Today I was reminded of why I began this blog: Being a male dancer at a young age is a tough road to hoe. It was tough for Julian in first grade and it continues to be tough for him as a junior in high school. Anyway, I was reminded when I saw a tweet […]
Help Save Lives by Ending Homophobic Teen Bullying
I know I promised a different post–Joey Dowling–but I’m still transcribing and working on that one. Life has been a bit crazy. Sorry. This issue is way more important, and I’m sure homophobic bullying and teasing affects more than a fair share of our young dancin’ boys. I know it has affected Julian over the […]
Denise Wall On Raising Dancin’ Boys (Part 3)
In this third, and last, part of my interview with Denise Wall, owner of Denise Wall’s Dance Energy in Virginia Beach, VA, and coach of such star dancers as her own sons Danny Tidwell and Travis Wall (Travis is also a star choreographer), she offers tips on raising boys who dance. (To read the first […]
Denise Wall On Raising Dancin' Boys (Part 1)
Two years ago I wrote a cover story for Dance Teacher magazine based on an interview with Denise Wall. I proposed the story to the editors there because I felt quite taken with the dancers her studio, Denise Wall’s Dance Energy in Virginia Beach, VA, turned out. They not only had phenomenal technique but danced […]
Words of Wisdom from Julian's First Male Teacher and Mentor
When Julian was quite young, his first male teacher provided a superb mentor. Now he offers words of wisdom to all boys who dance. And he encourages those boys starting late to work hard and catch up — just as he did.
ABT Summer Intensive Ends with Awesome Performance
The six weeks of American Ballet Theatre’s summer intensive ended with a bang! The final performance was awesome with the advanced students, in particular, offering up some really amazing and pretty professional-looking dancing. In particular, the violet level choreographed one number themselves (with the help of their instructor), and it was a stand out by far! […]
When Losing Dance Becomes a Consequence for Missed Homework Assignments and Bad Grades (and a Note on the Sexuality Issue)
It’s the Friday before the holiday break. Normally, I’d be breathing a sigh of relief. No dance for two whole weeks! No getting up early for school! Less driving! Less stress! No homework hassles! But no…not in this household. Instead, I’ll be managing my delinquent son’s midterm study schedule (and habits…or lack thereof) and his […]
Alone Again…How Many Boys are in Your Son's Ballet Class?
Today I received a comment from someone (see yesterday’s post) whose 13-year-old son is lucky enough to be in a boy’s ballet class. Not only that, it’s taught by a male ballet teacher! Whoo hoo! But she rightfully was grateful that, even though there are only four boys in attendance, her son has a class “that […]