Tag: ballet

Pointe Shoe Fitting 101—for Men

Josephine Lee, resident pointe shoe expert at The Pointe Shop in California, has found perfect pairs for quite a few men. Are you a male dancer hoping to try pointework? Here are Lee’s tips for your first pointe shoe fitting appointment. Make sure the shank is hard enough. “Men typically weigh more than women, which […]

Why More and More Men Are Dancing on Pointe

Like many professional dancers, New York City Ballet’s Gilbert Bolden III is totally used to sharing pics and vids of his dancing on social media. But in the fall of 2018, the corps de ballet member hesitated before posting one particular clip. “I was extremely nervous the first time I posted a video of me […]

Dear Katie: How Important Are Private Dance Lessons?

In our “Dear Katie” series, Miami City Ballet soloist Kathryn Morgan answers your pressing dance questions. Have something you want to ask Katie? Email dearkatie@dancespirit.com for a chance to be featured! Dear Katie, Do I need private lessons? I’m a professional-track dancer, and my teachers say that I should start scheduling privates to advance more […]

5 Principal Dancers on the Ballet Steps That Still Challenge Them

Their technique might seem effortless onstage, but even the most seasoned ballet professionals have that one step that still drives them crazy. We asked five principal dancers to open up about the skills they still find challenging, and how they’re working to finesse them. Dana Benton as Kitri in Don Quixote (Francisco Estevez, courtesy Colorado […]

Dear Katie: Help! I Can't Figure Out My Dance "Performance Face"!

In our “Dear Katie” series, Miami City Ballet soloist Kathryn Morgan answers your pressing dance questions. Have something you want to ask Katie? Email dearkatie@dancespirit.com for a chance to be featured! Dear Katie, I can’t figure out my “performance face”! I’m either smiling too much or not smiling enough—and everything I do feels fake. How […]

The Washington Ballet's Maki Onuki Describes Her Path from Injury to Recovery

Maki Onuki has been with The Washington Ballet for a remarkable 14 seasons. She’s danced lead roles in almost every ballet in the company’s repertoire, from Serenade to Giselle, Swan Lake to Don Quixote, Le Corsaire to La Sylphide. This fall, Onuki was in rehearsal for TWB’s fall program, NEXTsteps, set to originate a role […]

Dear Katie: What Are the Best Street Shoes for Dancers?

In our “Dear Katie” series, Miami City Ballet soloist Kathryn Morgan answers your pressing dance questions. Have something you want to ask Katie? Email dearkatie@dancespirit.com for a chance to be featured! Dear Katie, What types of street shoes are good for dancers? I want to look cute—I’m not really a sneaker person—but I also want […]