By the Sunday evening of a long convention weekend, you can expect to be thoroughly exhausted and a little sore. But you shouldn’t leave the hotel ballroom actually hurt. Although conventions can be filled with magical opportunities, the potential for injury is higher than usual. Keep your body safe: Watch out for these four common […]

I have to admit, I’ve had a wonderful career. I’ve danced with The Royal Ballet and The Joffrey Ballet, done a stint on the West End in An American in Paris, played the Snow Cavalier in Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms with Misty Copeland, and will soon be performing as Older Billy in […]

As a student, Katherine Barkman competed in several prestigious ballet competitions, and even won first place at the Youth America Grand Prix in Philadelphia. But at age 21, already a guest principal dancer with Ballet Manila, she decided to return to the competition stage as a professional. She found herself humbled by an experience at […]

Whether you’ve just started on the circuit or you’re already the proud owner of several medals, dance competitions can be nerve-wracking. How can you make the most of the experience? Three former comp kids who’ve gone on to find major success in their careers shared their top tips. Ryan Steele, Broadway performer: Photo by Lee […]

By itself, a competition trophy won’t really prepare you for professional life. Sometimes it is not even a plus. “Some directors are afraid that a kid who wins a lot of medals will come to their company with too many expectations,” says Youth America Grand Prix artistic director Larissa Saveliev. “Directors want to mold young […]

How do I deal with a jealous clique of dancers who resent my success at competitions and talk behind my back? The negativity takes away my joy of dancing. —J.C., New York, NY Insecurity often brings out the worst in people, especially if they feel less accomplished than you. But no one can rob you […]