Toby's School of Dance

08/19/2026

The Art of the Tendu: Creating Length, Energy & Line

A beautifully articulated tendu is one of the foundations of classical ballet. It may look like a simple movement, but within that movement lies an important lesson about technique, strength, flexibility, form, and the energy of the entire leg.

When we articulate the tendu correctly, the foot does not simply slide along the floor. The movement begins from the leg and travels all the way through the foot, toes, and ankle. As the foot leaves its working position, we stretch through the instep and articulate each part of the foot, creating a feeling of length and energy that continues beyond the tips of the toes.

The flex and stretch of the foot are equally important. Understanding how to actively stretch through the foot while maintaining the connection of the leg helps the dancer develop strength and awareness in the feet and ankles. We want to feel that beautiful opposition—the leg reaching outward while the foot continues to stretch and extend the line.

This is where the importance of energy down through the foot becomes apparent. A dancer should never think of the pointed foot as something that happens only at the end of the leg. The energy should travel continuously from the supporting leg, through the working leg, through the ankle and instep, and finally into the toes.

Form Creates the Foundation for Line
Good line in dance is not created by simply making a pretty shape. Line is created through correct placement, articulation, strength, and intention.

A properly articulated tendu teaches the dancer to:

Stretch the leg fully without losing alignment.
Develop articulation and strength in the foot and ankle.
Create length through the entire leg.
Maintain turnout and proper placement.
Connect the movement of the leg to the foot.
Develop the beautiful, elongated lines we associate with classical ballet.
The foot is the dancer's connection to the floor. When we learn to articulate it correctly, we learn to push through the floor, stretch through the leg, and reach beyond the toes.

That same principle carries into everything we do—jumps, turns, extensions, pointe work, and traveling movements. The quality of the foot affects the quality of the movement.

Never underestimate the tendu.

It is where we learn that every movement has a beginning, a pathway, and an energy that continues beyond the shape we see.

A beautifully pointed foot is not merely a picture.

It is the visible result of energy, articulation, strength, and intention traveling through the entire leg.

When dancers understand this, they begin to understand that technique is what creates the freedom to dance beautifully.

08/17/2026

The Foundation of Beautiful Ballet Technique

Here's a peek into our Saturday Junior Company ballet class with

In ballet, every detail matters—and two of the most important foundations of strong, beautiful technique are the pointed foot and the plié.

A perfectly pointed foot is more than simply stretching the toes. It requires strength, flexibility, articulation, and control through the entire foot and ankle. A beautifully finished point creates clean lines, enhances the appearance of every movement, and allows the dancer to fully express the artistry of ballet. From tendus and dégagés to jumps, turns, and extensions, the strength and placement of the foot influence nearly every aspect of a dancer’s technique.

Just as important is developing a deep, strong, and properly placed plié. Plié is the foundation from which so much of ballet is created. It builds the strength needed to jump, turn, land safely, change direction, and move with control and grace. A well-executed plié teaches the dancer to use the legs correctly, maintain turnout and alignment, absorb impact, and generate power from the floor.

The pointed foot gives ballet its beautiful finish; the plié gives the dancer the strength and preparation to create movement.

Mastering these fundamentals takes patience, repetition, and discipline. When a dancer takes the time to perfect the smallest details, those details become the foundation for greater strength, confidence, artistry, and mastery throughout their ballet training.

Find your class here: https://tobysdance.com/schedule/

08/16/2026

Your Positive Turn out Week at a Glance!

This is your week at a glance! Start out with a positive affirmation about yourself! You’re in the top 1% who are studying and perfecting the art of dance! You are elevated just by making the decision to dance. Turning out to dance class and rehearsal regularly is just as important as turning out your hip sockets for ballet! The more you work at turning out, the more you improve and the better dancer you become!

08/15/2026

Why Combine All Three Dance Styles?

The magic happens when children experience all three disciplines together.

-Ballet teaches control and technique.
-Tap develops rhythm and musicality.
-Tumbling builds strength and physical confidence.

Together, they create a well-rounded movement experience that keeps young children engaged, active, challenged, and excited to learn.

And because young children learn best when they're having fun, a combination class allows them to explore different styles without feeling like they're being asked to specialize too soon!

Multiple combo class options offered Mondays-Thursdays; check out the schedule and register today at tobysdance.com!

08/14/2026

Tumbling Develops Strong, Capable Bodies

Tumbling gives young children the chance to safely explore movement through rolling, jumping, balancing, climbing, and age-appropriate gymnastics skills.

These activities help develop core strength, flexibility, spatial awareness, gross motor skills, and coordination. Children begin to understand what their bodies can do—and that feeling of accomplishment can be incredibly empowering.

Check out our class options tobysdance.com/schedule and save your spot today!

08/13/2026

Tap Makes Learning Rhythm Fun!

Tap brings music and movement together in a way children can immediately feel—and hear! Every shuffle, step, and clap becomes an opportunity to explore rhythm, timing, coordination, and musical expression.

Tap also encourages children to listen carefully and respond to different sounds. It turns learning into play while helping develop important musical and cognitive skills.

Find your perfect class fit at tobysdance.com/schedule and save your spot today!

Stay tuned for more...

08/12/2026

Ballet Builds Grace, Strength & Confidence
Ballet teaches children how to use their bodies with control and purpose. Young dancers develop balance, posture, flexibility, coordination, musicality, and body awareness while learning the fundamentals of dance.
But ballet is also about so much more than technique. Children learn to listen, follow directions, remember patterns, practice new skills, and celebrate their progress. Those small accomplishments can create big boosts in confidence.

Stay tuned for more...

08/11/2026

Why Ballet, Tap & Tumbling Are the Perfect
Combination for Young Dancers

Ages 3–6 are an incredible time to introduce children to dance and movement. A combination class in ballet, tap, and tumbling gives young children much more than an hour of dancing—it gives them a foundation for confidence, coordination, creativity, discipline, and a lifelong love of movement!

Stay tuned for more...

08/07/2026

🍂✨ Classes start Monday, August 10th at Toby's School of Dance in Richardson! ✨🍂

It's time to dance into a brand-new season as Toby's celebrates 67 years!

Whether your child dreams of twirling across the stage or you're looking for a fun way to bond with your little one, we have classes for every age and stage.

💖 We offer:
🩰 Ballet
👞 Tap
🎷 Jazz
🎤 Hip Hop
🤸 Acro
📣 Drill Prep
🌺 Ballet Folklórico
🌸 Lyrical
🌟 Combo dance classes for our youngest dancers
👩‍👧 Mommy & Me classes for little ones starting at 18 months—create special memories while dancing together!

Our experienced instructors create a positive, encouraging environment where students build confidence, make friends, and discover the joy of dance.

Spaces fill quickly, so don't wait! Register at tobysdance.com and join the Toby's School of Dance family for an exciting fall season full of music, movement, and fun.

We can't wait to dance with you this fall! 🍁💃🕺

Questions? Call 972-235-0514 or email [email protected]

07/25/2026