female teacher wearing all black coaching a young dancer performing an arabesque in class

How to Conquer Quick, Complex Footwork

Dancers of nearly every genre need fleet feet for dazzling, pyrotechnic­ footwork. But complex, quick footwork tests almost all the technical skills that dancers strive for—balance, coordination, speed, strength—and can also be a mental game, requiring intense­ focus and the right combination of freedom and precision.

woman holding her head and neck in pain

Common Head and Neck Injuries Dancers Need to Take Seriously

While head and neck injuries are often associated with contact sports like football or ice hockey, they can also be a real problem for dancers. Falling out of a lift and hitting your head, getting kicked or elbowed in a crowded rehearsal, or bumping your head on a prop or scenery could lead to a concussion or serious neck injury.

5 Ways to Boost Your Stamina for Better Endurance

Sometimes you’re thrown a big opportunity mid-season—but aren’t always given all the rehearsal you need to fully prep for it. At Houston Ballet, for instance, there are often 12 casts of Sugar Plum, according to ballet master Amy Fote. That means some dancers might only get one full run before performing the role. But not […]