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 […]
Dancing Boys Need Our Support
Two weeks ago, I was reminded why I began this blog in April 2018. I saw how difficult it was for my (then) 13-year-old-son to pursue dancing. I’m not talking about physical challenges, though. I’m talking about the emotional and psychological ones. Julian started at the age of three. By the time he hit first […]
Boost and Sustain Your Dancer’s Energy Levels
In a recent guest post, Leora Amir shared her advice on how to boost and maintain the energy levels of your dancin’ son. I then interviewed her on this topic so we could go into more detail. Your dancer is an athlete. All athletes need energy to attain peak performance. Without energy, your son can’t […]
My Dancin’ Boy’s “Baby”
I am now the proud grandmother of a granddoggie. Last October when Ron and I went to Dresden to see Julian perform, we also went with him to pick out his “baby,” a 10-week old Shiba Inu puppy. Was I happy about this? Not totally. I understood why he wanted a pet. The winters in […]
My Son Lands A Corps de Ballet Contract!
At long last, I can announce that my son, Julian Amir Lacey, has signed a corps de ballet contract for the 2013-1014 Semperoper Ballet season. That means after mid-August or so he begins working as a full company member. Woot! Woot! It was a long wait…long past January, when we thought he would be told […]
The Father’s Role: Support Your Dancin’ Boy
As a father of a dancin’ boy, my wife asked me to write a blog post from a dad’s perspective on why fathers should support sons when they show an interest in becoming dancers. Here are my thoughts on that subject. I believe that a primary aspect of a parent’s job is to raise their […]
Helping Your Son Realize His Dream (When You Don’t Share It)
This past week I received an email from a young dancer. He’s just graduated from high school and has only been dancing for two years. Yet, he wants to become a classical ballet dancer. Not surprisingly, his parents don’t share his dream. I say “not surprisingly” because I have probably met or heard about more […]
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 […]
High School Graduation and SAB Workshop Approaching
The end of the year is fast approaching. When it comes to dance, everything seems to be moving along well for Julian. His foot seems to have healed up, although I’m not there to speak to anyone. The physical therapist says after spring break he need only come back once a week, and he has […]
Jazz Dance Pro Sue Samuels on Raising a Male Dancer
Almost three years ago I had the pleasure or meeting Sue Samuels, a legend in the jazz dance world and mother of Emmy award-winning tap dancer Jason Samuels Smith. She and I had connected, if I recall correctly, via Facebook or email, about apartments in New York the first year Julian went to the American […]