Tag: competition

Competition Confidence

Competition dancers work hard to polish their routines. But when they’re finally backstage on the big day, even the veterans can start to doubt themselves. Below, nine professional dancers (all former comp kids!) share the tricks they use to keep cool in these crucial moments. Joey Dowling at NYCDA in 1995 Joey Dowling, master teacher/choreographer […]

Jayci Kalb

Jayci performing her solo at The 2011 Dance Awards in NYC. (courtesy The Dance Awards) At just 14 years old, Jayci Kalb is already living the competition dancer’s dream: She’s performed solos choreographed by convention kings Travis Wall and Nick Lazzarini, she regularly walks away from Nationals with a top title and she spends her […]

"Dance Moms: Night of the Living Dancers" Recap

Oh “Dance Moms,” the show we all love to hate—or love to love, in my case. So starting now, I’ll be recapping the best of Abby Lee Dance Company every week! Last night’s episode brought the dancers and their moms to Chicago for Energy Dance Competition. Tension was high, the dancing was awesome and, as […]

Be First in Line for First Position

It’s official: First Position is now playing in a theater near you, and it may just be your new favorite dance movie (look out, Center Stage). If you haven’t heard about this awesome documentary, here’s the gist: The film follows insanely talented young ballet dancers for a year as they prepare for and compete in […]

Dancing with Diabetes

Olivia Mendez (By Kyla Heinz) Olivia Mendez, 15, has a big dream: She wants to become a professional commercial dancer one day. And with her charm, impressive work ethic and passion for dance, she seems well on her way. But there’s more to Olivia than meets the eye: She has type 1 diabetes, which means […]

The 7 Best Moves for Your Dancer Bod

If you’re traveling and can’t make it to a dance class—or even to the hotel gym—that doesn’t mean you have to skip your workout. DS asked four fitness pros who specialize in dance for their favorite dancer-specific exercises. These moves will keep you toned all over, and none of them require any props or equipment. […]

Ready, Set, Nationals!

Dancers perform at New York City Dance Alliance Nationals in NYC (PROPIX/NYCDA) The week leading up to Nationals can be nerve-racking. You’re about to perform in front of an audience of peers from across the country—not to mention that panel of industry-expert judges! So how can you make sure you’re ready to compete, without psyching […]

Kym Johnson's Take on DWTS Season 14 (and The Urkel)

It’s “Dancing with the Stars” day! Season 14 premieres tonight, and—with some studly stars and our favorite ballroom ladies and gents fighting for that Mirror Ball Trophy—it’s definitely going to be a good one. To start off the season right, DS got the inside scoop from “DWTS” pro Kym Johnson about her expectations for partner […]