Search results for: Hamilton

Former New York City Ballet dancer Linda Hamilton, Ph.D., is a lecturer, a psychologist in private practice, and the author of Advice for Dancers (Jossey-Bass). She has been offering advice to DANCE MAGAZINE readers since 1992. My dream is to perform in a contemporary dance company. To pay for dance classes, I work as an […]

Former New York City Ballet dancer Linda Hamilton, Ph.D., is a lecturer, a psychologist in private practice, and the author of Advice for Dancers (Jossey-Bass). She has been offering advice to Dance Magazine readers since 1992. My schedule is insane! I’m taking three dance classes a day, working evening shifts as a waitress, and have […]

I often read your responses to girls who feel they need to lose weight. My problem is that I need to gain it! I’ve always been skinny, no matter how much I eat. I have pasta, peanut butter, chicken, fish, and ice cream, not to mention healthy stuff like cereal, fruits, and vegetables. Nothing works; […]

This year my career has taken off. I’ve got challenging roles back-to-back, plus great guesting gigs. But instead of feeling happy, I’m becoming cranky and irritable. I think, eat, and dream of ballet. What’s wrong? —Dancer on the Go, New York, NY   Welcome to success! I’m sure you wouldn’t trade it for the back […]

The other day I jammed my big toe into the floor doing quick ronds de jambe à terre. Strangely, this happened on both sides of the barre, causing a sharp pain as each big toe bent backwards. Did this occur from switching to softer split-sole canvas slippers? Or is it the result of the bunions […]

I’m at the advanced level in my dance school and want very much to be a professional dancer. I know I need to work hard to get a job in a dance company. How do I become special? I don’t want to be a mediocre dancer. —Determined, Cleveland, OH   Self-discipline, talent, good training and […]

Many dancers in our company are on overdrive. They work morning to night until they get injured. Others barely perform, then dance a great role, get injured, and are out for months. How can I avoid the same trap? I’m not sure how to do it other than going to the gym and taking class. […]

What can I do to stop muscle cramps? Sometimes they hit me in the middle of the night and hurt for days. Or they happen when I’m dancing or working in class. Is this normal? Cramped NYC You’re not alone. Nearly every dancer has had muscle spasms wake them out of a deep sleep or […]