City Dance Studio

 Meet a ballet dancer and they would tell you that the feet are the most important part of their art and trade. Besides providing stability, the flexibility of the feet also allows the dancer to perform mind-bending graceful movements on the stage. As a result, having what’s called “banana feet” is desired by every ballet student and performer. Often called the “perfect feet”, it’s gained almost a mythical status among ballet dancers. So, in this guide, we’ll explore the various techniques and exercises that can help you develop banana feet and dispel some of the myths about this foot shape. What Are Banana Feet In Ballet? Banana feet, also known as “banana arches” or “banana-shaped feet”, is a term used  in ballet  to describe a dancer’s foot when it is pointed and fully extended. For example, when the ballet dancer goes en pointe, the arches of their feet will curve into a banana-like shape. Since en pointe is one of the most iconic moves in ballet,...

 No matter what opinion you have about ballet, there’s no denying that it’s an exacting art that requires great strength, precision, and technical skill. For a dancer to achieve a graceful look, they need to be fluent in various basic dance moves … one of which is the ballet relevé. In this article, we’ll explore what a ballet relevé is, why it is important, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to execute a perfect relevé! What Is A Ballet Relevé? Relevé meaning, in French, is to “raise up”. True to its name, it’s a rising movement onto the balls of the feet. When done correctly, the dancer should look as if they’re “floating” in the air. Despite its simplicity, performing a proper ballet relevé still requires a great deal of practice, control, and balance. Benefits Of Relevé In Ballet Relevés are taught to beginner ballet dancers not without a reason. Besides looking great when done correctly, they also improve the physique and technical skill ...

  A Conga line is a staple of any house party. The vibrant energy and just pure entertainment it provides are perfect for livening up the atmosphere. But have you ever wondered about the origins of the Conga dance? Why does it have a line shape? Where does it come from? Trust us when we say that the history of this dance is a lot more interesting than it may seem on the surface.  In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history of the Conga dance, tracing its roots back to its origins and exploring how it has evolved over time! What Is The Conga Dance? The Conga dance is usually performed in a big group, with Conga dancers forming a line and following a leader in a circular motion around the dance floor. As they do, they’ll dance and jump to the rhythm of the music. The lively movements and the emphasis on group dancing is the reason why the Conga dance has become so popular at house parties everywhere. When you take a look at it, it’s the perfect party dance! Conga...

  Alina Cojocaru’s breathtaking performances on stage have won the hearts of ballet fans all over the world. Beyond her irresistible grace and elegance lies a story of determination, resilience, and triumph. In this post, we look at Alina Cojocaru’s life, from her family history to her early years and education, her contribution to ballet, and the accident that threatened to derail her dreams. Let’s go exploring! Alina Cojocaru’s Basic Info Birthday: May 27, 1981 Zodiac: Gemini Nationality: Romanian Height: 5’2” Spouse: Johan Kobborg Alina Cojocaru’s Family Alina Cojocaru is a Romanian and was born on May 27, 1981. Despite being a gifted ballet dancer, she does not come from an artistic family. Her parents ran a family business in a Bucharest bazaar. Cojocaru’s parents sent her to gymnastics from a young age because they thought she was too short. It was her parents’ decision that set the stage for her exposure to the arts. Alina Cojocaru’s marriage Alina Cojocaru’s husband is Joha...

  Zenaida Yanowsky is a name that is recognized throughout the world of ballet. Her awe-inspiring stage performances have captivated and awed audiences. She has established herself as one of the most talented and versatile ballerinas of our time throughout her illustrious career. In this post, we will look at ballerina Zenaida Yanowsky’s life and career, examine her accomplishments, and the impact she has had on the dance world. So, let’s get started! Who Is Zenaida Yanowsky? Zenaida Yanowsky is a world-renowned ballet dancer who has appeared in numerous major theater productions. She was born to a Spanish family on December 23, 1975, in Lyon, France, and raised in Spain. Zenaida Yanowsky’s family Yanowsky comes from a family of ballet dancers, which influenced her career greatly. Anatol Yanowsky, her father, is a well-known dancer. And Carmen Robles, her mother, is the principal dancer of the Lyon Opera Ballet. Nadia and Yury, her siblings, are also professional dancers.  Yan...

Shoe ribbons not only keep the foot attached to the shoe but also provide support for your foot and ankle. Therefore, you should know how to tie pointe shoes’ ribbons correctly to wear the shoes longer and minimize the risk of injury.  2 Types Of Ribbons You Should Notice There are 2 common types of ribbons – satin ribbons and elastic ribbons.  Standard satin ribbons give better ankle support but can cause pain in dancers’ Achilles tendons. On the other hand, elastic ribbons are a relatively new product. They are softer and give more support if they are tied correctly.  You can choose to use either satin or elastic ribbon as your personal preference. Two Ribbons Vs One Long Looped Ribbon You can choose two short ribbons or one long ribbon as your personal preference.  If you have just started with ballet dancing, you should use the two-ribbon type until you get a good feel for your pointe shoes, how long the ribbons should be, and how to tie them correctly. Then, you...

People’s creativity tends to be sparked when it comes to Ancient Egypt. From tall monuments and mystical mummies to thousand-year-old secrets, the bygone civilization still has a magic that draws us to it. The tutting dance is a beautiful celebration of Egyptian history and culture. This mesmerizing dance style involves angling and shaping your body, moving your hands and fingers in intricate movements that mimic the geometrical patterns of the Egyptian pharaohs. While on the surface, it may seem like it’s a modern invention (it only became popular in the 70s and 80s,) the roots of the dance can actually be traced back to Ancient Egypt. In today’s article, we’ll tell you where the tutting dance originated from, and the people behind it! Tutting Dance Definition: What Is Tutting Dance? Before we get to the origins of Tutting dance, for those unfamiliar with it, let’s talk about what it is first. The word “tutting” is believed to have come from the name of an Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhame...