by Amy Brandt | Nov 3, 2020 | Ask Amy, Health & Body
A large chunk of my big toenail broke off. How long may it take to heal, and what precautions should I take while dancing? —Lauren Ouch. Losing a toenail is no fun. According to Dr. Alan Woodle, a podiatrist who has worked with Pacific Northwest Ballet, a big toenail...
by Amy Brandt | Sep 20, 2020 | Ask Amy, Training
I am thinking about pursuing a career in ballet. However, my parents have made it clear that at some point they want me to get a job, which they acknowledge would mean possibly dropping dance, or at least not taking as many classes. I agree that getting a job is...
by Amy Brandt | Sep 2, 2020 | Ask Amy, Career, Training
I’m 5′ 11″. A répétiteur told me that I was too tall for the work she was setting because tall people can’t move fast. This was before she had ever seen me attempt the movement. Why is that still an acceptable reason not to cast someone?...
by Amy Brandt | Aug 10, 2020 | Ask Amy, Training
I’m 14, and I feel totally stable and on my box on my right foot on pointe. But my left foot? Not so much. How can I fix the problem of being on one box and not all the way on the other? —Summer I spoke with Judy Weiss, master pointe shoe fitter for Grishko USA,...
by Amy Brandt | Jul 7, 2020 | Ask Amy, Cross-Training, Health & Body
I’m consistently out of breath when I do petit allégro. Any suggestions on how to efficiently improve my stamina? —Kristin There are some simple things you can do to improve your petit allégro stamina. According to Lauren McIntyre, ATC, athletic trainer and...
by Amy Brandt | May 28, 2020 | Ask Amy, Career, Company Life
I just scored a second company contract and will be taking daily class with the main company starting in the fall. I’m excited, but worried about knowing where to stand at barre. How can I figure that out without taking other dancers’ places? —Carolyn...
by Amy Brandt | May 11, 2020 | Ask Amy, Career, Training
Sometimes when I perform, I get wrapped up in my nerves and make sloppy technical mistakes—things that I don’t have trouble with in rehearsal. Are there ways to combat this? —Laura You’re not alone—even seasoned professionals struggle with nerves onstage....
by Amy Brandt | Apr 29, 2020 | Ask Amy, Training
My daughter is 14 and just started a different ballet school in France. She comes from a strong Russian technique and seems to be struggling between schools and keeps saying she is losing her placement. Do you have any advice on how she can keep her strengths of one...