vaganovaboy: Ksenia Zhiganshina backstage for Vaganova Ballet Academy’s annual production of ‘Nutcracker’ at Mariinsky Theatre, 2011

vaganovaboy: Ksenia Zhiganshina backstage for Vaganova Ballet Academy’s annual production of ‘Nutcracker’ at Mariinsky Theatre, 2011

24th Apr 2013 | 53 notes

Anonymous asked: do ballet companies weigh dancers?

To my knowledge, not in the U.S. I know that Ballet Florida weighed their academy girls until like 10 years ago when it caused a big scandal. It’s highly frowned upon in the U.S. (& rightfully so) but I’m sure it still happens behind closed doors. 

23rd Apr 2013 | 14 notes

Anonymous asked: "Pointe shoes add a minimum of 7 inches of new height to a dancer." is it true, cause it's realllyyy hard to believe. I always thought it would be about 3-4 inches

Uhmm I think it would depend on how long one’s feet are, no?

14th Apr 2013 | 12 notes


Maria Tallchief (January 24, 1925) – Maria Tallchief is a member of the Osage Indian tribe and was the first Native American woman in ballet. She danced with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in the 40s. She joined the New York City Ballet in 1948 and appeared as a guest performer with the American Ballet Theatre in the late 50s. Her sister, Marjorie Tallchief, was the first Native American to become primere danseuse etoile in the Paris Opera Ballet.

(via wisps)

13th Apr 2013 | 345 notes

Anonymous asked: What stretches do you recommend/do you have any tips for training to do the scorpion?

Honestly, I don’t have any life-changing, revolutionary tips or fancy stretches. Instead, I advocate for daily stretching & training (well, not necessarily taking class everyday, but as often as possible). Do your splits & wall stretch (align your butt to the wall with your back on the floor & let your legs fall open gently) everyday & for ~5 minutes per stretch in concordance with a regular 45-minute ballet barre. In my opinion, this is the best way to achieve flexibility & strength simultaneously & realistically. 

10th Apr 2013 | 11 notes