All Articles by Rainesford Alexandra

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Rainesford Alexandra

About Rainesford Alexandra

Rainesford Stauffer is a former dancer, and current writer, yogi, and student. She has been published by The Huffington Post and Forbes among others, and has given two TEDx Talks on learning. In addition to writing, Rainesford currently works in media for a dance-related organization, and looks for ways to bring the arts and academic learning together.

Recently, I had the opportunity to watch a master at work: I took photos at a Master Class taught by the one and only Edward Ellison, which meant I got to be a fly on the wall and soak up his words of wisdom. Among my favorites? “I want to see your fire.” It was…

While the Olympics only happen once every four years, they arm us with enough excitement and patriotism to last awhile: From Simone Biles staking her claim as the world’s foremost gymnast, Michael Phelps going out with a golden bang, and various records shattered by the world’s most exceptional athletes, the Summer 2016 Olympics were nothing…

There is no question that the life of a dancer is equal parts glamorous and grueling: Traveling, exposure to incredible artistic stimulation, emotionally enriching work, and the pursuit of one’s passion line up beside intense physical demands, unconventional schedules, and a career that operates on a traditionally shorter cycle than your average 9-to-5. Outside sheer…

Ballet and dance class typically isn’t offered in public academic schools in the United States, despite there being many potential benefits to the students. Let’s explore a few of those benefits, including increased arts exposure, physical activity and more.

In a world of arabesques and pirouettes, where do Downward Facing Dogs fit in? While Sun Salutations may not have a place at the barre, with cross-training and questions surrounding it remaining a hot topic in the ballet world, yoga can benefit dancers in a multitude of ways. Pilates is usually touted as being the…