by Maggie McNamara Mandal | Jun 6, 2019 | Career, Company Life
For a new professional dancer, the concept of a summer layoff—when ballet companies go on an unpaid hiatus for several weeks (or months)—can be a welcome change of pace, an anxiety-riddled uncertainty or a bit of both. While it should feel rejuvenating to take a break...
by Emma Love Suddarth | Jul 21, 2017 | Health & Body
Monday morning class after a three-day weekend? Stiff. After eight weeks off? Agonizing. For most professional dancers on their summer layoff, a break from the daily grind is simultaneously exciting and unnerving. These months are often reserved for recovery and...
by Amy Brandt | Dec 12, 2016 | Ask Amy, Company Life
I’m in a second company and I’d like to use my summer layoff to do an intensive elsewhere. Is there a tactful way to bring this up to my director? —Simone This is tricky, and depends on your director. When I was a trainee, we were free to go elsewhere...
by Candice Thompson | Jul 5, 2016 | Career, Company Life, Cross-Training, Wellness
This story originally appeared in the June/July 2016 issue of Pointe. Need some inspiration for staying in shape this summer? These four dancers know how to balance rest, cross-training and fun to start off their next season right. Photo by Charlie McCullers, Courtesy...
by Nicole Loeffler-Gladstone | Jun 1, 2015 | Career, Company Life
This story originally appeared in the June/July 2015 issue of Pointe. The off-season may mean rest and relaxation for some, but these pros see it as an opportunity to dive into their own projects. The results of their efforts—a multi-day festival, an...