Tag: pointe

The Farewell—But Not Yet Goodbye—of Wendy Whelan

Forget fall galas, forget back-to-school, forget television season premieres: The highlight—no!—the most important event of this fall will be Wendy Whelan’s farewell performance with New York City Ballet. The longtime principal will bid adieu October 18, program TBA. Whelan with former NYCB principal Sébastien Marcovici in George Balanchine’s Agon. Photo by Paul Kolnik Before you […]

Ballet at the Tribeca Film Festival

A still of Justin Peck in rehearsal from Ballet 422, via TribecaFilm.com. New York City Ballet has a big spring coming up—and not only because of the new JR piece in the works. Ballet 422, the documentary about NYCB dancer and choreographer Justin Peck, will make its debut at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival in […]

Dancers' Date Night: Ballet at the Movies

Mark your calendars: The Royal Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty will be broadcast in movie theaters nationwide on Thursday, March 20 at 7 pm. Whether you go with your main squeeze or make it a night on the town with the gals, the chance to watch Sarah Lamb as Aurora will not disappoint. Sarah Lamb with Steven […]

Am I Ready for Pointe?

Nothing compares to that magical moment when your teacher says you’re ready for your first pair of pointe shoes. I remember bursting out of the studio doors, clutching a precious piece of paper with the phone number of the nearest pointe shoe fitter. Finally, my years of hard work had paid off! Ever wonder why […]

Limp Biscuits

Pennsylvania Ballet soloist Gabriella Yudenich says she didn’t grow up with perfect feet—but she made the best of what she had. (Paul Kolnik) “I grew up in a ballet family—my mom and dad were principals with Pennsylvania Ballet—so I found out pretty early that I didn’t have the best feet,” says PAB soloist Gabriella Yudenich. […]

Wrap Artist

(L to R) Devant (pointed), devant (wrapped) and relaxed (Erin Baiano) Sur le cou-de-pied (French for “on the neck of the foot”) can be so confusing. Sometimes it’s wrapped. Sometimes it’s not wrapped. Sometimes it’s relaxed; other times, fully pointed. You’ll probably be asked to do all of its various versions at some point in […]

On Balance: How to Nail Long Balances

Few things top that jaw-dropping moment when a ballerina hits a balance—and just stays. And when you’re over your leg and in control, balancing can look (and feel) so easy. But if you’re unsure of yourself and tense, you’ll be facing some nerve-racking moments onstage. Follow these tips from the pros to improve your balances. […]

Hop to It!

Photo of New York City Ballet’s Lauren King demonstrating hopping on pointe. Photo by Nathan Sayers. You’re at a performance of Giselle, watching the ballerina hop on pointe during her Act I variation like it’s the most natural thing in the world. But when you get into class the next day and try it yourself, […]