Hyperextension & Turnout
An exploration of knee hyperextension and turnout. by Esther Juon © inspired by Maria Pia Chasing the ideal ballet placement. It’s my great pleasure to
Cultivating Dance Studio Culture
We are all teaching dance, but what makes each studio unique? The very heartbeat of a dance studio lies in its culture. It’s a
Non Binary Dance
Are studios shifting to become gender neutral? Adriana Pierce. Photograph: Alejandro Gonzalvez Author’s note: for the purpose of this article I refer to boys, girls,
Olivia
The Healing Power of Art As millions around the world, I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of Dame Olivia Newton John. Not because
Musings on Dance Ep.2
To acknowledge and celebrate NAIDOC Week 2022, Josef interviews the incredible FRANCES RINGS for MDM’s, Musings on Dance. A respected choreographer and now Artistic Director
Musings on Dance Ep.1
Josef Brown interviewed the wonderful, Tina Sparks about her recent article published on the website; ‘Dance awareness, no child exploited’ and the growing need for
Which Syllabus to choose?
WHICH IS THE “BEST” SYLLABUS FOR MY STUDIO? Working through the many pros and cons to assess the best syllabus is a challenging prospect. Is
The Path of Least Resistance
The stretch ballet flat – friend or foe? “Small changes can produce big results – but the areas of highest leverage are often the least
Esther Juon
The way and why of the optimum pointe fitting I have to admit to being emotionally conflicted about the pointe shoe. On the
Canvas vs Leather
Pros & Cons There’s often a question about which material is best for dancers to wear in footwear for dance. Some suggest leather is
Ella Havelka
Dancing history It’s rare for any person to confidently claim they’ve made history. During their lifetime, to be able to point and readily identify
Movement is Medicine
Sam’s Story Every so often a story comes along that makes me want to shout it from the rooftops. That compels me to want to
Your dance Floor
Timber or Vinyl? Article courtesy of Martin O’Neill, Director at STM Studio Supplies. Many dancers trained on the strip timber floors of their local
The Heart of the Studio
Prioritise your floors above all else! Article in consultation with Martin O’Neill & Linda Pritchard from STM Studio Supplies. The heart and soul of the
Jason Winters
Dancer, Teacher, Choreographer, Creator For those that know Jason well, as it is for many who’ve met him only briefly, the overwhelming impression he gives
Turners, Jumpers & Dreamers Pt.3
Part 3 of 3 with LISA HOWELL If you haven’t yet read Parts 1 & 2 of this three-part interview, we recommend you do so
Turners, Jumpers & Dreamers Pt.2
Part 2 of 3 with LISA HOWELL If you haven’t yet read PART 1 of this three-part interview, I recommend you do so first as
Turners, Jumpers & Dreamers
A three-part interview with LISA HOWELL How is it that dancers often come to be defined, or self-define early in their dance careers as either
Jasmine Henry
Making history on the road to Russia If you’re involved in dance in Australia you’ve likely heard the name Jasmine Henry mentioned in dance related
Aspiring to failure
“Failure is success in progress.” ~ Albert Einstein I first heard this line many years ago yet found myself reflecting on it more deeply recently
Stephanie Kurlow
A life on purpose For most of us, we dance because it feels good. Because there are some thoughts, some feelings and some relationships we
The Mighty Corps
“Failure is success in progress.” ~ Albert Einstein I first heard this line many years ago yet found myself reflecting on it more deeply
Remi Wörtmeyer
A Creative Life – interview with an artist Dancer, choreographer, painter and now sculptor, Remi Wörtmeyer is one of Australia’s most successful international artists. Crediting
Incredible Studio Creativity
Adversity is an opportunity for creativity, because it forces one to dig deeper and discover something new about oneself. ~ Paul PT Wong It goes
Dancer Insight – Amy Hollingsworth
Dancers who shaped me. Amy Hollingsworth Amy Hollingsworth is an award-winning dancer, director, choreographer and mentor and was appointed Artistic Director of Australasian Dance Collective
Safe Dance Practice At Home
THE SAFE DANCE CHECKLIST “When we are unable to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” We’ve put together the following guide for
Our Dance Of Many Colours
INTERVIEW Frances Rings In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement sweeping the world, MDM appreciate there’s a role for us to play and
The Colour Of Ballet
THE COLOUR OF BALLET What difference does a shoe make? “If you’re not part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem”
In Conversation – Stanton Welch
In conversation with STANTON WELCH Riding the Dragon This interview was conducted by phone on July 29th, 2020 Stanton Welch AM is one of Australia’s
Dance. Not About The Body
While it might sound counter intuitive, in a way dance isn’t about the body. While it’s well understood that gymnasts tend to excel and peak
DAVID HALLBERG
The story you may not have heard… “I want to personally thank you Tim, for helping me get back on the stage. MDM’s aided that
Innovations In Dance
Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Without innovation, it is a corpse. ~ Winston Churchill Innovation. It’s a buzz word
Dance For Life
A series that seeks to peer into the future of the dance studio. I believe we may be at an interesting turning point, on the
RAD Australia
IN CONVERSATION with Rebecca Taylor, National Director of RAD Australia & Kathryn Hughes, National Examinations Manager of RAD Australia This interview conducted by Josef Brown
Competitions
Dance Competitions. Yes/No? How many is too many? We appreciate we’re not the first to raise this topic – and nor will we be the
Legacy Kirsty Martin
“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” ~ Shannon
Our Dance Circle
Stories of inspiration. We’re so fortunate in dance to be surrounded by inspiring stories. Young people reaching the heights of artistic achievement, over-coming obstacles to
Language Matters
Pull Up! I need you to give 150% Pretty faces. Smile. Many dancers would have heard phrases like these regularly in class and/or during
Teaching Work
How to get teaching work and stay successful. Some advice for those interested in getting teaching work at a studio, from the point of view
Support Local
Back to Dance is here! At this exciting time of year we’d like to ask that you choose to support your local dancewear store for
MARIA KHOREVA Q and A
Get to know #mdmambassador (and future ballet star) Maria Khoreva in a Q&A ♥
Missing The Point(E)
IT’S THE STORIES YOU WON’T HEAR. The MDM range is footwear that’s been designed to specifically promote, not only supreme comfort and beauty, but safe
Footwear Requirements For Your Syllabus
Are you up to date with the footwear requirements for your studio’s ballet syllabus? This page has been organised as a definitive guide to the
Our Core
Core strength vs Core stability Everyone is talking about the importance of “core”. It is a hot topic both in and out of the dance
“This unique and innovatively designed shoe gives an aesthetically pleasing line and is an ideal shoe for a young dancer’s “growing” foot. It provides anatomical support while improving alignment of the lower leg.”
Janne Blanch, Teacher of Ballet & Allied Studies VCASS.
