by Gavin Larsen | Nov 3, 2023 | Pointe+, Training
Like anything in life, ballet is not immune to trends, not even when it comes to variations. And when the competition circuit gives a certain variation high visibility—usually following a winner’s standout performance—suddenly it seems to be everyone’s favorite,...
by Gavin Larsen | Apr 28, 2023 | Pointe+, Training
In her early teens, Claire Solis was a top student in her small school in upstate New York, and she had big ambitions. “There was never a doubt in my mind that I was going to be a principal dancer,” she remembers. Confident in how her future would play out, she...
by Katie Slattery | Mar 1, 2023 | Pointe+, Training
Let me open by saying that I admire you—choosing to enter a ballet competition must be daunting. I never had the opportunity myself, and in some ways, I am really relieved by that. My self-confidence was an issue when I was young, and I think I would have gone in with...
by Catja Christensen | Jun 7, 2022 | The Latest
The ninth Helsinki International Ballet Competition came to a close on Monday, June 6, with a celebratory gala and awards ceremony at the Finnish National Opera and Ballet. Sixty-two dancers representing 16 countries participated throughout the week of competitions,...
by Kyra Laubacher | May 29, 2022 | The Latest
Canceled twice during the pandemic, the ninth Helsinki International Ballet Competition is back. Held May 30–June 6, excitement is running high as this year’s competitors gear up for a week of intense training and performances. Of the 68 international competitors, 19...
by Claudia Bauer | Mar 15, 2022 | Training
If practice makes perfect, will more rehearsal lead to more-perfect performances? It’s natural to think that working harder—the ballet dancer’s go-to solution—will give you an edge when competition medals, scholarships, company contracts and coveted roles are on the...
by Kathryn Holmes | Oct 7, 2021 | Training
One of the most important moments in your competitive ballet career happens months—if not years—before you take the stage. Choosing the right classical variation can make or break your performance. Whether you’re given free rein or you’re selecting from a curated...
by Amy Brandt | Jul 13, 2021 | News, The Latest, Training
When the coronavirus pandemic shut down the world in March of 2020, dance leaders acted quickly, exploring the possibilities of virtual training and performances. Ballet competitions were no exception. When Audrianna Broad, president and artistic director of the...