Society Hill Dance Academy

While it is important for ballet students to take regular classes to achieve the posture, flexibility and balance required for ballet, some types of exercises - particularly strengthening and flexibility exercises - can be performed everyday at home.

As a ballet or tap dancer, knowing how to put your limbs exactly where they need to be is a necessity that's worked on in all classes. Even boys going through an awkward growth phase can still gain valuable coordination from dancing.

Avoid eating heavy meals before going to dance class. As an alternative, enjoy a small, high-energy snack. These may include fruit, yogurt or nuts. Be sure to always keep these snacks on-hand.

What is the most favorite ballet of all times? Swan Lake. By far, Swan Lake is still a favorite with audiences around the world - followed by Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, Serenade, Don Quixote and Sleeping Beauty.

Why do ballet dancers always bend at the knee after small and large jumps? A flexible slightly bent knee will help to absorb the shock of the jump and reduce risks for injuries in addition to wear on the dancer's body.

If there's something you are not grasping during dance class, do not be afraid to ask the teacher. That's what we are there for - to give you the best experience possible and to help you become a skilled dancer.

Do male ballet dancers ever dance en pointe? In some instances they do, especially for roles in specific ballet performances such as the Ballet Trockadero and The Dream. Male ballet dancers often take part in pointe training in order to further strengthen their foot arch as well.

Did you know that children who take dance classes and go on to compete are learning valuable life lessons? Not only do they have a healthy outlet for competitive feelings, they'll also learn good sportsmanship.

Feel free to learn at your own pace. You may not be able to grasp dance moves as fast as others, but this is okay at first. Just have fun and try your best. With plenty of practice, you'll get on-track.

Dancing, because it is a cardiovascular exercise, will improve your endurance, which is the ability of your muscles to work hard without becoming fatigued. Line and ballroom dancing are especially good for building endurance.

Dancing, because it requires you to remember steps, patterns and routines, is great for your brain. It can keep you quick and alert as well because cardiovascular activity gives you energy. Way to go, smarty pants!

Tap dance has long been a part of the American cultural tapestry. Its popularity was driven in part by such famous personalities as Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, and Shirley Temple.