From studio to stage.

Be Here Now

Have your students move around the room when taking class. "That way the body gets used to being in front of people, behind people, and your body awareness becomes more well-rounded. You have to be comfortable with whatever area of the stage you're on."

--Rhonda Miller

Choreographer 

Turnabout Is Fair Play

When creating a performance, feature boys and girls separately as well as together. Make sure that the girls have not become the "backup" dancers for the boys, or vice versa. Feature the athletic prowess of your male students in a special production number, and then have them leave the stage or stand back for an equally amazing all-female routine.

--Diane Gudat

Indianapolis Dance

Indianapolis, Indiana 

Strike a Balance

A classic mistake is taking too much time to teach--and not enough time to perfect--a routine. Spend at least one month polishing a routine before debuting it. "I see people push it until the very last minute, leaving no time to tweak before they go onstage. Taking time to correct details and break a routine down to its finest form is what makes the difference."

--Edith Montoya

Dance Precisions

Placentia, California

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

ALL TOGETHER, NOW!

In a kickline, differing heights can affect the appearance of uniformity. To create a more balanced look, position your dancers strategically. "Symmetry in height, body type, skill level and even coloring should all be considered when determining placement. I tend to put taller dancers in the center and shorter dancers on the outside." To camouflage visual flaws, choreograph leaps that travel to the front rather than to the side. With turns, start with the most proficient turner, than add more dancers until the whole group is as one.

--carrie Smith

Dance Team Coach

California

Best Ways to Transport Tutus

BY CAR: Use a tutu bag and lay them flat. Bring them inside with you for overnight stops.

BY TRAIN OR PLANE: Invest in hard-sided suitcases that are deep enough to hold two tutus folded once. This will prevent damage to the hoop.

BEST METHOD: Ship with a reputable carrier like UPS or FedEx. Use a box large enough that you don't have to bend the hoops. Insure the package, obtain a tracking number, and arrange for someone at the shipping destination to hold the package for your arrival.

--Paula Drake

Tutus Divine

EXPLORE THE UNKNOWN

Before a performance in an unfamiliar venue, check out the backstage area and plan exits and entrances. In rehearsal, prepare for the possibility of performing in a variety of spaces by practicing both with and without a backstage crossover and with multiple variations of entrances and exits.

--Carol Walker

Snellville, Georgia