Ask Amy

Ask Amy

No matter what I try, I have trouble turning. What exer­cises can I do to improve my pirouettes? What should I think about when I’m turning? —Kiana, CA Turns are tricky—there’s a lot of room for things to go wrong. For me, I’ve learned that I have to...
Ask Amy: Training During Time Off

Ask Amy: Training During Time Off

I’m going on a month-long vacation this summer, and I’m afraid I’m going to lose my technique. How can I stay in shape if I’m not taking class? —Clara, WI A month is a long time to go without taking class—I usually give myself a week or two after a heavy season to...
Ask Amy: Training During Time Off

Cross-Training for Technique

When San Francisco Ballet soloist Elizabeth Miner found herself huffing and puffing through David Bintley’s The Dance House, she knew it was time to increase her cross-training. “The piece was nonstop,” says Miner. “Just running it was not enough. I needed to build my...