Welcome to Stories & Struggles

Dance is more than shapes and steps. It’s an experience - physical, emotional, digital, and deeply personal. And yet, so many conversations that dancers need to have happen behind closed doors, or not at all.

That’s why this blog exists.

The Beyond the Barre blog is here to open those conversations, with honesty, care, and depth. It’s a space for young dancers (and those who support them) to think critically about the culture we’re part of, the bodies we move through the world in, and the ways dance is evolving alongside digital media.

Whether you’re here for support, reflection, research, or practical guidance: you’re in the right place.

What You’ll Find Here

This blog blends lived experience with academic research. Some posts are personal. Some are critical. All are rooted in a desire to create healthier, more sustainable dance spaces: online and off.

You’ll find:

• Research-based articles on dancer wellbeing, mental health, and digital engagement

• Opinion pieces about training, technique, and navigating industry pressures

• Practical tips for injury prevention, online learning, and studio culture

• Personal reflections on building this platform and working as a choreographer

• Conversations with dancers who share their stories, struggles, and strength