Learning Beyond Class

Ballet is a wonderfully challenging form of exercise. But what else do you do to stay fit when you’re not in the studio? Jog at sunrise? Or do you prefer downward dog? Professionals and novices alike do well to maintain a fitness regimen outside the world of…

During my teen years, my second home (besides the studio), was the library. I immersed myself in ballet culture: memoirs, how-to’s, encyclopedic histories of dance companies, even Angelina Ballerina, for crying out loud. While this list is by no means a definitive…

Mornings can be rough, but there are simple stretches you can do to start the day off right. If your first inclination is to reach for the coffee, try these 3 exercises instead to get your mojo going. 1. Cambré Cambré is the perfect morning stretch. Start by placing…

A good warmup is like a good breakfast: simple, healthy, and prepares you for the rest of your day (or class). Here’s 5 tips for a better warmup. 1. Arrive early. Stuff happens, and sometimes we’re late to class. But if this becomes routine for you, you’re missing out…

So you’re not a kid anymore. You don’t bounce back from a tumble down the stairs, you don’t have lightning fast metabolism, and you wake up each morning with newfound aches and pains. You love going to ballet class, but you’re feeling your age and you don’t…

Summer is here, and ballet can help you stay in shape. If you’re desperate to flaunt your new bikini but you want to trim up, these three exercises will help you reach your goals. 1. Pliés Got saddlebags? Pliés are a foolproof way to stronger, leaner…

If you feel like you’re in a rut, or could use a creative boost, there are ways to get inspired. Ballet has many artistic elements to appreciate. Here’s a list of things you can do for a jolt of inspiration. . .

Learning the best way to stretch for ballet class can be confusing since there are so many different opinions on the subject. Your peers may swear by a certain method, when your teacher . . .

Life can be hectic, and it can be difficult to stay in shape. Keeping up with your ballet technique can seem overwhelming. But you don’t have to go to class everyday to benefit from . . .

Whether you’re enrolled in a class, or just want to vary your fitness routine, there are simple ballet exercises you can practice at home. If you don’t own a ballet barre, use the back of a chair, or a counter top for support. Also, you’ll want . . .

Doing a warm-up before class is essential to your health and performance. The purpose of a warm-up is to prepare your body for the physical demands of class. It increases body temperature, improves flexibility, and …