Classical Ballet Coaching By Skype/FaceTime/Video Analysis

The RAD method of teaching brisès is wrong. Sorry if that’s harsh, but it is simply wrong.

The basic RAD brisè is a linear movement, brushing the leg to the side. The RAD brisès voleè is a circular movement. The former does not prepare you for the latter; it is a waste of time.

Not only that, the RAD brisès voleè is needlessly difficult. The Russian/American voleè is easier, just as exciting, and the simple brisè prepares you for the more complex movement; the only difference is you land on one leg.

If the legs don’t cross those aren’t beats!

For Heaven’s sake, teach these things properly.

Why do retired ballet dancers take over ballet companies, and instantly say they going to concentrate on more contemporary dance?

The depth of your demi pliè has nothing to do with the length of your Achilles tendon. I have a deep demi, but not a long Achilles. I have a student with a very long Achilles, but a very shallow demi.

Your calf muscles and the structure of your ankles determine the depth of your demi pliè.

Dancers! Stop hitting your legs! It does not relax your muscles, it does the opposite! Your body interprets that as an attack, and tenses the muscles. Aside from that, it just looks stupid.

If your “choreography” mainly consists of great dancers doing lots of pirouettes, you are a fraud.

This came across my Instagram. All the comments- I didn’t make one- were about how beautiful that arabesque is.

It’s awful.

So much choreography is self indulgent crap, steps the choreographer likes to do, that feel good on their body, completely ignoring whether or not it looks good on anyone else.

Why, in the name of all that’s holy, do people choreograph awkward lifts? If you don’t understand partnering, find someone who does!

There is nothing right about winging your foot. Nothing. It’s not properly pointed, it doesn’t look good from every angle- a properly pointed foot does- it twists the ankle, which can cause shin splints, tight calves and Achilles tendinitis, it cuts your jump because the leg and foot have not been fully activated and, if you land with a winged foot, you will destroy your foot, ankle, knee and back.

How can you say a pointe shoe is properly fitted, if the dancer doesn’t know if they can roll up and down in it?

I can just hear my old Russian teachers: Why are you not looking where you are going?