Ballet basics: outline of a ballet class Ballet basics: outline of a ballet class It can be daunting to go into your first ballet class without knowing what to expect. And I’ll admit, when you first start, the movements you do in class may seem a long what from what you expected to be doing.…
The glowing orb: your centre of gravity Knowing where your weight is, and where it should be, is crucial to learning to dance. One image that I find particularly useful in helping dancers to get a better understanding of weight placement is what I call ‘the glowing ball’ analogy. I’m not sure if I read…
‘Windswept’ choreographer journal Going back to basics to find inspiration by Jo McDonald All my life, music and dance have competed for my attention. I cannot tell which one I love the most. Do you feel the same? A postmodern influence on contemporary dance was to separate the music and the dance. Choreographers sought to…
5 tips to help you return to dance class as an adult Do you remember when dance seemed like the most important thing in your life? When there was nothing you loved more than being at the studio all day Saturday, or several nights a week. But then for some reason you stopped. Maybe you…
How to improve balance in arabesque Dancer Shana Inge. Photo by Jo McDonald. Balance can be tricky, especially in arabesque en l’air, so I thought I’d share some of my tips for maintaining your turnout, creating a beautiful line, and balancing in arabesque. 15 tips to create a beautiful balance in arabesque Engage muscles 1.…
Starting ballet as an adult – part 3View Part 1View Part 2 Part 2 of this series on ‘starting ballet as an adult’, covered the the third step, which was all about preparing to start. In the third and final part, we’ll guide you on how to actually get started, including: your first class setting…
Starting ballet as an adult (part 2)View Part 1View Part 3 Part 1 of this series on ‘starting ballet as an adult’, covered the first two steps. Step 1 was getting clear on what it is you are want to get out of ballet. Step 2 is finding the right studio to give you what…
Starting ballet as an adultView Part 2View Part 3 What are your biggest concerns about starting ballet as an adult? Is it that you are too old, or don’t have the right body? Are you worried about being judged? Or are you at a loss for how to even get started? It can be a…
Types of muscle contractions for dancersDescription of each type of muscle contraction When you are dancing, being able to connect your mind to your body is incredibly important. It might sound odd, but think about it. Your muscles move because your brain directs them to. If you have a better understanding of what your muscles…
11 tips to help to remember dance sequences When you’re new to a dance style, it can be really hard to remember dance sequences, because you have so much to think about. Believe me, I know. I’ve recently started learning Flamenco (I’ve been doing it for a year and a half), and it’s so different…