by Kristyn Brady | Nov 22, 2016 | Cross-Training, Health & Body
Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancer Lesley Rausch says she did plenty of curls to tone her arms ahead of her summer wedding, but her physical therapist gave her another way to use those light free-weights that had a major impact on her jumps in the studio....
by Pointe Magazine | Oct 12, 2016 | Training
This story originally appeared in the October/November 2016 issue of Pointe. As told to Nicole Loeffler-Gladstone and Madeline Schrock What was life like at the Vaganova Ballet Academy? Photo by Erik Tomasson, Courtesy SFB. Gabrielle Perkins, ABT Studio Company...
by Amy Brandt | Sep 28, 2016 | Ask Amy, Technique, Training
I can’t seem to get off the ground in petit allégro. Help! —Sara Developing ballon begins with basic technique: correct alignment throughout the body, strong core and leg muscles, a deep plié, and proper articulation of the feet during push-...
by Nicole Loeffler-Gladstone | Aug 22, 2016 | Company Life
National Ballet of Canada’s Emma Hawes swims to strengthen her loose shoulder joints (photo by Daniel Neuhaus) Every dancer has their own cross-training regime, tailored to their workload, injury prevention, rehab or particular roles. It’s up to you to...
by Gavin Larsen | Mar 31, 2016 | Training
This story originally appeared in the April/May 2016 issue of Pointe. Deciding to pursue a career in dance is huge. But even with your eyes firmly on your goal, figuring out the best track to get you there can be confusing and stressful. What school to go to, which...
by Hannah Foster | Mar 31, 2016 | Training, Wellness
This story originally appeared in the April/May 2016 issue of Pointe. Suddenly, all I could see in the mirror was a fuzzy, dancer-shaped outline. I had accidentally rubbed out my contacts right before pliés and, frustrated, resigned myself to an unproductive two...
by Madeline Schrock | Mar 10, 2016 | Company Life
Abdominal strength is essential for any ballerina. A connected core can turn an otherwise wobbly dancer with arms and legs askew into one with supported extensions and smooth movement. But ab work is about more than just standard crunches and planks. The internal and...
by Ashley Rivers | Nov 24, 2015 | Summer Study, Training
This story originally appeared in the December 2015/January 2016 issue of Pointe. By the time Washington Ballet dancer Andile Ndlovu was finishing his training in South Africa, he faced a risky decision. After attending a ballet competition in 2008, he received...