reads” well onstage and doesn’t absorb or sweat off as easily as street cosmetics. The pigments are much stronger than street makeup, meaning you need less to pull off a more intense look. JAM cosmetics are mineral-based, hypoallergenic for sensitive skin and non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores. They are completely talc and paraben free and, as a company that does not test on animals, the company is on the PETA “friends” list. Technical jargon aside, it just feels better on my skin.

First of All — A Chat with Prix de Lausanne Winner Emanuel Amuchastegui

At the Prix de Lausanne, he performed a classical variation from August Bournonville’s La Sylphide and a contemporary solo, Caliban, from Cathy Marston’s The Tempest. In addition to winning PDL’s top prize, Amuchasetgui also brought home the “Audience Favorite” award. In the wake of his win, Amachastegui was kind enough to answer a few questions about his experience at the prestigious competition, his training, and his life outside of dance.

Backstage Bliss: 11 Guidelines for Students in a Dance Recital

Recitals can be hectic and stressful for those trying to make the day/evening go off without a hitch. Adhering to these rules helps a performance run smoothly for you and the others around you.

Role Reversal: What are the Pros and Cons of Dance Competition

What are the pros or the benefits of competition in dance? And, what are the cons or negative aspects?

How To Make Choreography “Your Own”

Now that you have had time to familiarize yourself with the movement and practice it a few times with relative accuracy and clarity, he wants you to transition from just replicating steps, timing, and even movement quality.

What Is Artistry and How Do I Develop It?

I like to think of artistry in dance as the whole picture, of which technique and “soul” are important and perhaps equal pieces. Someone showing superb artistry, then, would be a dancer that has worked hard to put all of the puzzle pieces together into a dazzling picture.

Next Page »