Sidelined by Injury? Try This Tip to Put Your Recovery in Perspective
I thought I’d be fine after undergoing successful surgery to repair a torn ankle ligament. Instead, I’m depressed and hopeless that I’m still not able to perform. My therapist tells me I’m making good...
View ArticleIs Spinning Safe for Dancers?
I developed the habit of taking seven spin classes a week during my summer break. It’s been great for my endurance, but my muscles are looking bulkier in ballet. Is spinning bad for dancers? —Ashley,...
View ArticleWhy Are Dancers More Flexible on Some Days Than Others?
I’ve noticed that my flexibility, which is pretty good, varies throughout the company’s season. Why does this happen, and what can I do about it? —Jillian, Brooklyn, NY Several factors affect...
View ArticleThe Housing Equation: How to Move Out or Find Better Roommates
My noisy roommates are driving me crazy, but I can’t handle the cost of an apartment on my own. I’m trying to make money by catering between dance classes and performing. I’m also looking into...
View ArticleDoes Being Hypermobile Change How You Heal?
I had to stop physical therapy for a chronic subluxing knee after suffering a second-degree leg burn from spilling hot cooking oil. I’ve been to the doctor, used antibiotic cream, and washed and...
View ArticleHow to Recover from an #AuditionFail
My nerves have been a mess since auditioning for a Nutcracker my teacher recommended me for. I freaked out because I was afraid to disappoint her. I didn’t get hired, although my audition material is...
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If You're Prone to Stress Fractures, You May Be Deficient in This Essential...
Why do I keep getting stress fractures? I menstruate normally, dance on a sprung floor and take calcium supplements to strengthen my bones. I also follow my orthopedist’s instructions and did rehab...
View ArticleIs a "Healthy Dancer's Weight" Possible if You've Had an Eating Disorder?
It took two years of intense nutrition counseling and psychotherapy to pull me out of being anorexic. My problem now is that I’ve gained too much weight from eating normally. Is there no middle...
View ArticleCan Dancers Really Have It All? How to Balance a Relationship with Company...
My girlfriend wants me to say “no” to extra work outside of the company. During breaks, I typically teach master classes, do gigs and choreograph. I love these opportunities, but I’m always tired and...
View ArticlePost-Hurricane PTSD Is Affecting My Dancing
I haven’t been able to sleep, eat or dance as usual since Hurricane Maria destroyed my home in Puerto Rico while I was visiting from school. My family was able to fly back to stay with my mother’s...
View ArticleBeing Transgender in a Binary Ballet World
I’m a transgender ballet dancer (male to female) who desperately wants to perform in a professional company. I haven’t come out about my gender because I’m afraid it will hurt my career. Yet it feels...
View ArticleIs It Time to Rethink Your Audition Approach?
In your wellness workshop at The Ailey School, you suggested that a way to attend a lot of auditions after graduation (without getting depressed) was to see each one as a free class. It worked. I...
View ArticleWhat to Do When Your Job Gives You #AllTheFeels In a Bad Way
I never believe that I deserve to be happy. This reaction kicked in big time since I got a steady job. My emotions are a roller coaster: joy at the chance to perform, terror that the people in charge...
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Did My Director Cross the Line?
Recent media attention on sexual harassment has me wondering about my director, who has gotten involved with adult dancers in the company while being married. One friend became depressed after the...
View ArticleScreaming Teachers Can Shake Your Confidence. Here's How to Deal.
I’m tired of being screamed at by the Russian dance teachers in my pre-professional trainee program. I know they do it because they want me to be my best, but if I’m that bad maybe I should quit. What...
View ArticleIs It Time to Cut Ties with My Coach and Go Pro?
My dance coach wants my word that I’ll keep competing under his school’s name for the next year and not audition. I’m 18 years old and already doing lead roles and winning medals. I love his teaching,...
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Headed Toward Burnout? Here's How to Rethink Your Work Ethic
After reading your column I now understand the problems of being a workaholic. My dilemma is that the dance teachers in my BFA program praise an extreme work ethic and use me as a role model for other...
View ArticleMy Director Thinks I've Reached Retirement Age, But I Disagree
My director informed me that this spring will be my last season because of my age. I’m only in my mid-30s! I’m getting great reviews, so what gives? Can’t they wait until a ballet dancer’s technique...
View ArticleThe Company I Danced in Closed. Now What?
My life is in complete chaos since my dance company disbanded. I have a day job, so money isn’t the issue. It’s the loss of my world that stings the most. What can I do? —Lost Career, Washington, DC...
View ArticleHow Does "Innocent Until Proven Guilty" Factor into Sexual Harassment of...
I’m feeling very torn about the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. Everyone from a company director to teachers and dancers are being accused of sexual harassment and leaving their jobs in disgrace. What...
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