All Articles by BalletHub

A demi plié is one of the most important movements in classical ballet.  Its the start and end of every jump, pirouette and is used between steps to look more fluid and protect the dancer from injury.  Since its so common, its important to have a really solid plié, and part of that is keeping…

Joffrey Ballet’s Beginnings In 1956, Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino formed an ensemble of six dancers to tour around the country to perform original ballets by Robert Joffrey himself.  Money wasn’t as abundant for them at the time, as they toured around in a station wagon that pulled a U-Haul trailer filled with costumes, supplies…

Finesse Finesse is required in ballet to look fluid, strong and in control all at the same time.  It also allows a ballet dancer to use their muscles efficiently.  Think of finesse as taking the quick route back home from work… Why take the longer way when you can get home using half the time…

If you have hyper-extended arms, this tip is especially for you!  In ballet, there are several positions of the arms that require them to be straight.  But you’ll find that its a common mistake for dancers with hyper-extended arms to go beyond the “straight” line they’re trying to achieve and into hyper-extension.  While it may…

It is a common mistake when doing a penché in ballet to lead with the upper body.  Since a penché is typically done in arabesque, a dancer can sometimes get caught up in trying to get their back leg to a 180 degree position and lead with their upper body in an effort to get…

Try to always keep your shoulders down.  Even when you are in fifth port de bras, they should be kept down and not scrunching upwards.  Sometimes a dancer may have raised shoulders because they’re concentrating too hard on trying to be in a good position or strong port de bras.  Relax and your position and…

Here’s a quick ballet technique tip: Remember to always keep your heels forward and turned out in relevé!  Keeping your heels forward, instead of back behind your toes, allows for a stronger position and better line.  It may help to think of your feet and ankles as puzzle pieces that need to connect together.  If…

BalletHub: Thanks for joining us today Stephen! To start off, how did you get started with ballet? Stephen Mills: I was raised in a small town in Kentucky where exposure to art and performances were confined to school activities. Because I was interested in music, my mother found a woman to teach me piano. Music…

BalletHub: Thanks for joining us today Quinn! To start off, how did you first get involved with ballet and dance? Quinn B Wharton: I began dancing when I was 6 years old. I was put into classes that my best friend at the time was taking, an after school activity. In the beginning it was…

BalletHub: Thanks for joining us today on BalletHub Valentina! After an exciting international performing career spanning 22 years, it’s safe to say you have a lot of knowledge to pass on to the next generation of dancers. Did you always have the plan to open your own school and how did you come to the…