Celebrating Black History Month: 10 Influential Black Ballet Dancers
![Virginia Johnson performing in George Balanchine's "Agon" in 1974. © The George Balanchine Trust.](https://balletaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/virginia_johnson_2.jpg)
In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting women and men who have made and continue to make an incredible impact on the ballet world.
The Nutcracker: The World’s Most Popular Ballet
![](https://balletaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Nutcracker_Snow-1-1024x1004.jpg)
Here are 10 historical fun facts about the beloved holiday ballet that will have sugarplums dancing in your head!
Ballet Exercises to Improve Your Posture
![](https://balletaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/BalletPosture_SBAZAdultClass-1024x659.jpg)
You don’t have to spend hours in a dance studio or pay for a personal trainer if you want better posture. Performing simple dance exercises in the comfort of your own home can help you improve your posture.
6 Unexpected Benefits of Ballet Classes for Kids
![Ballet Classes for Kids, Rosalie O'Connor](https://balletaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SBAZ_Benefits-of-Ballet_1-1024x601.jpg)
There are many unexpected benefits of ballet classes for kids beyond the obvious technique side of it. Here’s what we found with our students.
Ballet 101: Modern vs. Contemporary Dance
![Helio Lima in Justin Peck's In Creases. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.](https://balletaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/HazelHareAward_Helio-1024x623.jpg)
With so many styles of dance, things can get confusing. Here are the key differences between modern and contemporary dance just for you!
5 Pointe Work Tips for Beginners
![Ballet Arizona company dancers in class.](https://balletaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/PointeShoes-1024x737.jpg)
Going en pointe for the first time is a big milestone for dancers. Here are 5 top pointe shoe tips for beginners!
Arts & Education: 5 Reasons Why It’s Important to All of Us
![Arts & Education: 5 Reasons Why It's Important to All of Us](https://balletaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/11-26.jpg)
The importance of the arts is widely recognized. Here are 5 ways in which research confirms the value of arts education.
At Home Ballet Exercises to Help in the Studio
![BAZ Blog_Ballet Exercises](https://balletaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/BAZ-Blog_Ballet-Exercises-1024x683.jpg)
Grab your workout clothes because we are sharing six exercises that will help improve your ballet technique and performance in the studio!
Ballet 101: Romantic Ballet
![Ballet Arizona dancers in “Giselle.” Photo by Rosalie O’Connor.](https://balletaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/RomanticBallet_Giselle2.jpg)
Learn about ballet’s Romantic era, the rise of the ballerina, and how it transformed the art form as we know it today!