Get the Inside Story

The life of a professional ballet dancer is nothing like what you may have seen in the movies. Sometimes it’s crazy… sometimes it’s quirky… but it’s always worth a look! In this series, videos (most made by the dancers themselves) give you a peek into interesting nooks and crannies of their professional lives.

Claire tells you absolutely all about pointe shoes!

Pointe shoes are, as this video says, one of the most quintessential ballet items… but how much do you know about what’s in them and how to choose them? Claire Goodwillie, an AMB founding company member, fills you in on the parts of a pointe shoe, how dancers get them ready to use, how to take care of your feet while learning, and more. Dancers just starting out on pointe, and their parents, should find this video especially helpful!

Ballerina’s kitchen: hearty lasagna to warm your nights

AMB dancer and cooking all-star Alexandra Hoffman is back at work in the Ballerina’s Kitchen. Today’s dish: roasted butternut squash and spinach lasagna, topped by crispy prosciutto! Check the YouTube description for ingredients and instructions, then get cooking with Alexandra!

Stage makeup: what does it take?

Opulent makeup is an important part of the look for many ballet roles. Exactly what’s involved in getting stage-ready for a role such as the Snow Queen or the Rat Queen in The Nutcracker? Watch this time-lapse video to find out!

Step into the Ballerina’s Kitchen!

Alexandra Hoffman is familiar to AMB dancegoers. Away from the stage, she shows just as much artistry in the kitchen! Alexandra shows how she creates a Thai summer stir fry that’s just as tasty for fall, winter, or spring! As she works, she tells us how she got started with her culinary avocation.

Welcome to the Dancer House!

Four AMB dancers share a house: the Dancer House! Here they show you how they’ve managed to create a routine for keeping in shape and polishing their craft, even when they’re not able to go to the studio.

What’s In the Bag, Claire?

AMB founding company member Claire Goodwillie admits it: When it comes to what’s in her dance bag, she’s a pack rat. Watch as Claire pulls out and extemporaneously explains all the expected – and unexpected – items she takes to work.

Kogan’s Inside Scoop on Pointe Shoes

Pointe work (dancing on the ends of the toes) is one of the most recognizable features of ballet technique. Dancers wear special shoes to do pointe work, and everyone preps them slightly differently. Company dancer Kogan Murphy (with a little help from her dog, Winnie) shows how she gets her pointe shoes ready to use… and what she can do with them!