Pointe work in ballet is not only beautiful and full of tradition, but it also serves several purposes. #1. Artistic expression Pointe allows dancers to achieve a heightened aesthetic quality, creating the illusion of weightlessness and elegance. #2. Technical development Pointe work develops strength, balance and control, pushing dancers to refine their technique. #3. Performance […]

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Few things in the ballet world are as magical as pointe shoes. From the excitement of getting your first pair, to the thrill of performing in them, to the pristine beauty of each new pair, and the myriad tricks each dancer uses to make their shoes work best, pointe shoes embody wonder.  For each second […]

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By Rain Francis of Dance Informa. 1. Which single by Kylie Minogue became the highest-selling of the decade? a) I Should Be So Lucky b) The Loco-motion c) Can’t Get You Out of My Head d) Spinning Around 2. Which pop princess began her career in gospel music? a) Katy Perry b) Rihanna c) Cheryl Cole d) […]

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BEST OF 2013: A favourite article from the April Edition. By Rebecca Martin of Dance Informa. We can all remember jazz ballet, jazz hands, lycra, sequins, lace-up jazz shoes and Flashdance, but what is jazz dance now and how has it evolved? Jazz dance is no longer solely the domain of fan kicks and shimmies. […]

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Nutcracker returns to Oz this month for another season of emperor mice, hand-made toys and little girl dreams. By Paul Ransom. NOTE: Please read the following with a heavy Russian accent. After all, it is ballet we’re talking about here. Elik Melikov is still bubbling with energy, despite the fact he is on a late […]

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By Rebecca Martin. Russia is arguably the home of ballet. Some of the world’s greatest stars, past and present have trained there and they are renowned for their gymnastic flexibility and dynamic technique. Russian ballet schools and companies are infamously difficult to get into and are incredibly demanding on the body and psyche. Add into […]

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We can all remember jazz ballet, jazz hands, lycra, sequins, lace-up jazz shoes and Flashdance, but what is jazz dance now and how has it evolved? Jazz dance is no longer solely the domain of fan kicks and shimmies. The term “jazz” now incorporates a broad range of dance styles. Prior to the 1950s, jazz dance […]

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By Rain Francis. Rudolf Nureyev was one of the single most influential people in the history of dance. This year marks 20 years since his untimely death, but also 75 years since his birth. In celebration of this great man, special events, gala performances and tributes are taking place worldwide in 2013. There has been […]

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By Rain Francis. Rudolf Nureyev was one of the single most influential people in the history of dance. This year marks 20 years since his untimely death, but also 75 years since his birth. In celebration of this great man, many special events, gala performances and tributes are taking place worldwide in 2013. There has […]

The post Celebrating Nureyev – Part 1 appeared first on Dance Informa Magazine.

This year is the 75th anniversary of ballet legend Rudolf Nureyev’s birth, and 20 years since his death. How much do you know about one of the most celebrated dancers of the 20th century? 1. With which ballet did Nureyev make his directorial debut? a) The Afternoon of a Faun b) Petrouchka c) Pineapple Poll d) Don […]

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