Tag: perspective

WATCH: Yannick Boquin on connecting barre with center, and using the arms to your advantage

May 13, 2017

We’ve shared Yannick Boquin’s insights about dancing and teaching a few times on this blog, but it always feels like something’s missing when we talk about ballet in pure text form. So Yannick and thought maybe we’d put together a video where you can actually see what he’s talking about! One of the things we wanted … More WATCH: Yannick Boquin on connecting barre with center, and using the arms to your advantage

Monks and ballet: an unlikely (but fruitful) combination

March 14, 2017

Have you ever wondered what monks look like while dancing ballet? Well search no further, because the answer lies just below. What a surprise it was to have this opportunity to choreograph a ballet on the monks of Plum Village. I won’t say too much, because the video speaks for itself, but suffice it to say … More Monks and ballet: an unlikely (but fruitful) combination

Another perspective on leaving the ballet world: Chloe Shelby

October 22, 2016

So, I just the left the world of dance. And you’ve heard my story. But there are lots of other stories out there, often untold to the dance world. Or worse, misunderstood. When we are involved in an endeavor that has required such dedication to reach our level, it can be hard to understand why … More Another perspective on leaving the ballet world: Chloe Shelby

Julia Rowe on being promoted to soloist at San Francisco Ballet

October 20, 2016

I’m a little slow on the uptake here, since Julia was named soloist several months ago, but I wanted to dig into what it means to be promoted – especially at such a revered company as San Francisco Ballet. Promotions are some of the most sought after things in our world. After years of toiling in the … More Julia Rowe on being promoted to soloist at San Francisco Ballet

5 perspectives on the life of a professional ballet dancer

May 7, 2016

What is it like to be a dancer? What do we strive for? What do we fear? In my previous article, I wrote about my perspective of the pursuit of perfection in a ballet dancer’s life, and about what that might entail. I got a great response from all of you, but it made me wonder: “How … More 5 perspectives on the life of a professional ballet dancer

Why the ancient greeks are the best ballet dancers: a brief look at Stoicism

April 2, 2016

A few months ago, Sports Illustrated released an article entitled: “How a book on stoicism became wildly popular at every level of the NFL.” This article detailed how The Obstacle is the Way, a book about the benefits of applying the ancient greek philosophy of Stoicism to life in the modern world, has spread throughout the NFL, including football … More Why the ancient greeks are the best ballet dancers: a brief look at Stoicism

Five differences between American and European ballet

March 10, 2016

Are you a ballet dancer in America interested in hopping over the Atlantic and getting a job dancing in Europe? Or vice-versa? Do your homework first, and have an idea of what you’re getting yourself into. The professional dance world in Europe, while similar to America, is of a different breed, and it does’t always … More Five differences between American and European ballet