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’m a solid dancer and performer, but I’m not good at the traditionally impressive “tricks.” I’m not a crazy turner or jumper, […]
Studio dancers hoping to join a college dance team have a lot to prepare for: The skills required include advanced acrobatics and technical feats. If you’re looking to earn a spot on the roster of your dream team, you’ll definitely want to get a head start on tackling these difficult moves. “Each year, the Universal […]
It’s the ultimate groan-inducing moment: A dancer’s graceful contemporary piece is going off without a hitch—her technique is flawless, her lines are pristine—but all of a sudden, she’s taking four counts to walk to the upstage corner, narrowing her eyes in preparation. She might as well be yelling, “A TRICK SEQUENCE IS COMING.” And she’s […]
Grace Gerring, a former member of the 14-time National Championship–winning University of Minnesota Dance Team, shows off one of the team’s signature moves. All photos by Steve Lucas. 1) Prep by stepping on your right leg, arms down and back slightly… 2) …and then Step Forward on your left leg, coming into fourth position plié, […]
JAKOB SAYS: “The key to the perfect layout is timing. Your head and leg need to hit the final position at the same time, so your développé shouldn’t start to move past attitude until your head is already on its way back. It’s like firing a slingshot.” Prepare… …Développé… …BAM! Photography by Joe Toreno