Follow along with our students as we have fun each week learning proper dance technique and terminology A – Z. Each week we’ll display a poster in-studio, spend time in class learning and practicing each move, and we’ll invite creative participation from the students to demonstrate their mastery of the movement or term for the week.

Follow along with our students as we have fun each week learning proper dance technique and terminology A – Z. Each week we’ll display a poster in-studio, spend time in class learning and practicing each move, and we’ll invite creative participation from the students to demonstrate their mastery of the movement or term for the week.

Students can’t wait to purchase their first pair of pointe’ shoes, it is one of those special mile markers in a dancer’s life. It is best for the student who is buying their first pair of pointe shoes to go to a reputable dance store that has experience in fitting pointe’ shoes. Pointe’ shoes are never to be bought online by the first time student, and when possible it can be beneficial to have the student’s teacher accompany them to fit the shoe. The fit is crucial and can never be bought with the idea the student will grow into the shoe. It must fit when properly when purchased. Pointe’ shoes are an extension for the foot and provide stability by the proper fit. I recommend your teacher should always check the shoe prior to sewing on the ribbons. Once ribbons are attached to the shoes they will not be returnable.

Besides a proper fit, the teacher will also be looking at the shape of the shoe and the strength of the shank, the shank is the sole of the shoe. Every student is not alike. It is best to purchase the shoe that is best suited to that particular student’s foot. When I was younger there were not as many types of pointe’ shoes to choose from, but today there are many different brands and styles. I have found it best for a student to buy a pair of shoes made with natural materials rather than synthetic materials. Shoes with the natural materials will shape to the students foot better. During use the foot heats up the natural materials in the shoe, which allows the shoe to form to the foot. These types of shoes also require students to use the strength of their core and the muscles in the foot to get up onto the box of the shoe rather than the shoe doing the work. There are pointe’ shoes made with synthetic material that may cost more, last longer, and are easier for the student to get up on pointe, but ultimately the shoe does the student a disservice by hindering the progression of their technique. The student will find they may be able to get on pointe’ easier but the muscle on the bottom of the foot does not get stronger and coming down from pointe will result in a clunky descent. My opinion is that anyone can get up on pointe shoes, coming down requires proper technique.

Written by Pointe’ expert Northland School of Dance, Karen Rivet Paulson

Nick began taking dance classes at Northland School of Dance at the age of 3, and began competing at the age of 4 as Rico Suave in a Jazz number, and as Robin Hood in a Tap routine. He continued at Northland for 14 more years until 11th grade when he secured a full time company position with the Minnesota Dance Theatre under the direction of Lise Houlton. He spent two years with the company and two summers at Julliard before graduating from Champlin Park Senior High School in 2006.

He moved to New York City to attend college after being accepted into the Tisch School of Arts at NYU (New York University). While attending school, Nick spent a semester in Australia studying at the Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance and also performed with Cherylyn Lavagnino Dance, GERALDCASELDANCE, Gus Solomons, Sidra Bell and John-Mark Owen. After graduating college in May of 2009 with a BFA in Dance, Nick secured a position with the Trisha Brown Dance Company based in New York, and is currently touring in Europe.

Nick enjoys playing fantasy football, is addicted to the television series Dexter, and loves to spend time with friends – especially girlfriend Michelle. He looks forward to his visits to Minnesota and will always be grateful to Northland, where it all started with a ‘brush-brush-stamp’!

Tim Olson’s dance career began here, at Northland, at the age of 3. He studied various styles of dance including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary and Hip Hop at Northland School of Dance throughout the country at various renowned studios including Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. Additionally, Tim has traveled the country taking from some of the industry’s top instructor.

Tim’s performance achievements include 2004 national teen title at West Coast Dance Explosion, 2005 Tanzsommer Dance Festival in Austria, and top 3 senior male at NYCDA.

Tim’s teaching career began at 15 as an assistance teacher for Northland. Now he is teaching master classes, assisting for New York City Dance Alliance and choreographs for various projects.

Tim has performed with Odyssey Dance Theater in Salt Lake City, Utah. Performed productions “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Giselle”, and “ Romeo and Juliet”. Last spring Tim toured Europe. Tim is presently performing with Rasta Thomas’ “Bad Boys of Dance”., and enjoying touring the world!

Tim is continuing to pursue his dreams and goals and is excited about the future! However, he is always happy to be home, here at Northland.

Check out a few of the photos on Facebook from our Summer Dance Camp when he was a Guest Instructor for us!

Follow along with our students as we have fun each week learning proper dance technique and terminology A – Z. Each week we’ll display a poster in-studio, spend time in class learning and practicing each move, and we’ll invite creative participation from the students to demonstrate their mastery of the movement or term for the week.

We’re excited to announce that we’ve added two more sessions of Adult Ballroom Dance! Come with or without a partner and have fun, meet new people, and LEARN TO DANCE!

The first will get you dancing just in time for that New Year’s Eve event (or maybe motivate you to plan one!) This 4 week session will meet on Thursday evenings from 8 – 9pm from November 29 – December 20th.
$69 per person

The second is a 6 week session, again meeting on Thursday evenings from 8 – 9pm beginning on Jan 10th and ending with a special Valentine’s event on Feb 14th!!!!
$99 per person

Take a look at some of the videos on our YouTube channel from last year, see what it’s all about and tell your friends!!

Follow along with our students as we have fun each week learning proper dance technique and terminology A – Z. Each week we’ll display a poster in-studio, spend time in class learning and practicing each move, and we’ll invite creative participation from the students to demonstrate their mastery of the movement or term for the week.

Follow along with our students as we have fun each week learning proper dance technique and terminology A – Z. Each week we’ll display a poster in-studio, spend time in class learning and practicing each move, and we’ll invite creative participation from the students to demonstrate their mastery of the movement or term for the week.

Follow along with our students as we have fun each week learning proper dance technique and terminology A – Z. Each week we’ll display a poster in-studio, spend time in class learning and practicing each move, and we’ll invite creative participation from the students to demonstrate their mastery of the movement or term for the week.