Looking forward to Summer!

We have summer on the mind here at the studio…

 

As you surely do now that all of your competitions are over and your Spring performances are winding down.

 

Congrats on finishing another year of dance traning/performances!  We hope that you have a chance to give your body some rest before jumping into your Summer season!  Summer traditionally represents a point of transition, rest, and exploration as an artist – for dancers especially.  These coming months are the perfect time for you to re-center yourselves, and hone your skills.  Especially after these last two years!

 

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.  There’s still a bit of time before Summer hits.  So until then, let’s brainstorm together what you can do to prepare!

 

Start thinking ahead to what your goals are.  Go into your notes app, or go super old school with a pen and paper, and make a list of your goals.  No matter how big or small. 

 

“I want to nail that double pirouette”


“I need to find a pair of pointe shoes that fit my feet better”


“This is my year – I’m going to get a company contract”

 

 

Consider not only what you WANT to accomplish, but HOW you’re going to do it and WHAT you need to make it happen.  For the three points listed above, here’s what I would personally write down:

  1. Watch videos of dancers who are good turners and try to “hack” what they’re doing that works (we’re huge fans of Tamara Rojo and Carolos Acosta).  Film yourself practicing turns – you are your own best coach.  Ask friend’s advice.  Stay as long as you can after class and work on pirouettes – maybe the teacher will see you and give a few pointers.  Schedule some private lessons while you’re in NYC for your Summer intensives. 
  2. While you’re in NYC, there are SO many fabulous dance stores and places to be fit by some of the world’s best pointe shoe fitters. 
  3. Take your audition materials seriously. Seek out the highest quality photographers and videographers that you can work with. In this new era of digital ballet – your photos and videos (not to mention your social media accounts…) are more important now than they ever have been. If you have been following us for a while now, you know that we are passionate about you guys looking amazing in your shots.  Never underestimate the power of a great photograph.  Not only does it boost your confidence sky high, but it also gets you noticed.  Do your research about photographers you want to work with, and make sure that you communicate exactly what your needs are. Always make sure you’re prepared for your shoot, know how to work in front of the camera (we have a great video series to guide you through the foundations of our proprietary method of posing dancers)

With all of that being said, I must also say that we are proponents of “work smarter, not harder”.  Yes, hard work is important, but so is not overworking and injuring yourself, which leads to burnout.  Take some time as we lead into this Summer season to focus on what you need to focus on, slowly and surely.  What is the most important is that you keep your forward momentum going! 

Don’t hesitate to drop us a line and ask any questions you may have to book a shoot.  There is no time like now to move your career forward and move your mindset into the positive, building mode.

Now go get that list started!

Andrew Fassbender

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