Can you dance en pointe as an adult? Can you dance en pointe as an adult? Hell, yes! Here’s how … Dancing en pointe is a dream for many adults, but many wonder if it’s a realistic dream after a certain age. There are some who say it isn’t possible, but I can’t disagree with…
Ballet basics: outline of a ballet class Ballet basics: outline of a ballet class < Learn the basics of ballet with our FREE mini course – click to signup >View our timetable 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 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 3< Learn the basics of ballet with our FREE mini course – click to signup > 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…
Starting ballet as an adult (part 2)< Learn the basics of ballet with our FREE mini course – click to signup > 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.…
Starting ballet as an adult< Learn the basics of ballet with our FREE mini course – click to signup > 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…
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…