by Amy Brandt | Feb 9, 2020 | Ask Amy, Higher Ed, Training
How can I find out which companies would be interested in hiring more mature dancers who have graduated from college, and possibly graduate school, but are still looking to pursue a professional career in ballet? —Katherine Earning a degree before entering a company...
by Amy Brandt | Jan 29, 2020 | Ask Amy, Training
How should I wash and dry my tights? Any tips for making them last longer? —Cheyenne Treating your tights with a little TLC when you clean them can help extend their life. The safest method is to handwash them in the sink with cold water and a gentle detergent. But...
by Amy Brandt | Jan 14, 2020 | Ask Amy, Technique, Training
I am a competitive ballet dancer. Currently I’m dancing the third Odalisque variation from Le Corsaire and want to know how to master quadruple turns. Any suggestions? —Anonymous The first step towards mastering a quadruple turn is having a clean, consistent...
by Amy Brandt | Nov 20, 2019 | Ask Amy, Career, Training
I recently didn’t get a part I really wanted and have been rethinking my career choice since then. I just don’t feel the same excitement about dance anymore. I don’t know how to get it back or if—it feels horrible saying this—I should just quit....
by Amy Brandt | Nov 12, 2019 | Ask Amy, Health & Body, Technique
I have very tapered Morton’s toes (longer second toes). My big toe joints are about a half centimeter shorter than my second and third toe joints, so I have a terrible time finding stability on demi-pointe. My weight lands on that second toe joint, which is...
by Amy Brandt | Oct 9, 2019 | Ask Amy, Higher Ed, Training, Trending
I’m a college freshman, and my dance program isn’t challenging enough. We only have ballet three times a week and a few hours of modern, and my classmates aren’t as dedicated as I am. There’s a small dance company nearby, where I was hoping to...
by Amy Brandt | Aug 5, 2019 | Ask Amy, Health & Body, Wellness
I’m a dancer who is currently injured and unable to walk a lot. My physical therapist and my massage therapist are giving me opposite instructions. My PT believes that I should do her exercises, even if they cause some of the “bad pain,” and take...
by Amy Brandt | Jul 16, 2019 | Ask Amy, Training
Do you have any tips for starting at a new studio? How can I impress the teachers and make friends? —Jaclyn Being the new dancer is never easy, but hopefully you’ll be able to make a quick transition. Friendliness always helps break the ice, so make an...