An Ode to Dancing Moms
A Photographic Celebration of Ballerina Moms… Just in Time for Mother’s Day! Do you know a dancing or dance-loving mom? Take note! A moving collection of behind-the-scenes black-and-white photos of ballerina moms and their babies has recently been published–and it is gorgeous. The Collection, Balancing Acts: Three Prima Ballerinas Becoming Mothers, is the culmination of … Continue reading
Again From the Top! – Tips for Rehearsing Young Dancers for Body Memory
Seasoned Dancers and Teachers Know: The Body Has to Remember the Steps without the Mind’s Constant Input Before the Real Performance Can Begin An excerpt of NYC Ballet Principal Jennifer Ringer’s recent memoir is making the internet rounds. In it, Ringer describes the repetition a professional ballet dancer must go through to anchor all the … Continue reading
Tutus Old and Tutus New – Video Picks
Web Video Candy for Tutu Lovers Luckily for dance and costume aficionados, Vimeo and YouTube are filled with short, behind-the-scenes videos from dance companies around the globe. Here are two tutu treats–one showing the creation of a new costume for Firebird at Salt Lake City’s Ballet West… …and the other showing how New York … Continue reading
20 Pirouette Tips from the Rockettes
The Rockettes: Stunning Kicklines and Sparkly Costumes Galore… And a Modern Website with Great Tips for Dancers!! 20 Pirouette Tips for Dancers from Rockettes.com Check out the Original Post from The Rockettes Here. (All links within the 20 tips go back to related articles from Rockettes.com) Want to improve this dance move? Here are … Continue reading
Misty Copeland’s Picture Book
Misty Copeland is Keeping Her Name (and classical ballet) Hot with the Upcoming Publication of Her Children’s Book: Firebird Misty Copeland became a household name with her recent commercial for Under Armour….check out the end of this post if you haven’t seen the ad yet…and it looks like this ballerina’s fame is only expanding. I … Continue reading
Axis Dance Company
Did you know that there is an avenue of contemporary dance called “physically integrative dance”? San Francisco Bay Area’s AXIS Dance Company doesn’t just provide lip service to the phrase “anyone can dance”…they prove it every day. How do you combat the stereotypes, fear and general discomfort that can surround physical disabilities? Perhaps with a … Continue reading
5 Modern Dance Books
5 beautiful books to introduce dancers to modern dance, dance history and famous dance artists. Enjoy! The Human Alphabet ~Pilobolus “An alphabet made of… PEOPLE!” ~ A fun book for dancers young and old. Pilobolus dancers use their bodies and colorful costumes to make all the letters of the alphabet and a picture for each … Continue reading
Treasure Chest of Ailey Videos
Tonight I am attending a concert of my absolutely favorite dance company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Seeing a performance of Alvin Ailey is like coming home for me. You can bring Ailey inspiration wherever you have internet connection by watching excerpts of the company and their school on the richly populated Alvin Ailey Vimeo … Continue reading
Nutcracker Apps – For Apple & Android
Here are two apps–the first for Apple and Android, the second for Apple only–worthy of a child’s imagination. Nutcracker App #1 The Nutcracker Musical Storybook from Mouse King Media Find this App for: iPhone/iPad, Kindle, & Nook. The Nutcracker Musical Storybook is a gorgeous digital book with Edward Gorey-ish drawings, pleasingly simple animation on each page, and … Continue reading
In Celebration of National Tap Dance Day
National Tap Dance Day, celebrated on the birthday of legendary tapper Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, is May 25th…this Friday in 2012! How does one get a National Day named for something you love?? Well, it seems you need a representative in congress who is also excited about it. In 1989, Representative John Conyers of Michigan and … Continue reading