The majority of dancers focus solely on the development of their dance skills. Yet, to become a truly world-class dancer, you need more than excellent technique, performance ability, and knack for learning choreography. You also need the mindsets and habits that help you succeed. If you have the passion for and desire to dance, and […]
How to Become a Good Partner (from a Ballerina’s Perspective)
Partnering. It’s a huge part of a male dancer’s job. For some, partnering feels difficult and they hate it. For others, it’s comes naturally, and they love it. No matter where you or your son fall on this spectrum, it’s necessary to become a good partner to succeed in a dance career. Male dancers who […]
Julian Dances the “Groom” and “Mr. Peanut”
I am sorry I can’t travel to Germany more often. I would have liked to see Julian’s recent performance in Giselle and his upcoming one in Impressing the Czar. Semperoper Ballet recently ended a run of David Dawson’s Giselle. Although Julian was not originally scheduled to dance the part of the “Groom,” an opportunity arose for […]
Julian Performs in the International Dance Gala in Venice
If you live near Venice, Italy, or happen to be vacationing there this week, you’re in luck! You can see Julian perform in the City of Canals. For the last two months, Julian has been rehearsing to perform at a gala in Venice, which takes place on Wednesday, July 15. He and Jia Sun, another […]
Mark Foehringer on Preparing a Dancin’ Boy for the Professional Dance World (Part 1)
My husband and I firmly believe that one of the things that makes Julian such a good dancer is the variety of dance training he received but, in particular, the years of contemporary dance training coupled with his classical ballet training. This also makes him a more marketable dancer. Of course, a dancer most have […]
Cooking, Mice, Russian, Variations, and Auditions
It’s been a while since I wrote anything about Julian. Since some of you may be wondering, here’s the news from Germany… Julian is enjoying life in Europe. He likes Dresden, the food, the life, the dancing, the company members. He is learning German slowly…not using his online Rosetta Stone course much. He says it’s […]
And the Show Goes on Without the Dance Mom (and Dad)
Today is the big day. It’s 1 a.m. in California as I write this but already 10 a.m. in Dresden, German. Julian is in company class by now. Semperoper Ballett will likely rehearse today and then the company opens the season tonight with La Bayadere. My son will go on stage i that beautiful opera […]
News from Abroad and From the Homefront
It’s been 11 days…and news has been sparse from Germany, to say the least. As you can imagine, with my hubby gone to Berlin after dropping Julian off, the house is quiet. Just the cat and me at home, reminiscent of when Ron took Julian off to SAB last fall. Just as when Julian left […]
Attending the School of American Ballet Workshop
The big day arrived: The School of American Ballet (SAB) Workshop. The whole dance world, it seemed, was waiting for the school to reveal the next generation of dancers–especially New York City Ballet’s (NYCB) dancers. Supposedly representatives from all over the United States and Europe attend Workshop. In this economy, I’m not sure that still […]
Summer Intensive Auditions End, REAL Auditions Start
A lot has happened since my last post…I’ve just been too busy to write. I apologize. I’ve got a non-dance related book coming out in a few months, and getting ready for that launch has been taking up all my time. Anyhoo. Since I wrote last Julian has been struggling with his tendon tear. He […]
Rupert Pennefather on Being a Dancer
I do have news of Julian and how he is doing at SAB, but I thought I’d change things up a bit today. While I was in New York City I was contacted by email and offered the chance to air an “exclusive” video of Royal Ballet principle Rupert Pennefather speaking about some of the […]
Happy Mother’s Day to All Dancin’ Boys’ Moms
This is a special blog post for all those dancin’ boys’ moms: Happy Mother’s Day! You deserve some credit, appreciation and…time off. Without your support, where would your dancin’ boys be–even if they won’t admit to your part in their success? So, enjoy yourselves today and give yourselves a pat on the back. As for […]
Three Days Until Take Off and Counting…
All performances have been completed, finals have been taken, graduation is (almost) over, and suitcases are being purchased as I write. In three and a half days we take off for New York City and Julian’s second American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive. I am nowhere near as ready! Julian’s TDC performance was phenomenal! I am […]