Deborah Engerman: Ballet Teacher, Coach

"Historians sometimes say that when societies are descending into fascism, it can be hard for the people to notice it in real time. Well, historians of the future, I’m here to tell you: Millions of us are noticing. And we are horrified and enraged." trib.al/0islLh9

After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to cease posting on this platform. The profile will remain in hopes that the environment will change course. In the meantime, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. 🩰 #Ballet #Dance

"Being a ballerina is not just about the body, but also about the mind and soul." Diana Vishneva #Ballet #Dance #LetsTalkAboutFifth

I often have students repeat an exercise because of a small error. I prefer they are annoyed and learn the importance of paying attention & learning the combination details than get cut at auditions & lose a job because they didn't learn choreography well enough. #Ballet #Dance

Think of your body, alignment, and technique as a puzzle in which pieces can be organized and placed into the correct position, but do NOT need to be squeezed. Arrange your muscles, tendons, and body parts; do not squeeze them into place. #LetsTalkAboutFifth #Ballet #Dance

"The dance goes on forever. So shall I. So shall we." Gelsey Kirkland #Ballet #LetsTalkAboutFifth #GelseyKirkland

Every movement and position include an intentional use of the head and gaze. Know where and what that is as you move through space. Use it to clarify and give meaning to your line. Staring at yourself in the mirror throws off your center of gravity. #Ballet #Dance

Guess how many people get to choose your dance dream and goals? ONE! And that person is YOU! You get to choose what your dance dreams are. You don’t have to justify your dreams to anyone. Permit yourself to choose who & what you want to become! 🩰: Ashley Canterna Hardy #Ballet

"A teacher's not going to bother being tough on you for no reason; it's when they're not paying attention that you should worry." Darcey Bussell #Ballet #Dance #LetsTalkAboutFifth

I hear students say they want to be dancers, but aren't going to because they won't make enough money. I worry they may feel pressured. If you want to perform as a dancer, do it while your body is healthy. Later, you can change your career if you aren't financially satisfied.

HAMSTRINGS! Kneel on the left knee & extend the right leg in parallel with a flexed foot. Put the right hand on the floor, reach for the right foot with the left hand, until you feel a stretch & hold. Use your hand & turn out the right foot. Feel the stretch in the hamstrings.

"As soon as I hear music, something in me starts to vibrate." Suzanne Farrell #Ballet #Dance #LetsTalkAboutFifth

You are dancing to illustrate the music. Allow the energy, tempo, dynamics, and emotions of the music to dictate your movement. There are no gold medals for dancing the ballet the fastest. Tell a story. Dancer: Lara Nicholas #Ballet #Music #Dance #LetsTalkAboutFifth

In jeté, I need to see this coupé position in the air–before you land! Photo: Scott Serio Dancer: Magnolia Williams #Ballet #Ballerina #Dance #LetsTalkAboutFifth

“On the plié and rélevé is based the whole structure of the classical ballet." Christian Johansson Photo: @scottserio Dancer: Emily Bailey #Ballet #Dance #Plie #Releve #LetsTalkAboutFifth

“So, I think I would say, enjoy the process of learning to dance. The process of our profession, and not its final achievement, is the heart and soul of dance.” Jacques d’Amboise #Ballet #Dance #LetsTalkAboutFifth #JacquesdAmboise

As we observe today, these words come back to me: “The moral test of government is how it treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the aged; & those in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy, & the handicapped.” H. Humphrey

“What does dance give you? The freedom to be who you are and do what you want to do.” Arthur Mitchell #Ballet #Dance #ArthurMitchell

2/2 Or you may be able to lean all the way back onto your knees and lift your hands off the floor so that you are kneeling with your feet flexed under you. Go only until you feel a moderate stretch and hold that stretch for 30-45 seconds. Dancer: Naomi Wagner #Ballet #Dance

🧵1/2 The bottom of the feet & arches often becomes tight with overuse. Start on hands and knees. Flex the toes & tuck them under. Lean your weight back towards your feet. You may only be able to lean back a little before you feel a stretch.