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Articles by Natalia Boesch
Breaking Down the Cecchetti Method’s Full Contretemps
For Diana Byer, founder and artistic director emerita of New York Theatre Ballet and director of the NYTB School, the defining characteristic of Cecchetti training is unification. “The music, the technique, the style: It’s all one,” she says. “To me, that’s what dancing is.” Byer describes the Cecchetti method as a pure discipline, which gives her students the foundation for any dance style they may encounter.
7 Tips for Filming Summer Program Audition Videos
It’s that time of year again—audition season. And once again, in-person auditions are being canceled, and dancers are scrambling to get video auditions filmed and submitted. The tips below will help you tackle that project efficiently, and hopefully save you from the more maddening aspects of the process. 1. Get organized. Check the websites of all the places you are interested in applying for, and compile the information in a way that makes sense to you.
Dance Teacher’s Top 10 Stories of 2021
What was your favorite story from Dance Teacher this year? Judging by our top-clicked articles and our most-talked-about social posts, dance teachers enjoyed reading about a wide range of topics. From figuring out what support they should and shouldn’t provide to their students to understanding what it means to dismantle racism on the competition stage, these timely and relevant stories made dance teachers all the more empowered to inspire and advance the next generation of dancers.
7 Tips for Making the Most of Your Summer Intensive
Last summer many intensives were canceled or online-only. And the past school year has been spotty and strange for many, as well. All the more reason to look forward to an in-person summer program this year with excitement—but also, perhaps, some nerves. Take heart, says Simon Ball, men's program coordinator at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.
How to Use the Floor More Efficiently-In Any Style
"Using the floor" means different things to different dancers. Ballet students are often encouraged to push or pull away from the floor, and modern and contemporary dancers tend to embrace it as a friend. Percussive dancers dig into it, scrape it, brush it and more. Whatever your relationship to the floor, "you can learn to use it effortlessly, to help your body move more efficiently," says Kathleen Bower, director of dance medicine at Miami City Ballet.
How Charla Genn Teaches Ballet Dancers That the Floor Is Their Friend
Not so long ago, it seemed that ballet dancers were always encouraged to pull up away from the floor. Ideas evolved, and more recently it has become common to hear teachers saying "Push down to go up," and variations on that concept. Charla Genn, a New York City–based coach and dance rehabilitation specialist who teaches company class for Dance Theatre of Harlem, American Ballet Theatre and Ballet Hispánico, says that this causes its own problems.
How Charla Genn Teaches Ballet Dancers That the Floor Is Their Friend
There were plenty of reasons why we were happy to bid 2020 a not-so-fond farewell, but for tap dancers, the end of such a difficult year was the final curtain on a decade in which the art form experienced remarkable growth.
How Charla Genn Teaches Ballet Dancers That the Floor Is Their Friend
How Charla Genn Teaches Ballet Dancers That the Floor Is Their Friend Not so long ago, it seemed that ballet dancers were always encouraged to pull up away from the floor. Ideas evolved, and more recently it has become common to hear teachers saying “Push down to go up,” and variations on that concept.
Where Do You Hold Your Tension? 6 Top Trouble Areas and How to Ease the Strain
<p>My brother and my sister also went to prestigious dance schools [her brother, <a href="https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/artists/isaac-lopes-gomes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Isaac Lopes Gomes</a>, is now a dancer with the Paris Opéra Ballet], and I didn't really think about my skin color while I was training. I spent four years at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy.
Lauren Anderson's Tips for Relevé Développé Écarté Devant
Développé écarté relevé "is in every class, every ballet," says Lauren Anderson, former principal dancer and current program manager of education and community engagement at Houston Ballet. Below, she gives you the keys to success for this "light and lovely" repertoire staple. Houston Ballet principal Karina González, partnered by Chun Wai Chan, does relevé développé écarté devant in Justin Peck's Reflections.
Lauren Anderson's Tips for Relevé Développé Écarté Devant
Ballet class is pretty predictable: There are always pliés, tendus, dégagés and so forth. Usually before center, the instructor gives a quick stretch break to "do whatever you need." Many dancers use this time to sink into their splits. But should you be stretching directly after engaging your muscles at barre? We spoke with experts to determine the optimal time to stretch—and how you should change your approach throughout your dance day.
Lauren Anderson's Tips for Relevé Développé Écarté Devant
Développé écarté relevé “is in every class, every ballet,” says Lauren Anderson, former principal dancer and current program manager of education and community engagement at Houston Ballet. Below, she gives you the keys to success for this “light and lovely” repertoire staple. Houston Ballet principal Karina González, partnered by Chun Wai Chan, does relevé développé écarté devant in Justin Peck’s Reflections.
Where Do You Hold Your Tension? 6 Top Trouble Areas and How to Ease the Strain
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6065113ef138c5ccbfee58672e39fd34"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a0i3e6vq7hk?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span> Safety First <p>So far, Staatsballett has only had one coronavirus case.
How to Master Renversés of Sigh-Inducing Beauty
Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet's founding artistic director Marcia Dale Weary shares how she coaches renversés of sigh-inducing beauty. Practice it slowly: To help her students tackle renversé, Marcia Dale Weary first gives it in adagio. Take a développé to croisé devant. "Think about the shape of the right foot coming front," she says. "Show off a jewel on your heel." Pivot to effacé, then carry the leg through a high écarté, into an attitude that "circles around you.
Where Do You Hold Your Tension? 6 Top Trouble Areas and How to Ease the Strain
Pointe shoe brand Gaynor Minden recently welcomed 32 young dancers to its coveted roster of Gaynor Girls. But this year, the company included two applicants who push the boundaries of what it means to dance on pointe. While both Mason Simon Underwood and Colleen Werner are longtime GM wearers, they stand out from the rest of this year's group: Underwood is the first ever Gaynor Guy, and Werner is a body-positivity activist. Keep reading SHOW LESS
Where Do You Hold Your Tension? 6 Top Trouble Areas and How to Ease the Strain
The COVID-19 pandemic may have paused life as we know it, but the ballet world is still turning. Schools and companies are finding ways to move forward, and this spring many accepted full-time students, awarded scholarships and hired artists via online auditions. That's likely to be the case over the coming months, as well, so Pointe reached out to several professionals for expert advice on preparing successful online audition materials—even if you're dancing at home. Keep reading SHOW LESS
7 Tips for Improving Your Piqué Turns, Plus Advice for Practicing at Home
A string of piqué turns en dedans, says Erica Fischbach, director of Colorado Ballet Academy, should appear powerful yet effortless. "The effect you want to create is that you're flying." Here are her tips to achieve this as you whirl through the ends of your variations. Plus, don't miss the video below for Fischbach's advice on how to practice piqué turns while training at home. Turn Out to Take Off Focus on turning out your standing leg as you prepare in tendu devant for your piqué turns.
7 Tips for Improving Your Piqué Turns, Plus Advice for Practicing at Home
Chisako Oga is a dancer on the move—in more ways than one. From childhood training in Texas, California and Japan to a San Francisco Ballet apprenticeship to her first professional post with Cincinnati Ballet, where she quickly rose to principal dancer, she has rarely stood still for long. But now the 24-year-old ballerina is right where she wants to be, as one of the most promising soloists at Boston Ballet.
Training, Interrupted: Mainting Perspective on How the Coronavirus Pandemic Will Affect Your Future
Living-room ballet has always been a big part of my life, whether I was working out choreographic ideas or just giving myself barre. But, as I write this, living-room ballet is all we've had for weeks. That changes everything. I know that, for my students and other young dancers, fears about what they might lose due to the COVID-19 shutdown may be overwhelming. Below are some big-picture thoughts addressing those concerns, and a few suggestions for making the best of a frustrating situation.
Where Do You Hold Your Tension? 6 Top Trouble Areas and How to Ease the Strain
<p><br/></p> Lincoln Center Dance Week <p>Lincoln Center will be hosting <a href="https://www.pointemagazine.com/lincoln-center-dance-week-2646006802.html" target="_blank">Dance Week</a>, a series of seven online broadcasts, from <strong>May 30–June 4</strong>.
Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky Share Their Advice for the Perfect Fish Dive
<p><br/></p> San Francisco Ballet <p>San Francisco Ballet was the first major U.S. ballet company forced to cancel performances in March.
Master the Classic Bournonville Step, Grand Jeté en Avant Landing in Attitude Derrière
<p><br/></p> San Francisco Ballet <p>San Francisco Ballet was the first major U.S. ballet company forced to cancel performances in March.
Master the Classic Bournonville Step, Grand Jeté en Avant Landing in Attitude Derrière
One of Gabe Stone Shayer's favorite collaborations happened thanks to his agent, Henri Lemic. In August 2019, Shayer—frustrated after being passed over yet again for a promotion at American Ballet Theatre—started to think about the company's fall gala. He wanted to make a defiant sartorial splash on the red carpet. Lemic worked some magic, persuading Harlem couturier Dapper Dan to meet with his young client.
Master the Classic Bournonville Step, Grand Jeté en Avant Landing in Attitude Derrière
No question, the novel coronavirus has turned ballet training upside down. But if you think you can't have a great summer intensive this year, think again. Over the past few months, ballet schools have learned how to deliver classes and workshops online, and some have created online and hybrid summer programs that offer unique learning opportunities along with technique training.
Master the Classic Bournonville Step, Grand Jeté en Avant Landing in Attitude Derrière
The classic Bournonville-style grand jeté en avant, says Thomas Lund, director of the Royal Danish Ballet School, "is a bouquet of flowers for the audience. We say, 'Welcome to Copenhagen.' " Even if this is your first excursion into Bournonville technique, these thoughts and images will help you perfect this quintessential jump. Be generous: The shape of the port de bras creates the gracious gesture Thomas Lund describes. "It comes from your center," he says.
Master the Classic Bournonville Step, Grand Jeté en Avant Landing in Attitude Derrière
<p><br/></p> San Francisco Ballet <p>San Francisco Ballet was the first major U.S. ballet company forced to cancel performances in March.
Master the Classic Bournonville Step, Grand Jeté en Avant Landing in Attitude Derrière
<p><br/></p> San Francisco Ballet <p>San Francisco Ballet was the first major U.S. ballet company forced to cancel performances in March.
Master the Classic Bournonville Step, Grand Jeté en Avant Landing in Attitude Derrière
From left: Anthony Crickmay, Courtesy Dance Theatre of Harlem Archives; Courtesy Ballethnic It is the urgency of going in a week or two before opening night that Lydia Abarca Mitchell loves most about coaching. But in her role as Ballethnic Dance Company's rehearsal director, she's not just getting the troupe ready for the stage.
Master the Classic Bournonville Step, Grand Jeté en Avant Landing in Attitude Derrière
<p><br/></p> San Francisco Ballet <p>San Francisco Ballet was the first major U.S. ballet company forced to cancel performances in March.
Master the Classic Bournonville Step, Grand Jeté en Avant Landing in Attitude Derrière
The classic Bournonville-style grand jeté en avant, says Thomas Lund, director of the Royal Danish Ballet School, “is a bouquet of flowers for the audience. We say, ‘Welcome to Copenhagen.’ ” Even if this is your first excursion into Bournonville technique, these thoughts and images will help you perfect this quintessential jump. Be generous: The shape of the port de bras creates the gracious gesture Thomas Lund describes. “It comes from your center,” he says.
Master the Classic Bournonville Step, Grand Jeté en Avant Landing in Attitude Derrière
The classic Bournonville-style grand jeté en avant, says Thomas Lund, director of the Royal Danish Ballet School, “is a bouquet of flowers for the audience. We say, ‘Welcome to Copenhagen.’ ” Even if this is your first excursion into Bournonville technique, these thoughts and images will help you perfect this quintessential jump. Be generous: The shape of the port de bras creates the gracious gesture Thomas Lund describes. “It comes from your center,” he says.
Fouetté Turns: Secrets Of The Cuban Method
<p><br/></p> San Francisco Ballet <p>San Francisco Ballet was the first major U.S. ballet company forced to cancel performances last month.
Boston Ballet Principal John Lam Opens Up About Leaving Home to Train, and Being a Dancing Dad
Who was a role model for you growing up? Mikko Nissinen. When I was around 14, he retired from San Francisco Ballet and took over my school, Marin Ballet. He was my first male ballet teacher and role model in the dance world. Then he left to direct Alberta Ballet, and I went to Canada's National Ballet School. He later became artistic director at Boston Ballet, and when I graduated he invited me to join the company. How did you decide to attend NBS?
Boston Ballet Principal John Lam Opens Up About Leaving Home to Train, and Being a Dancing Dad
Who was a role model for you growing up? Mikko Nissinen. When I was around 14, he retired from San Francisco Ballet and took over my school, Marin Ballet. He was my first male ballet teacher and role model in the dance world. Then he left to direct Alberta Ballet, and I went to Canada’s National Ballet School. He later became artistic director at Boston Ballet, and when I graduated he invited me to join the company. How did you decide to attend NBS?
Master Tips for Perfecting Your Port de Bras
"Port de bras creates colors," says Larissa Ponomarenko, ballet mistress at Boston Ballet. "It gives vitality and vibrancy to dancing." Here, she shares how she coaches her dancers towards strength, coordination and artistry in the use of their arms. First, Fix Your Posture Many bad habits Larissa Ponomarenko sees in port de bras—like drooping elbows and flapping wrists—originate in the lack of a muscular connection between the arms and back.
Master Tips for Perfecting Your Port de Bras
<p><br/></p> Dance Theatre of Harlem <p>Dance Theatre of Harlem has just launched DTH on Demand, an online and interactive series that includes seven weeks of archival performances. All broadcasts will be streamed on <strong>Saturdays at </strong><strong>8 pm EDT</strong> on DTH's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dancetheatreofharlem/?ref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/DanceTheaterofHarlem" target="_blank">YouTube channe</a>l.
Master Tips for Perfecting Your Port de Bras
<p><br/></p> San Francisco Ballet <p>San Francisco Ballet was the first major U.S. ballet company forced to cancel performances in March.
Master Tips for Perfecting Your Port de Bras
“Port de bras creates colors,” says Larissa Ponomarenko, ballet mistress at Boston Ballet. “It gives vitality and vibrancy to dancing.” Here, she shares how she coaches her dancers towards strength, coordination and artistry in the use of their arms. First, Fix Your Posture Many bad habits Larissa Ponomarenko sees in port de bras—like drooping elbows and flapping wrists—originate in the lack of a muscular connection between the arms and back.
Where Do You Hold Your Tension? 6 Top Trouble Areas and How to Ease the Strain
All dancers have their go-to tension area: shoulders that creep up towards the ears, a hand that becomes a claw, or feet and ankles that grip. Yet "Just relax" can be the hardest correction to apply. We spoke with four teachers for their tips on releasing tension throughout the body—and how it's all connected. The Face Jayme Thornton A dancer's face is a frequent tension trouble spot, as eyebrows lift or furrow, jaws clench and tongues peek out.
How to Deal With Taking an Unfamiliar Class During Summer Intensive Audition Season
Ariel McCarty's training was predominantly classical until, at 15, she auditioned for Boston Ballet's summer intensive. The audition class was in more of a Balanchine style, and the teacher corrected her right away. "She wanted me to accent the arm opening out quickly in my pliés, rather than through the whole phrase," says McCarty, now a Colorado Ballet apprentice. She could have panicked, but, instead, she met the correction with a smile. "I tried it, and it felt not quite right.
How to Deal With Taking an Unfamiliar Class During Summer Intensive Audition Season
Updated on January 4, 2023. Ariel McCarty’s training was predominantly classical until, at 15, she auditioned for Boston Ballet’s summer intensive. The audition class was in more of a Balanchine style, and the teacher corrected her right away. “She wanted me to accent the arm opening out quickly in my pliés, rather than through the whole phrase,” says McCarty, now a Colorado Ballet demi-soloist. She could have panicked, but, instead, she met the correction with a smile.
Michelle Martin's Tips to Master Pirouette en Dehors From Fourth Position Allongé
Michelle Martin, associate artistic director of Ballet Austin, says that pirouettes en dehors from fourth position allongé are full of "traps" for dancers. Whether you trained with a straight back leg or have never tried it before, Martin's analytical breakdown will help you master this basic but dazzling turn.
Michelle Martin's Tips to Master Pirouette en Dehors From Fourth Position Allongé
<p><br/></p> San Francisco Ballet <p>San Francisco Ballet was the first major U.S. ballet company forced to cancel performances last month.
Michelle Martin's Tips to Master Pirouette en Dehors From Fourth Position Allongé
Michelle Martin, associate artistic director of Ballet Austin, says that pirouettes en dehors from fourth position allongé are full of "traps" for dancers. Whether you trained with a straight back leg or have never tried it before, Martin's analytical breakdown will help you master this basic but dazzling turn.
Michelle Martin's Tips to Master Pirouette en Dehors From Fourth Position Allongé
Michelle Martin, associate artistic director of Ballet Austin, says that pirouettes en dehors from fourth position allongé are full of "traps" for dancers. Whether you trained with a straight back leg or have never tried it before, Martin's analytical breakdown will help you master this basic but dazzling turn.
Michelle Martin's Tips to Master Pirouette en Dehors From Fourth Position Allongé
Michelle Martin, associate artistic director of Ballet Austin, says that pirouettes en dehors from fourth position allongé are full of “traps” for dancers. Whether you trained with a straight back leg or have never tried it before, Martin’s analytical breakdown will help you master this basic but dazzling turn.
Master Hops on Pointe: Karin Ellis-Wentz Demystifies One of Ballet's Trickiest Steps
"Hopping on pointe is a bit of a weird feeling," says Karin Ellis-Wentz, head of pre-professional programs at the Joffrey Academy of Dance in Chicago. But, she adds, it's a skill advanced dancers need "because it's in so many variations." Here, she takes us through the techniques and exercises that help her students master this necessary trick. The “Ginch” Before you can hop on pointe, says Karin Ellis- Wentz, "you have to find that 'ginched' position of the foot.
Master Hops on Pointe: Karin Ellis-Wentz Demystifies One of Ballet's Trickiest Steps
"Hopping on pointe is a bit of a weird feeling," says Karin Ellis-Wentz, head of pre-professional programs at the Joffrey Academy of Dance in Chicago. But, she adds, it's a skill advanced dancers need "because it's in so many variations." Here, she takes us through the techniques and exercises that help her students master this necessary trick. The “Ginch” Before you can hop on pointe, says Karin Ellis- Wentz, "you have to find that 'ginched' position of the foot.
Master Hops on Pointe: Karin Ellis-Wentz Demystifies One of Ballet's Trickiest Steps
“Hopping on pointe is a bit of a weird feeling,” says Karin Ellis-Wentz, head of pre-professional programs at the Joffrey Academy of Dance in Chicago. But, she adds, it’s a skill advanced dancers need “because it’s in so many variations.” Here, she takes us through the techniques and exercises that help her students master this necessary trick. The “Ginch” Before you can hop on pointe, says Karin Ellis- Wentz, “you have to find that ‘ginched’ position of the foot.
Pacific Northwest Ballet Principal Leta Biasucci On Overcoming Rejection
Your teacher at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Marcia Dale Weary, recently passed away. What impact did she have on you? I feel deeply indebted to her. She shaped my life's course, and I know that were it not for her, I would not be living out my dream today. She led by example through her remarkable commitment to her work, as well as her genuine kindness and generosity. You were a trainee with San Francisco Ballet. What was that experience like? It was an exposure to different schools of thought.
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