by Amy Brandt | Sep 30, 2015 | Company Life
I’m interested in eventually pursuing a career in the arts after I’m done dancing. What kinds of jobs are there in a ballet company besides the artistic director and teachers? —Kat A ballet company is just like any other business—outside of its...
by Amy Brandt | May 31, 2015 | Company Life
I have strong pirouettes on pointe, but as soon as I try fouettés, I’m a mess. I can’t seem to do more than a few without falling out of my turns. What can I do to get my fouettés under control? — Tess In doing fouettés, the pirouette is only part of the equation. If...
by Amy Brandt | Feb 1, 2015 | Company Life
I can’t attend all of the auditions I want to go to this spring. What should I include in a video audition? — Carrie When putting together an audition video, follow a few ground rules: Keep it concise, professional-looking and relevant to the company you’re sending it...
by Amy Brandt | Nov 20, 2014 | Company Life
My parents don’t want to pay for a summer intensive. Should I try to convince them that the training is worth the extra money, or should I just work really hard at my home studio all summer? —Emily Summer intensives certainly aren’t cheap, but they can be incredibly...
by Amy Brandt | Sep 30, 2014 | Company Life
While my teacher has been away on maternity leave, I’ve bonded with two guest teachers who’ve displayed interest in me and given me helpful corrections. Do you have any tips on how to adjust when my teacher comes back? —Casey Once you’ve worked with dance teachers...
by Amy Brandt | Jul 27, 2014 | Company Life
My dance teacher always tells me to connect my arms to my back. What does this mean, and how can I do it? —Sherry It took me a long time to figure this out, too. The key is to not think of the arm as a separate appendage starting at the top of the shoulder—otherwise...
by Margaret Fuhrer | Jun 1, 2014 | Features, Inside PT, Profiles
Raven Wilkinson was the first African American woman to dance full-time with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, which she joined in 1955. A gifted artist, she nevertheless faced difficulties while on tour with the company—particularly in the Deep South—because of her...
by Amy Brandt | Jun 1, 2014 | Company Life
I’m often cast in turning roles, which I love. But especially after fouettés, my left knee is sore, and it feels like the muscles are inflamed. Should I be worried? —Claudia I asked Dr. William Hamilton, a New York City orthopedic surgeon who specializes in dance...