by Amy Brandt | Jun 6, 2023 | Ask Amy, Pointe+, Training
I take dance because I enjoy it, but everyone else is making a future for themselves and improving more because it is the only thing they want to do. How can I not feel self-conscious of my lower level, even if it was my choice? And, on that note, how can I still be a...
by Amy Brandt | Feb 8, 2023 | Pointe+, Summer Study, Training
I’ve just learned that I’ve been accepted to two summer intensives, and the deadlines to give them an answer and to put down a deposit is coming up. However, I still have a few more schools I want to audition for, including one at my dream company, that fall after...
by Amy Brandt | Jul 27, 2022 | Ask Amy, Training
I’ve always felt more comfortable doing everything on my left side. I’m worried because all classical variations are done on the right side, and I’m wondering if I should just ditch practicing things on my left and work overtime on my right? My dance...
by Amy Brandt | Aug 24, 2021 | Ask Amy, Top Stories, Training
I started pointe several months ago—a year behind my classmates—and am still doing échappés, relevés and balances in the center. My teacher, however, is now encouraging me to do pirouettes and more complicated turns on pointe. When should I start doing complex...
by Amy Brandt | Mar 23, 2021 | Ask Amy, Ask Amy, Instagram
I have a good friend in my ballet class. We’ve always been about the same level, but this year, she suddenly advanced to the top of the class while I’m left behind somewhere in the middle. My teacher praises her for almost every single exercise, and to see...
by Amy Brandt | Jan 19, 2021 | Ask Amy, Training
My school is connected to a professional company that operates on a show-to-show basis. Students can audition for company performances when they’re 15. My 15th birthday is in February, and I think that our directors are choosing people to participate in virtual...
by Amy Brandt | Nov 24, 2020 | Ask Amy, Technique
I have a terrible fear of falling when doing turns on pointe. I sometimes cry in class when we have to do new turns that I’m not used to. I can only do bad singles on a good day, while some of my classmates are doing doubles and triples. How can I get over this...
by Amy Brandt | Nov 12, 2020 | Ask Amy, Technique
I went through a growth spurt recently, and my coordination feels a bit off, like I’m not connected to the rest of my body. How can I work through this? —Sarah Growth spurts can be pretty disruptive. I remember how gangly and uncoordinated I felt in eighth...