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Today's dance teachers are faced with an incredible responsibility of taking students of all shapes and sizes and molding them into dancers. No matter what the dance form that is being taught, improving techniques and enhancing artistry are common dance goals.

What does it mean when I feel ... ? How do I increase my turnout? What does it really mean when a teacher says stand up straight?

These questions and others asked by dancers are often hard to answer in clear and simple language. Understanding and integrating anatomical and muscular principles will help you understand what is going on physically in your and your students' bodies and how to make the most of what you've got. Did you know that after a hip, knee, or ankle injury you should retrain that leg in balancing? Try balancing on one foot, standing in good alignment, for 2 minutes, tossing a ball gently back and forth between your hands.

How did you do? Was one side easier than the other? Want to get your arabesque higher? Consistent, passive stretching of a tight iliopsoas muscle will help you get the arabesque you desire. There are many tips, and easy to follow exercises and stretches in each video and DVD that will help you maximize your technique by learning how to evaluate and work with balancing your muscle usage.

I invite you to sign up for my Dancing Smart Newsletter, an ezine covering many topics such as injury prevention, technique concerns, and understanding structure and anatomy. Dancers and teachers send in their questions, which are addressed in easy to understand language. Education is the key to injury prevention, and a long and healthy dance career.

On with the dance!

Deborah

New @ The Store

Enhancing the Body/Brain Connection

[ebook cover] Create optimal performance in the classroom, on stage, and in everyday life. Examines the science behind optimizing the body/brain connection. Learn to focus your thoughts, the wisdom of soft strength, using ideokinesis to improve flexibility, and much more.

Train Your Brain

[book cover] Introduces eight teens with common problems and challenges such as how to take charge of your feelings and how to perform like a pro in the dance studio or anywhere and everywhere.

Analyzing Arabesque

[dvd cover] Arabesque epitomizes grace, beauty and strength. In this DVD you will learn a 'miracle stretch' to lift the arabesque leg, and what true hip extension is.

VIEW THE SAMPLE QUICKTIME VIDEO (11.6Mb)

Core Stability

[dvd cover] Laura Helsel will provide you with the tools and knowledge to develop a strong core — the key to improved posture and a healthier spine.