Technique Technique is gold. Without a doubt, it is the first thing judges see. Let’s face it, it doesn’t matter how amazing the choreography or costumes are if it lacks...
Nicholas KeyesBroadway, a street that runs the length of the island of Manhattan, is best known for the stretch that runs through Midtown. This is the Theater District of New...
Nicholas KeyesMore than just the sway of a belly dancer’s hips, the footwork of a samba dancer or the passion of a flamenco dancer – dance is a form of...
Nicholas KeyesWhat does it take to make it as a performing artist? Besides being able to sing, dance and act, today’s artists also have to be their own boss— the...
Nicholas Keyes“Ok and this part of the music, when the strings come in and she sings the note really long, enter and start the next phrase with the jeté we...
Nicholas KeyesBeing a dancer, or artist of any kind, is hard work—rewarding to the soul, but often not for the bank account. Does the term “starving artist,” sound familiar?...
Nicholas KeyesAs dancers, we are both athletes and instruments. Our bodies must be strong, athletic machines held akin to Olympians. Dancer’s bodies are also our means of communication, creation,...
Nicholas KeyesSure, I like visiting New York City, seeing amazing Broadway shows and experiencing the culture. Being in a city different than my own was exciting. The sharp edges of glistening...
Nicholas KeyesIf you are reading this article, it’s likely you know that NYC’s Radio City Music Hall is home to the infamous Radio City Rockettes. These high-kicking dancers grace the stage...
Nicholas KeyesCompetition season is upon us again, and dance parents everywhere are asking the same question: how do I make sure my dancer stays healthy? One answer is to provide...
Nicholas KeyesCompetitions season is in full swing and perhaps your weekends look a little like this: Travel Dance Sleep Repeat This schedule is exhausting for both body and mind, which...
Nicholas KeyesRecently my friend asked me “What do you like about your body?” It took me a long time to respond. I know what I dislike, but what do I...
Nicholas KeyesTechnique Technique is gold. Without a doubt, it is the first thing judges see. Let’s face it, it doesn’t matter how amazing the choreography or costumes are if it lacks...
Nicholas KeyesIt’s 2018, so #NewYearNewMe—or so your Instagram caption claims. But “new me” is a vague goal, and goals without plans don’t help you in the long run. This year, make...
Nicholas KeyesGet to know Molly Hawkins, a dancer from a Coast Guard family who’s in college and likes coffee, Coldplay, and dance companies who push boundaries. Name: Molly Hawkins ...
Nicholas KeyesTraveling the world to dance: it’s the stuff dreams are made of, right? But what is everyday life really like on tour? Does it live up to the hype? The...
Nicholas KeyesA few months ago, I saw a call on Backstage for an HBO TV Show. The show (which I can’t name yet—no spoilers!) was searching for Background talent, or “extras.”...
Nicholas KeyesFrom world-renowned ballet and contemporary companies to unknown independent artists, Instagram has provided a platform for dance to be showcased to the world, and is a well-spring of inspiration for...
Nicholas KeyesNot long ago I wrote a post about why hearing “no” means you’re doing everything right. It’s true, suffering rejection is a good thing—I wear my “no’s” with pride! ...
Nicholas KeyesSo, you’ve decided to make it official! Here are a few pointers on picking the right dance program for your educational goals. I’ve also included a list of the top...
Nicholas KeyesFor two years, I was a Trainee with a professional ballet company which meant I spent about six hours a day at the studio. We took daily technique class, pointe,...
Nicholas KeyesI’ll be honest- auditions used to be some of my least favorite parts of being a dancer. They’re stressful and anxiety-inducing. They would put me in a mindset where I...
Nicholas KeyesWith over 150 different competitive dance organizations and conventions touring the US during competition season, it can be a daunting task to find the right competitive event(s) for your studio’s...
Nicholas KeyesOn our previous post, we met Disney performer Lindsey Smith. Lindsey is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. At Disney World, she is both a dancer and a teacher for young...
Nicholas KeyesGrowing up, my first exposure to song and dance was through the beloved Disney films. I remember singing “Part of Your World,” into my toothbrush to a captive bathroom audience...
Nicholas KeyesIt’s so easy to get stuck in a routine when it comes to stretching. We go through the same ones in generally the same order when we stretch on our...
Nicholas KeyesWe’ve all been there- working our hardest, at our physical peak, pushing ourselves beyond our mental and physical limits in class and rehearsal, and then it happens. You’re injured, and...
Nicholas KeyesIt was too late. I had been somewhat unsure of which knee to kneel on, so I guessed. I didn’t have time to ponder it; the music’s tempo was fast....
Nicholas KeyesThere’s an old saying that’s thrown around the artist community: Those who can’t do, teach. I can’t think of a more inaccurate description of the work of an artist/teacher. Teaching...
Nicholas KeyesWhat is an Equity audition? If you’re new to the Broadway dance scene, you’ve probably heard this term before and been confused by it. Let’s break it down. “Equity” refers...
Nicholas KeyesI left my first visit to New York at the age of seventeen with a sore neck, like most tourists, from staring up at too many skyscrapers. I was a...
Nicholas KeyesSchool for six hours of the day. Change in the car as you rush to dance right afterward. Scarf down some dinner at home before diving into two hours of...
Nicholas KeyesAs you enter the professional performance world and begin to seek out auditions, you’ll likely hear these words. “Is it Equity?” The answer to this question can tell...
Nicholas Keyes“Twerking” is not a real move. And no, we will not demonstrate it for you in the hallway. It’s not a “recital.” It’s a performance. It’s not “practice.”...
Nicholas KeyesOnly days before my final AP Calculus exam, I performed The Nutcracker in front of three thousand people. My childhood Nutcracker runs were twenty shows long; I had a show...
Nicholas KeyesIf you’re an energetic, enthusiastic and expressive dancer looking for a fun and challenging performance job, theme park performances are a great option to explore! And with more than 60,000...
Nicholas KeyesAfter spending my adolescence in a dance studio I had itchy feet to get out of my hometown and experience something new. Motivated by fierce wanderlust and a love for...
Nicholas KeyesWhile attending a dance workshop for Hamilton, I met a dancer who had no idea what Hamilton was. This put her at a disadvantage. The most important function of a...
Nicholas KeyesFinding the perfect leotard, warm-ups, spandex shorts, or skirt can be frustrating sometimes. It’s so hard to find unique dancewear that fits and expresses your personal style. These 10 dancewear...
Nicholas KeyesAfter spending my adolescence in a dance studio I had itchy feet to get out of my hometown and experience something new. Motivated by fierce wanderlust and a love for...
Nicholas KeyesOh, rehearsal. It’s like getting on the world’s best rollercoaster: you’re thrilled about the adventure, but you’re worried your legs might give out afterward. A grueling day of choreography...
Nicholas KeyesSome of the best dancing ever has been on the silver screen! Here’s a list of 8 of the must-sees for dancers of every age and style: 8. The...
Nicholas KeyesSweat was already dripping down my forehead as I walked into my first Disney audition. It was a hot Florida Spring day. The room was full of other sweaty dancers...
Nicholas KeyesIn my final year of college, I attended my first Broadway audition. I have an extensive background in concert dance. I had been to many auditions, but never a...
Nicholas KeyesDear Dancers, New York City is the concrete jungle where dreams are made of and because of Dance Dreams, I had the opportunity to spend a whole week, in July, in...
Nicholas KeyesHow to Keep Your Energy Up Especially When You Have to Perform But Don’t Want To When I danced with Richmond Ballet, Nutcracker season was our busiest time. It...
Nicholas KeyesThe time has come! You are ready to nail your first audition—prepped with your dance shoes, a head shot, and the fierce determination of a dancer who has trained their...
Nicholas KeyesAs dancers, our feet are one of our most used tools, and their wellbeing is vital to having a good class, rehearsal, or performance. The strength and flexibility of our...
Nicholas KeyesAs a young girl, I took dance class every day after school. It was my extra-curricular activity. While my friends were participating in team sports or clubs, I was racing...
Nicholas KeyesMaybe you’ve heard this audition advice before—behind every “yes” there are fifty “no’s.” I’m here to testify that sadly the age-old adage is true. But don’t hang up your...
Nicholas KeyesAbout a year ago, I stood in the wings of New York City Center watching Jacqueline Green—a dancer with The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater—twirl across the stage. Sweat flew...
Nicholas Keyes
