In The Studio | A Blog by Carla Otero
Getting into the Right Mindset for Class
Everyone has those off days, but it’s always important to come ready to work and work hard in class. Hopefully, dance is an escape for you from everything that might be bogging you down, so with this in mind, leave that “baggage” at the door and enjoy yourself while...
Recap: Afro-Caribbean Dance Workshop
On February 11, 2018, CarlaOteroDance offered an Afro-Caribbean Dance Workshop at the E.B. Newton School and Cultural Center in Winthrop, MA. The event was a huge success where everyone in attendance left having learned more about the exciting style of dance. The...
Two More Hours With Each Class, Please?
Don’t you wish wish you had a little more time in the studio with your dancers? Do you ever feel like you walk into your class with an entire lesson plan prepared to only get through half of it? Lately, I’ve been feeling like I could do with at least two...
Beauty of The Nutcracker
One of the most celebrated ballets in the world, The Nutcracker, is one of my all time favorites for this time of the year. Apart from getting me in the holiday spirit, I love seeing the different interpretations of the ballet from companies all over the...
3 Techniques to Memorize Choreography
Now that the dance season is underway, you may be learning new choreography for the wintertime performances. One question that I’ve encountered is what is the best way to memorize choreography for a show. First off I want to preface this with…everyone...
3 Dance Season Resolutions to get you on the Right Track
September is finally here, which means you’re probably gearing up to start the new dance season. You’ve rested up for some weeks in the summer and continued to stay active and trained in the hopes of coming back re-energized and ready to hit that ground...
Reflections: Dancing Through Adulthood
Life throws a lot at you, every twist and turn can be something new, but is also is an opportunity for new experiences. So far 2017, has felt this way. However, I don’t think I would be able to feel like I am keeping my head “above water” if I didn’t have...
Summer Intensive: Finding the Right One
Summer vacations are a great time to try new dance styles, to head to a summer dance intensive either at your studio or elsewhere. Exposing yourself to new teachers will enrich your technique and broaden your movement repertoire. Don’t get me wrong, it is important to...
Getting Recital Ready
Recital season is upon us! The moment you as a dancer have been waiting for and have worked towards the entire dance season. This is the opportunity to show off how much you’ve learned and improved on stage in front of an audience. Here are some quick tips to get you...
Warming-up with a Quick Ballet Class
In addition to warming up by doing a bit of cardio and breathed through-stretches before a performance or competition, one additional way to warm-up is by doing a combination of ballet moves to get you ready. Since ballet slowly builds up in intensity and progresses...
“This field is an everlasting learning curve. The more I impart my knowledge, the more I learn from my dancers and students. It is a beautiful circle that unites us and has no end.”