Partnering in dance requires trust, coordination, and adaptability. Whether lifting, being lifted, or working in counterbalance, dancers must navigate shared weight, timing, and physical connection. The demands can vary widely—catching a partner midair in a contemporary duet, initiating a fast-moving spin in ballroom, or sustaining balance through a classical pas de deux all require distinct […]

Successful partnering requires trust, honesty, and connection. A productive partnership doesn’t usually come right away, but is instead developed through thoughtful and intentional work. Communication skills are essential. Whether you’re touching base after class or rehearsal, in the midst of a pas de deux on opening night, or anytime in between, there are many strategies to share your feelings and be heard.

Partnering is an essential part of a professional dance career—but how can you keep those skills up to date as an adult?

Weight-sharing is the foundation of any kind of partnering in dance—from ballet lifts to contact improvisation balances to ballroom sequences.

“Trust” and “care” are two concepts that frequently come up in conversations about partnering. Yet, when asked to articulate the difference, language often falls short. On the surface, there is a tendency to believe that what we say shouldn’t matter as much as how we express care and trust through action. But time and again, […]

I know many male dancers who prefer dancing solo: In a classical pas de deux, they simply “get through” the adagio section until they can showcase themselves in the virtuoso male variation. But for me, my fondest performing memories usually involve partnering. Perhaps it’s related to my struggles with male ballet steps (double tour en […]

If you want to take more risks in your partnering (or just love jaw-dropping dance videos), we found the perfect inspiration: Amir Guetta and Hemda Ben Zvi. This amazing duo from Israel specializes in an acrobatic circus technique called “hand to hand” blended with creative choreography and influences from martial arts, like capoeira. The result […]