Ballerina Blog
Information & insights for graceful living.
How a Ballet Dream Revived Me
May 17, 2019
Guest post By Michele Pelligrini. Michele came to Everyday Ballet some two and a half years ago. It has been a joy to see her flourish with her ballet training! Here is her amazing story... In August of 2015, my life neatly bisected itself into two parts: Before and After. READ MORE…
TLC for Tired Tootsies: The Ballet Foot Fix
July 2, 2017
Do you suffer from foot cramps, fallen arches, or more generalized tired, achy feet? A little ballet may go a long way toward overcoming common foot discomforts. In fact, bringing a little twinkle to your toes can help all your joints feel more comfortable from the ground up! Although your READ MORE…
Ballet for Grownups: 4 Tips For Ballet Practice In Mid-Life
June 23, 2017
One of the great perks of getting older is knowing who we are, what we want, and what makes us happy. A “mature” ballet practice offers a wonderfully effective yet versatile way to be active doing something that brings a sense of beauty to life! And you can inhabit your READ MORE…
Plié Power!
June 10, 2017
Plié. [plee-AY] Bent, bending. A bending of the knee or knees. No other step is more important to moving gracefully than plié. This first step of ballet has the power to transform every move you make because it teaches how to support the spine as the knees bend and straighten READ MORE…
What Brought You To Ballet?
May 18, 2017
There’s that moment you realize you’re in love. Do you remember what it was like? How did ballet begin for you? Here’s my story… From the time I was a toddler, I wanted two things. One was pierced ears; the other was ballet lessons. I don’t recall seeing anything about READ MORE…
Finding Your Fitness “Fit”
May 11, 2017
Contemporary fitness has become yet another “product” in the beauty and fashion industry. With images and messaging that induce a mixture of desire and insecurity, it’s no wonder that so many people feel anxious about working out! Sadder still, millions of women chase unrealistic results doing fad workouts that come READ MORE…
Better With Ballet
May 4, 2017
After decades of personal experience, it makes sense to me that doing ballet enhances body, mind and spirit, but science seems to finally be taking notice. A recent crop of articles reveal the myriad of benefits doing ballet holds for people of all ages and abilities. Here’s a look at READ MORE…
Ballet Secrets For Aging Gracefully
April 27, 2017
When it comes to fitness, the great advantage of age is the wisdom to make more satisfying choices. I’ve encountered many young women who think that unless they feel “murdered”, “dead”, “beat”, “shredded”, or otherwise incapacitated after a workout, they haven’t worked enough. But this shortsighted “no pain, no gain” READ MORE…
A Simple Recipe for Fit Living
April 19, 2017
Cultivating a fit and healthy lifestyle can be pared down to this simple recipe: DEVELOP GOOD HABITS Each morning at the ballet studio I’d do a little stretching, core work, and light foot strengtheners to prepare for class and a long day of rehearsals and performance. Not only was it READ MORE…
What You Can Do to Feel Healthier & Happier Right Now
March 30, 2017
Martha Graham said, “The spine is the tree of life. Respect it.” Yet contemporary lifestyles do anything but... Our backs and hips ache from sitting, our necks seem permanently craned over smartphones, and our hyper-drive habits of visual consumption have our bodies slouching in ways that wreak havoc on us READ MORE…
Get Your Grace On! 7 Tips for Trying Ballet
March 21, 2017
Now that you’ve spun yourself sweaty and galvinized your glutes with a gazillion barre workouts, what next? Refine your fitness routine with ballet! The beautiful results to be had from this old school workout are universally admired, yet many feel intimidated about trying a real ballet class. Here’s what you READ MORE…
Barre Essentials for Healthy, Happy Knees
March 15, 2017
One of the biggest problems with barre workouts is knee pain. Not only does this over-hyped fitness fad often masquerade as a “ballerina” workout when it has nothing to do with real ballet technique, but many barre classes include movements that pay zero attention to form. Many women come to READ MORE…
Refinery29 + Everyday Ballet
March 8, 2017
This past Monday I had the enormous pleasure of training the inimitable Steve Doss (pictured above) for Refinery29’s Facebook Live broadcast of Busy Bodies. It was such a fun and fabulous time! Not only was Steve an enthusiastic student, but he also absorbed the material exceptionally well--like A+ prince material!! READ MORE…
Tutus! A Brief History
March 1, 2017
Fashions come and go, but the tutu endures as a symbol of the iconic grace of ballet. This much-admired circle of tulle came into being nearly 200 years ago amidst awe and scandal... [caption id="attachment_28643" align="alignleft" width="200"] Marie Taglioni in La Sylphide[/caption] It was the 1832 Paris premiere of READ MORE…
Afraid of Ballet? 3 Truths That Will Change Your Mind
February 22, 2017
So many people feel intimidated about trying real ballet despite its wonderful fitness benefits. Here’s what you need to know to let your inner-ballerina shine! Myth: Ballet is only for people with a natural dancer’s physique. Truth: You don’t have to be thin, leggy, flexible, or coordinated to do ballet. READ MORE…
Love Your Body With Ballet
February 13, 2017
Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to express our love towards others, but what about showing a little for yourself? Although at first blush it may not seem conducive to self-love and acceptance, the psychological and physical rewards of practicing ballet can help you develop a happier and more positive relationship READ MORE…
How To Get Some Ballerina Poise
February 13, 2017
“Poise is the finest point of balance it is possible to attain, both mentally and physically.” --Ruby Ginner In balletic terms, poise is a state of equilibrium between effort and ease. In our busy day-to-day lives, it’s easy to feel physically exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed, and the very idea of READ MORE…
The Nutcracker: Ballet’s Food Fantasy
January 12, 2017
[et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" text_font_size="16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] What delicious irony-- that the most popular ballet production of all time includes a whole act devoted to food! And not just any food---we’re talking DANCING FOOD! This month some of the most fit and athletic people on READ MORE…
Weight Loss with Ballet: 8 Secrets for Success
January 12, 2017
Recently a woman sent me this question: How can ballet exercises be used as part of a weight loss regimen? EXCELLENT QUESTION! (Thanks, Gayle!). So here are some no-nonsense tips for how to engage your ballet practice to reach your weight loss goals. BE CONSISTENT. As with any exercise READ MORE…
Simple Trick For A Better Body (Even When You Don’t Workout!)
January 12, 2017
NO TIME TO WORK OUT? NO PROBLEM! The “secret” to a better body anytime, anywhere and all the time is this: USE YOUR CORE AS YOU STAND AND MOVE. What does this mean? Paying attention to your lower abs and committing a tiny bit of energy to hugging them in READ MORE…
Holiday Wishes (and ballet treats!)
January 12, 2017
[et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] Ballet has a way of bringing a sense of beauty to everyone it touches. May the Holidays and New Year bring you: Love Health Awareness Laughter Inspiration Grace And here's some music to move you! Each time READ MORE…
Ballet & Empathy: Why dancing helps develop emotional radar
September 14, 2016
[et_pb_section admin_label="section"][et_pb_row admin_label="row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"] A recent study showed ballet dancers exhibited more emotional sensitivity when viewing others. It wasn’t only that they perceived emotional content in a more detailed way--their automatic sweat responses (which indicate emotional experiences) were also greater than in other READ MORE…
How to Stand Beautifully (and Comfortably!)
May 5, 2016
You can always spot a ballerina in a crowd because of her beautiful posture. Sure it looks elegant, but good posture also sets the stage for ease of movement, elevated mood and energy levels, and a positive neural feedback loop that communicates to your brain and the rest of the READ MORE…
Cultivating Ballet Zen For Everyday Life
April 15, 2016
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="off" specialty="off"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] Ballet teaches a negotiation between effort and ease that goes well beyond the graceful engagement of muscles and bones. Here’s how to cultivate poise in the face of challenges both inside and outside the studio. 1. READ MORE…
Introducing Kara and Sarah…
April 13, 2016
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="off" specialty="off"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] You’ve probably already seen Kara Cooper and Sarah Fink around the studio--taking class, observing, and teaching. Both have now completed their teacher training and Everyday Ballet is so fortunate to have the talent and inspiration of READ MORE…
Ballerina Habits For Beautiful Skin
April 1, 2016
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="off" specialty="off"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] Ballet dancers typically don’t have the resources to spend on fancy products, facials, or treatments. But the lifestyle of dancing ballet does promote some very good habits for maintaining a beautiful body inside and out. These READ MORE…
Eating Like a Ballerina
March 6, 2016
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="off" specialty="off"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] People often ask me what I eat (or don't) to stay in shape. My approach to eating is much like my approach to ballet: develop good habits, listen to your body, and let joy be a READ MORE…
Sex Ballet™
February 14, 2016
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="off" specialty="off"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] OF COURSE WE ALL KNOW BALLET DEVELOPS A GORGEOUSLY SUPPLE AND STRONG PHYSIQUE. BUT DID YOU KNOW BALLET IS ALSO AMAZING FOR BUILDING "INTIMATE FITNESS"? Ballet tones everything, including your intimate insides. The special advantage comes READ MORE…
Lift Your Gaze
February 2, 2016
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="off" specialty="off"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] Lifting your eyes is an amazingly powerful tool for refreshing your physical energy and your outlook. And it’s the perfect antidote to “Smartphone Slump” that you can do anytime! Ballet dancers carry their heads in a READ MORE…
Open Your Elbows
January 29, 2016
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="off" specialty="off"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] Opening your elbows gently stretches and supports your upper body to give your posture and attitude a beautiful lift. And it’s easy to do anytime! Click here for our Facebook video about opening your elbows! The READ MORE…
Consider Your Crown
January 26, 2016
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="off" specialty="off"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] Ever wonder why ballerinas have such long, graceful necks? Well, you don’t have to be a ballerina to use this simple trick to bring elegance and ease to your own neckline. Try it and see! Click READ MORE…
Tame Your Tail
January 22, 2016
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="off" specialty="off"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] Controlling how you hold your lower spine is fundamental to radiant ballet posture and it’s especially good for staying comfy in heels! Proper alignment of this often neglected part of the back not only makes you feel taller and more READ MORE…
Come Home to Your Core
January 22, 2016
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="off" specialty="off"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] Getting centered and strong is a great way to boost both physical and mental energy. And it all starts with getting connected to your core muscles! Engaging your center of gravity brings power and grace to READ MORE…
Everyday Ballet in the Spotlight
January 19, 2016
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="off" specialty="off"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] NYC is passionate about pliés! With more than 500 years of history, ballet is the original fitness and beauty routine. Once practiced by royals and the most fashionable circles of society, today ballet is the fitness READ MORE…
7 Reasons Everyday Is Beautiful with Ballet
January 3, 2016
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="off" specialty="off"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] MANY THINK OF BALLET AS A BEAUTIFUL FANTASY RESERVED FOR LITTLE GIRLS OR THE PHYSICALLY GIFTED, BUT BALLET TECHNIQUE OFFERS AMAZING BENEFITS THAT CAN TAKE YOUR FITNESS LEVEL TO NEW HEIGHTS. 1. Posture! Beyond looking taller READ MORE…
The 7 Movements of Dancing
February 5, 2015
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="off" specialty="off"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] Ballet is often regarded as the most precise and difficult dance form in western culture. Though ballet includes hundreds of specific steps, the technique is based upon seven fundamental movements of the body. Ballet terms are READ MORE…
The Making of the Modern Ballerina
January 18, 2015
[caption id="attachment_154" align="alignright" width="128"] Louis XIV in ballet costume[/caption] While most people think of ballet as a particularly feminine art form, the truth is that ballet was originally developed for and by men — kings in fact! Over 350 years ago, the ability to dance ballet was considered to READ MORE…
5 Reasons Why Ballet Is Good for Everyone
January 11, 2015
[et_pb_section admin_label="Section" fullwidth="off" specialty="off"][et_pb_row admin_label="Row"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="post copy" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" text_font_size="16"] 1. Posture, posture, posture! You can always spot a ballerina in a crowd because of her immaculate posture. Remember your grandmother telling you to stand up straight? Studies show the benefits of good posture are not READ MORE…
