The Footnotes

The Footnotes

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The History of Dance at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The History of Dance at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Thanksgiving morning means something different when you’re a dancer. While your family gathers in the kitchen to begin cooking, you might be stretching by the TV, quietly critiquing technique or imagining yourself freezing in New York City. That TV parade you watch each year — the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day

"How can you always elevate?": Sienna Morris's journey to becoming a professional dancer

"How can you always elevate?": Sienna Morris's journey to becoming a professional dancer

Sienna Morris is already a multi-hyphenate. These days, you can find her in Los Angeles training with BalletRed, dancing in music videos, choreographing solos or creating brand partnerships. Only 18, Sienna’s resume already reads like a seasoned professional. In part, because Sienna has been scoring commercials with big name

In Motion: Best Teen Contemporary Costumes for 2025

In Motion: Best Teen Contemporary Costumes for 2025

For contemporary routines—where emotion, lines, and musicality shine—you want pieces that feel sleek without being restrictive, bold without overpowering.

Defining Performances: Noteworthy Competition Dances Worth Studying

Defining Performances: Noteworthy Competition Dances Worth Studying

Competitive dance is a world built on precision, dedication and the kind of discipline most people never see beyond the stage lights. Dancers spend countless hours refining technique, strengthening artistry and perfecting every transition—all for those few moments in front of the judges. At The Footnotes, we know how

In Motion: Best Teen Lyrical Costumes for 2025

In Motion: Best Teen Lyrical Costumes for 2025

Find beautiful, age-appropriate lyrical costumes that move with you.

Introducing In Motion: Your New Go-To Costume Series for Teen Dancers

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Introducing In Motion: Your New Go-To Costume Series for Teen Dancers

Every week, we’ll spotlight six standout costumes for a different dance style—think lyrical, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop, and beyond. Each post is carefully curated with teen dancers in mind.

The Best Christmas Movies for Dancers: 6 Festive Films Full of Choreo, Sparkle & Holiday Magic

The Best Christmas Movies for Dancers: 6 Festive Films Full of Choreo, Sparkle & Holiday Magic

Now that Halloween is over, it’s finally the season of cozy socks, cocoa and Christmas movies! But who says dancers can’t mix a little choreography into their holiday binge-watching? Whether you love ballet, jazz, tap or full-on Broadway-style numbers, these festive films will have your toes tapping all

Warm-Up Routines for Pre-Teens vs. Older Teens: How to Prevent Injuries and Boost Performance

Warm-Up Routines for Pre-Teens vs. Older Teens: How to Prevent Injuries and Boost Performance

Learn how to adapt your warm-up routine through the teen years to stay strong, flexible and ready for peak performance — every class, rehearsal and competition.

How to choose the right college dance program: Presley Gookin's expert advice for high school dancers

How to choose the right college dance program: Presley Gookin's expert advice for high school dancers

Presley Gookin on The College Dance Consultant, an advising service for high school dancers ready to take the next leap in their career.

Best Dance Leotards for Teens in 2025: Stylish, Comfortable & Studio-Approved

Best Dance Leotards for Teens in 2025: Stylish, Comfortable & Studio-Approved

Choosing the right dance leotard for teens can make a big difference in both comfort and confidence—whether it’s for ballet class, contemporary rehearsal or stage performance. At this age, dancers are growing quickly, developing their personal style, and often dancing more intensively, so their leotard needs to keep

Competition Day Fuel: Smart Snacks for Peak Performance

Competition Day Fuel: Smart Snacks for Peak Performance

For competitive dancers, the day of a competition is a marathon—not a sprint. You might be up at dawn, rehearsing, stretching, and waiting around in costume for hours before you hit the stage. Then it’s full adrenaline for 90 seconds, rinse, repeat. In that kind of high-pressure, high-energy

Hailee Payne breaks down her viral "Disco Snails" choreography

Hailee Payne breaks down her viral "Disco Snails" choreography

Meet Hailee Payne, the choreographer behind TikTok's "Disco Snails"

Tools for improving your ankle flexibility

Tools for improving your ankle flexibility

The first time I competed a solo, I finished the dance, then crossed nervously across the stage to stand for live judges' feedback. As the bright lights shone down on me, I anxiously tried to hold my posture as I prepared for the adjudicators' notes in front of

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This is The Footnotes, a brand new site by Katie Simons that's just getting started. Things will be up and running here shortly, but you can subscribe in the meantime if you'd like to stay up to date and receive emails when new content is published!