Daphne Lee is a queen, and not just in the "OMG Girl Boss Alert" sense of the word. She's an actual queen—a beauty queen. Crowned Miss Black USA in August, she's been doing double duty as she continues to dance with the Memphis based dance company, Collage Dance Collective . Lee's new title has given her the means to encourage other black girls and boys to pursue their dreams, while also pursuing dreams of her own. The scholarship money awarded with the pageant title will assist her as she earns a Masters of Fine Arts degree at Hollins University.

In a recent interview with Allure , Lee discussed her new platform as a pageant queen and how she hopes to inspire the next generation.

"As a black woman, as a black dancer, I can do many different styles and this body is an instrument," Lee said. "I'm showing the black body in a different light—in a way that's positive, in a way that's different, but also staying true to my roots."

Lee goes on to point out that her physical features are unusual in the world of ballet, where Eurocentric beauty standards have been the norm. By owning the characteristics that make her unique in the world of ballet, she's become an activist. The New Jersey native described how she's using her art form as a medium to challenge the status quo.

"When I do photoshoots I make sure that I show that yes, I'm a black ballerina, but I can show unique styles that can benefit staying true to myself, [while] also staying true to the classical form," Lee told Allure .

Check out the rest of the interview to find out how Lee is devoted to changing ballet for the better.

For more on choosing whether to compete or not, click here .

My mom was a dancer growing up, and she went on to become a dance teacher, so I've really grown up in the studio. I started classes when I was 2, and by the time I was 9, I was training at The Dance Club and knew I wanted to dedicate all my time to dance.

I started competing my first year at TDC. We attend a few regional competition and convention events each year, like New York City Dance Alliance, NUVO, and JUMP, and travel to Nationals in NYC every other year. I also attend additional events alone throughout the year to perform my solo. I did my first solo when I was 11, and I remember it so specifically: It was to the song "Proud Mary," and I rehearsed it with my mom. There were moments when we'd butt heads and it was a struggle, but it was the first time I remember having a relationship with my mom through dance, realizing that we shared the same passion.

(photo by Misty Matthews, courtesy Mathews)

I've always loved taking classes—I spend up to 30 hours per week at the studio—but performing at competition is my favorite. You only get two to three minutes onstage, which is very little time to showcase your talent and personality, and I love the challenge. In those few minutes, I get to lay it all out on the floor, dance with my heart, and show the audience what I'm capable of. I'm usually in around nine group routines each year, too, and I love getting to be with the amazing girls on my team. Rehearsals are a time when we really bond as a unit and get to know each other better, and the moments we have onstage together are special and unique.

I've always dreamed of going to college for dance. After that, who knows? I'd love to go on tour and travel the world dancing for people, either with a singer, in a Broadway show, or as part of a convention. And I know spending so much time at competitions now is helping me get there.

Zoe with her New York City Dance Alliance Teen High Score Soloist plaque (courtesy Zoe Watts)

Since college is my main focus, I'm staying as close as I can to NYCDA, which has a huge college scholarship program and tons of opportunities to help prepare dancers for their futures. The faculty members are amazing and nurturing, and they're willing to do whatever they can to help dancers get a college education. I compete so I can pursue these dreams and goals I have for the future, and so I can showcase my talents along the way.

One of the main reasons I'm continually motivated to keep trying—even if I fail—is because I know everything is a learning experience. Last year, I had some pretty rough times with my solo at competition. They say winning isn't everything, and I'm finally capable of agreeing with that. It's fun to win and it can boost your self-esteem, but I grow the most when I don't win. It's hard to realize that when you're going through it, or if you're new and inexperienced in the dance world. But once you figure that out, forget about the scores and the placements, and just dance—that's when you improve the most.

A version of this story appeared in the October 2017 issue of Dance Spirit with the title "I'm a Comp Kid."

For more on choosing whether to compete or not, click here .

I started dance classes at a young age. By the time I was 3, I was training at The Dance Club, and I grew up there. I started with the basics—ballet and jazz—and eventually added tap, tumbling, contemporary, and hip hop.

Early on, I did compete. I remember my first time: I did a trio at a small local competition, and it got first place. The trophy was as tall as I was, and I loved it. I attended conventions as a mini, and had the opportunity to take classes from Travis Wall, Sonya Tayeh, Andy Pellick, and Joey Dowling-Fakhrieh. There was so much variety—I was in awe.

I sometimes competed solos, and did seven to eight numbers per competition. It was a lot. We'd usually rehearse right after school, from 3 to 9 pm. It was difficult to balance dance and school, and there were many late nights as I tried to fit it all in.

(Photo by Misty Matthews, courtesy Matthews)

A few years ago, I choreographed my own solo and competed it at NYCDA. I enjoyed it more than any of my other solos—and it got first place at Regionals. It was so rewarding to show the judges that this is me, this is something I made. I realized I wanted to explore my own choreography, instead of spending all my time practicing someone else's.

So, eventually, I stopped competing. Comp season can be kind of crazy. I didn't necessarily like the logistics of the whole comp scene, partly because I'm not a competitive person in the first place. I'd rather dance in a concert than perform for a panel of judges.

I joined my school's dance team and began choreographing for them, and I further developed my love of choreography. Last year, I entered a video of one of my self-choreographed solos in a school art contest called Reflections, and I ended up winning first place in the dance category—not just at my school, but in the entire country. I was invited to fly to the annual Reflections gala in Las Vegas to perform the piece. It was a huge moment. I felt like I'd figured out what I wanted to do.

(Photo by Misty Matthews, courtesy Matthews)

Since then, I've developed many new friendships and relationships with mentors, artistic directors, and members of the dance community. I've been exploring ways that will further my dance career beyond competitions. I recently auditioned for SALT Contemporary Dance Company's second company, SALT II, and earned a company contract. I'm still not entirely sure how I want to pursue dance in the future, but I know that eventually I want to be part of a dance environment where I'm allowed to create. I'd love to teach other people my choreography and encourage them to make their own movement, too. I want to help other dancers understand that it's more important to be better than you were yesterday than to be better than anyone else.

A version of this story appeared in the October 2017 issue of Dance Spirit with the title "I Don't Compete."

Science is fascinating. But trying to understand extremely detailed scientific research can be...less than fascinating.

Unless there's a dance about it.

For the past 10 years, Science magazine and the American Association for the Advancement of Science have hosted the Dance Your Ph.D. contest, an annual event that challenges Ph.D. candidates in 12 scientific categories to create interpretive dances about their research. It is exactly as weird, and exactly as amazing, as it sounds. Previous winners have included a tap/salsa/circus medley about heart valve bioengineering and a romantic dance epic about titanium alloys for hip replacements .

This year's finalists have just been announced, and they are an especially fabulous bunch, with dancers hailing from as far afield as Brazil, France, Russia, and India. (No fewer than three of the 12 videos incorporate classical Indian dance—how cool is that?) Check out a couple of our favorites below, and then head to the official voting page before November 1 to pick your winner.

In our "Dear Katie" series, former NYCB soloist Kathryn Morgan answers your pressing dance questions. Have something you want to ask Katie? Email dearkatie@dancespirit.com for a chance to be featured!

Dear Katie,

I'm a good "posing" dancer—I can make pretty lines—but once I start really moving, things fall apart. It's like all the individual pieces of my technique are good, but they don't add up to good dancing. How can I connect the dots?

Amelia

Dear Amelia,

Lucky you! I'm sure many of your classmates wish they had your beautiful lines. But it sounds like you need to build your strength. Good muscle control is what will allow you to maintain those pretty shapes while you're dancing. Start by focusing on your core. A strong core can improve everything else—once it's solid, you won't feel so "wonky." Look into Pilates, which strengthens while creating long, lean muscles.

In terms of your technique, watch the in-between steps. A glissade is just as important as a grand jeté. Those connecting steps are what make a series of poses into a dynamic dance. It's all in the details!

For more of Katie's helpful tips and advice, click here .

For an aspiring ballerina, there's no more exciting place to be than the ABT Studio Company, the pre-professional arm of American Ballet Theatre. The NYC-based troupe of 16- to 20-year-old dancers trains hard and performs harder, putting on multiple shows over the course of each season. We followed ensemble member Léa Fleytoux, a gifted 18-year-old from Paris, France, on a performance day to get an inside look at what it's like to live the Studio Company life.

Photo by Froman

1. Fleytoux's day began, as usual, with class, led by Studio Company artistic director Kate Lydon. "At this point, I was really excited about the show that night," Fleytoux says. "But I tried to relax so I wouldn't tire myself out too much."

Photo by Froman

2. Before heading to the theater, the company squeezed in some last-minute rehearsing. "I went through my solo part in Raymonda , and a little bit of the new work Liam Scarlett choreographed for us, Untitled ," Fleytoux says. "I was focused on setting the tempo for my Raymonda variation, and on fixing my balance."

Photo by Froman

3. Fleytoux took the subway uptown to the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College with her boyfriend, fellow Studio Company member Jarod Curley. "We enjoy having so much time together," she says. "It's always a pleasure to talk with him about ballet—and not ballet!"

Photo by Froman

4. On the train, Fleytoux texted friends and family members who'd sent her birthday wishes. "My birthday was the day before!" she says. "I also listened to pop music, which always gives me energy."

Photo by Froman

5. Onstage at the Kaye, Fleytoux worked with Studio Company ballet master Sascha Radetsky on a tricky lift from Scarlett's piece.

Photo by Froman

6. The Studio Company did a little team-building exercise before the show. "We wished each other good luck, and it helped us to relax," Fleytoux says.

Fleytoux and the Studio Company in "Untitled" (photo by Froman)

7. Showtime! Fleytoux performed in an excerpt from Raymonda , Ethan Stiefel's See the Youth Advance! , and Scarlett's Untitled . "I had so much fun, especially doing my solo in Raymonda ," she says. "It's very hard technically, but I love the music, so I can let it carry me through."

The end of of Fleytoux's "Raymonda" solos (photo by Froman)

8. As she took her last bows, Fleytoux "felt a little bit melancholy knowing that the show was done," she says. "But the atmosphere with everyone onstage was wonderful. It was a moment of happiness."

A version of this story appeared in the September 2017 issue of Dance Spirit with the title "Living That #BalletLife."

Kathryn McCormick first won our hearts with her captivating contemporary moves and girl-next-door relatability on Season 6 of "So You Think You Can Dance," where she made it to the top three. Since then, she's returned for seven more seasons as an All Star and, last summer, gave viewers all the feels when she mentored rising dancer Tate McRae. An Augusta, GA, native, McCormick started dancing at age 3 and moved to L.A. at 18. She performed a leading role in Step Up Revolution and danced in Fame , and has worked with choreographers including Stacey Tookey, Travis Wall, and Teddy Forance. Currently, you can catch her touring with DanceMakers, where she's on faculty. —Courtney Bowers

Kathryn,

Take a deep breath and know that you're exactly where you're supposed to be. You often question if you're enough, but I'm here to tell you that you always have been. Don't mistake your worth for what you've accomplished.

You'll one day find yourself moving to L.A. to create a life there. Your first four years in the city will hold more opportunity than you have the courage to dream of for yourself. You don't see how capable you are, so most dreams you have are way too small.

McCormick at age 3 (courtesy McCormick)

I know you think you have to be perfect at everything you try, but, to be real with you, the people you think care don't, and the people who love you don't care about perfection—it's the exact opposite that they seek in you. You'll realize that your striving is sabotaging your ability to truly experience life with the ones you love. Nurture the close friendships in your life. You need each other. That fourth class can wait until tomorrow. ;)

Slow down. It's not cowardly or lazy, and you won't get fat or lose your technique by missing a day or two of training. Slowing down is where the real "living" begins. I give you permission to relax and do nothing—more happens in that stillness than you think.

McCormick at age 11 (courtesy McCormick)

Your thoughts, your peace, and your spirit need to be prioritized in this career. Dance was given to you as a gift. It'll show you the world, introduce you to so many new experiences, be your constant reminder of joy and light, guide you to your best friends and, even better, your husband. Dance isn't about the spotlight or the opportunities. It's about moving your body and connecting to the spirit inside of you. Leading with that spirit will fulfill your every need. Lean on your heart and know that you'll be drawn to the places that are right for you. Simply let all other opportunities pass, and know that's OK. Dance will bring you to life and help your path be one that brings life to others in return. Keep it simple.

I'm so proud of you! You're doing a great job.

"I made you in my image and I hid heaven in your heart."

Love,

Kathryn

It's a well-known fact that self-care is extra important for dancers. We're super busy and constantly running from school to class to rehearsal and back again. And as dancers, we deal with quite a bit of mental pressure ( like our often super-intense desire to be perfect ). Not to mention, we're constantly putting our bodies through intense physical stress. So, yeah, it's safe to say that finding some balance in our lives is kinda important. When dancers learn to slow down and take care of themselves, their art is truly better for it.

Which is why, on this #MindfulnessMonday, we were super inspired by New York City Ballet principal Sara Mearns' interview over at Sakara Life's The S Life magazine . Mearns dishes about her wellness rituals and how she makes sure she's operating at 100%, even when her schedule's insane. And you should trust her, because not only did she just wrap up NYCB's fall season, but she's heading right into performances for The Red Shoes, which opens at New York City Center later in the week .

"I would say practicing self-care and taking time for yourself is huge," Mearns told S Life Mag . "I can get so stressed at the theater and stepping away, taking a moment to regain clarity and clear your mind is key."

She also believes dancers are athletes and, therefore, need to be treating their bodies as such. "Basically our daily life revolves around our body," she says. "We consider our body to be a sacred temple that needs and deserves the utmost care and devotion. We have to realize that we're not machines, so the more we listen to the body, the longer it can sustain such an intense physical career."

And she admits, it took her a while to learn. "In my early-to-mid twenties, I wasn't as in tune with the important balance between work and rest," Mearns explains. "I have since learned my lesson many times over, and everyone knows that my body comes first when it comes to my daily routine. I have a check list in my head of what I need to do and what parts of my body are hurting and what feels good."

Her top rituals? "Hot showers and stretching are huge morning rituals for me. At night, I take epsom salt baths, ice whatever is hurting, then rub Voltaren cream on my muscles," says Mearns. "I prioritize hydration and drink about 2 liters of water a day, and eat a healthy diet with lots of vegetables and good protein."

Read the full interview for more details about her wellness journey, and make sure to take some time out today to indulge yourself—you deserve it!

After months of auditioning, gutting it out at The Academy, and performing dozens of routines on the weekly live shows, you'd think Season 14's "So You Think You Can Dance" finalists would all be exhausted enough to sleep until 2018. And while that may be true, it's not quite the reality they've been living since the show wrapped last month. Instead, they got a few hours off before diving right into rehearsals for the show's 39-city tour . (NBD.)

Koine Iwasaki, the fan favorite who nabbed the runner-up spot on the show (second to winner Lex Ishimoto, who will appear on Dance Spirit 's December cover!), is among the crew of city-hopping dancers. So how—especially after all those weeks of intense rehearsals and performances—does she stay properly fueled for the nightly shows? Here's a peek at a day in the life of Koine's diet.

Usually once I'm up, I get off the tour bus and search for a coffee shop or a juicery. Most of the time, I go for coffee—an iced vanilla latte is my favorite. But sometimes the venues have a juicer—juice is my number-one choice.

For breakfast, I really try to fill up on protein, because it helps me get the energy I need for the day—though that does get tough because we're always in different cities, and the breakfast options are always different.

At lunchtime, the venue usually provides catering, and I typically go for the seafood option. I love, love, love seafood, and I always crave it. Fish is also a great source of protein, and it doesn't make me feel heavy afterward.

Before our performance, I always take a Vitamin B-12 supplement. I'm big on vitamins; I take them in the morning and at night. I also love taking a ginger shot before a show.

Dinner is my favorite meal of the day. After a show, I can't eat right away because my adrenaline is still pumping. Once I cool down, though, I'm starving! I'm a sucker for some tasty rice and veggies, and I love coffee ice cream.

Want to see Koine on tour? Enter our "SYTYCD" tour ticket giveaway!

Last night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars" was quite possibly the best theme of the season so far. Dubbed "A Night at the Movies," you really just can't go wrong with dances centered around Tinseltown. Shania Twain also made an appearance as a guest judge, and we gotta say, we really loved her. Plus, the couples' performances were seriously on point. Read on for our top highlights of the episode!

Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold

Well, this couple is back at the top of our list this week. After last week's perfect score the stakes were high, but Jordan Fisher BROUGHT it, even after working through an old gymnastics hip injury. The pair danced a heart-wrenchingly beautiful Rumba to Ed Sheeran's "Supermarket Flowers," that told the story of losing a loved one. (Yeah, we dare you not to cry.) We're thinking this couple might just be the one to outlast 'em all...

Lindsey Stirling & Mark Ballas

Lindsay Stirling and partner Mark Ballas managed to score the night's only perfect score, thanks to their seriously cool and sultry sci-fi themed Argentine tango. Lindsay wowed with tons of contortionist-like tricks and an impressive dive into Mark's arms. The judges were floored, and Bruno Tonioli even commented that it just might be the best dance of the whole season. 😱

Terrell Owens & Cheryl Burke

We wouldn't have considered contestant Terrell Owens to be a highlight in other weeks, but last night he showed off some supremely improved moves. It was the cleanest piece we've seen him do, and he and partner Cheryl Burke were rewarded with one of the night's high scores. Check out the pair's jive to "Feel It Still" by Portugal. It was pure 🔥 .

Alas, someone had to be sent home, though, and the couple that ended up getting a not-so-Hollywood ending was Nick Lachey and Peta Murgatroyd.

What do you think? Was the right couple sent home? Let us know! And check back here next week for another recap.

We may not all speak the same language, but we can all "speak" dance—an idea that's celebrated in a totally joyful new short film, "Rue Montorgueil." Featuring Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater members grooving alongside people of all different backgrounds and nationalities in one of Paris' most famous streets, the vid is a beautiful illustration of dance's universal appeal.

"Rue Montorgueil" was choreographed by French artist Redha Medjellekh—and it's only the beginning of Medjellekh's collab with Ailey. Over the next year, he'll make a series of videos starring Ailey dancers, with the goal of reaching as broad and diverse an audience as possible.

"I wanted to illustrate that no matter your gender, nationality or age, we can communicate and share a common thread through dance," Medjellekh said in a press release.

Check out an excerpt from the film below, and then click over to NOWNESS , which premiered the video, to watch the whole thing.

Everyone knows that training is the cornerstone of a successful career in dance. But as a dance educator, I also take comfort in the fact that high-quality dance training helps shape students into genuinely good people (in addition to creating future artists, which is a wonderful goal in itself.) These are the lessons dance teaches that help make students into better humans.

Read more at dancemagazine.com!

In our "Dear Katie" series, former NYCB soloist Kathryn Morgan answers your pressing dance questions. Have something you want to ask Katie? Email dearkatie@dancespirit.com for a chance to be featured!

For more of Katie's helpful tips and advice, click here .

You simply can't go wrong with this costume. Everyone will get it, it's an absolutely iconic moment in what's arguably the greatest dance movie of all time, and there's probably a 100% chance that you (or your studio besties) already have all the elements needed to pull it off.

Ah, Flashdance . Another timeless classic. Jennifer Beals defines #goals in basically every single scene of this film. This is another look that requires essentially no work on your part—it's safe to assume you've got a black leo and leg warmers lying around. If you're a Flashdance purist, you can stick with the leo and leg warmers. But for all my #extra girls out there, I recommend wearing shimmer tights, using approximately 6 cans of hairspray to tease your locks, and getting a little heavy-handed with some (very) pigmented purple metallic eyeshadow. Optional costume addition: An off-the-shoulder heather gray short-sleeved sweatshirt.

Honestly, I can't think of a combo better than bell bottoms, metallics, and an obscenely large collar. Which is why John Travolta's "Saturday Night Fever" getup is everything to me. Raid your parents' closets for this one—they're definitely in possession of some bell bottoms, even if they don't admit to it at first. Optional: Aviator sunglasses and/or a feather boa (I'm deviating here, but just go with it).

The whole look from Black Swan never gets old. This movie came out seven years ago, and without fail every Halloween, someone's decked out in feathers, a tutu, and some super-intense eye makeup. And every Halloween, I'm here for it. So, for the seventh year in a row, channel Natalie Portman's Odile and have the fiercest night ever.

I know, I know—this isn't a movie. But it's a LOOK. And CATS is an amazing musical. As we learned from our Facebook Live with some of the CATS cast members , transforming into your feline alter-ego is both a commitment and very fun. This costume is perfect for those of you who want to steal the show this Halloween, because let's be real—if you're showing up in full feline makeup and a white spandex body suit, you're there to #slay and win that costume contest.

News flash, guys: Halloween is LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY. We know how easy it is to get caught up in the endless cycle of school, rehearsal, rest, and repeat. And if you're nodding to yourself right now, thinking "#Storyofmylife," we feel you—and we're here to help. Behold, our favorite dance-movie-inspired Halloween costumes that you can most definitely pull together by Tuesday!

Stop us if we sound like a broken record (but don't, because you guys totally deserve it): 2017 was seriously the best year yet for Nationals. From minis to seniors, solos to production numbers, you comp kids proved once again that you've got all of the technique, presence, and fierceness. Until next summer—when you'll undoubtedly make our collective jaws drop yet again—here are the top 10 hottest trends we spotted at Nationals 2017.

1. Bendy Backs

This year, you literally bent over backwards to impress the judges—not to mention the audience!

Courtesy The Dance Awards

Courtesy Ash Productions

Photo by Aaron Williams, courtesy Showstopper

2. Low Buns

Modern and classic, sleek and edgy, this style kept our focus on the elegance and power of your dancing.

Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy Star Dance Alliance

Photo by Universal Event Photography, courtesy Star Dance Alliance

Courtesy The Dance Awards

3. It's a Setup

Props to you for using set pieces without letting them distract from your incredible dancing.

Photo by DRC Video, courtesy Leap

Photo by Universal Event Photography, courtesy Star Dance Alliance

Courtesy Velocity Dance Convention

4. Suit and Tie

Justin Timberlake would be more than proud of the dapper, dashing costumes for many of this year's classic jazz and swing numbers.

Photo by Tori Sullivan, courtesy Dancemakers

Photo by Silvie Damskey, courtesy Headliners

Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy New York City Dance Alliance

5. Ms. Robot-o

Sci-fi themes were everywhere this year, showcasing a dancey vision of the future.

Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy New York City Dance Alliance

Photo by Take Creative, courtesy Hollywood Vibe

Photo by Universal Event Photography, courtesy Star Dance Alliance

6. Sheer Elegance

Mesh, lace, and other sheer inserts on costumes made for a trendy, but never overdone, style #upgrade.

Photo by Visual Tech Productions, courtesy Adrenaline

Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy New York City Dance Alliance

Photo by Universal Event Photography, courtesy Star Dance Alliance

7.Ladies in Red---and Burgundy

💃🏽 much? You really brought the fire this year, in ruby, garnet, and crimson shades.

Photo by Shutter Storm Media, courtesy L.A. Dance Magic

Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy New York City Dance Alliance

Courtesy The Dance Awards

8. Free Lunge

We're declaring 2017 the Year of the Lunge. Adding drama, power, and excitement, this versatile move showed up consistently to great effect.

Photo by Universal Event Photography, courtesy Star Dance Alliance

Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy New York City Dance Alliance

Photo by Visual Tech Productions, courtesy Adrenaline

9. Military Time

Atten-TION! We were mesmerized by the sharp, clean routines that soldiered on with inspiration from the armed forces.

Photo by Patrick Andrada, courtesy Dance Educators of America

Courtesy The Dance Awards

Photo by Dancepixs, courtesy Bravo!

10. Comps Get Real

We fell hard for the true-to-life costumes and gestural choreo that lit up Nationals stages with authenticity and relatability.

Photo by Mike Farella/Exulting Images, courtesy Encore DCS

Courtesy The Dance Awards

Photo by Evolve Photo, courtesy New York City Dance Alliance

A version of this story appeared in the November 2017 issue of Dance Spirit with the title "The Finals Countdown."

MIND. BLOWN.

For most choreographers, creating music video choreography that perfectly complements a song is challenge enough. But Willdabeast Adams isn't most choreographers. For his friend Jordan Fisher's newest track, "Mess," Adams decided to create choreography that perfectly complements the song when played backwards .

To clarify: In the video, the song plays normally. The footage, which was shot in one long take and includes intricate choreo, plays in reverse. And everything—every step, every hit, every accent—syncs up perfectly. It's seriously incredible. (Keep an eye for the cameos by an almost-unrecognizable Sean Lew and Adams himself.)

Also, we'd like to give a shout-out to Fisher's very legit dance skills. If he weren't already this season's "Dancing with the Stars" front-runner , he definitely would be now.

Check out the Vevo Footnotes version of the video for behind-the-scenes fun facts about the making of this masterpiece:

Run away with the circus in this season's most spectacular stage-worthy styles.

Annellyse Munroe and Melissa Becraft are professional dancers in NYC.

Photos by Jayme Thornton.

Annellyse Munroe in Pumpers Dancewear

Melissa Becraft in Just For Kix

Munroe in Curtain Call Costumes

Munroe in Costume Gallery and Becraft in So Dança

Munroe inA Wish Come True and Becraft in Contours Pret A Porter

A version of this story appeared in the November 2017 issue of Dance Spirit with the title "Circus Dreams."

It's no secret that we've been fan-girling over Michaela DePrince since her First Position days (she was our September 2015 cover girl , after all!). Now a soloist with the Dutch National Ballet, DePrince has blossomed into an amazing dancer, a bona-fide style icon, and, now, a vlogger.

DePrince has always been an insanely inspirational figure, and her vlogs truly showcase this. She tackles lots of topics other dancers might shy away from, including her long, emotionally taxing recovery process from a season-ending tendon injury, to her PTSD. It's beyond refreshing to see a ballet idol sharing so much of herself with her fans, and we have no doubt that lots of younger dancers will benefit from hearing DePrince's empowering advice. Catch one of our favorite episodes below (an amazing travel diary from her trip to Paris, complete with some jaw-dropping ensembles), and head over to DePrince's channel for more.

Degas Ballet Dancer

This is a super simple DIY costume that almost any dancer can assemble. All you need is a tutu of sorts and a black choker. You can add flowers or ribbons, or even do your makeup to look like Degas' impressionist painting. Google "degas ballet dancer" for more creative takes on this timeless costume that'll look as good at a Halloween party as it does in your dance class.

Red Emoji Girl

Who doesn't love the red emoji dancer? You can't go wrong with this sassy get-up. Put your own stamp on the costume by making the costume as elaborate or simple as you like. A red leo with short wrap skirt paired with a flower and fan would be perfect for a ballet class. Wear a fun red dress for less formal dance classes. Just be sure to practice the famous red emoji girl stance for all those Instagram posts your friends will want you to pose for.

80's Aerobics Girls

Get inspired by all those #flashbackfriday posts and flash all the way back to the eighties. The big hair, bright colors, and crazy patterns will definitely be a crowd pleaser. What's even better is that as dancer, you probably already have a lot of these items in your closet at home. Pair a leotard over some crazy leggings and add your favorite leg warmers and you've got an awesome Halloween costume that was practically made for dance class. (Bonus points for adding scrunchies and a fanny pack to the mix.)

The Seven Dwarfs

You and your girl squad can really embrace your friendship with this group costume. Oversized t-shirts and beanies are easy to find in stores and won't cost an arm and a leg. You can take things further by adding a beard or fun little props (like a shovel) from The Dollar Store.

Superheros

Everyone loves a hero and there are so many to pick from these days. You can fly solo with your cape, or get a group of your dance buddies together and create the Justice League or The Avengers. Either way, superhero costumes were practically made for the dance floor thanks to the spandex styled costumes out there.

Thing 1 & Thing 2

Grab your BFF, a red leotard, and a blue skirt and you've got the makings of two of the greatest literary characters since Fred and George Weasley. 😉 Thing1 & Thing2 are some of Dr. Seuss' most mischievous and active characters, which means you'll have no problem coming up with versatile creations that'll allow you to have as much fun in dance class as these two naughty characters did in "The Cat In The Hat."

M&Ms

Solid colored leotards with the signature white "m" will have all of your friends wishing they would have thought of your genius halloween costume. The best part about this costume is that you don't have to pick between the trick or the treat because you can do all the tricks you want (grand jete, penche, Italian fouetté) while being the best treat around. 😁

Banana Split

There's nothing like a "punny" Halloween costume, especially when it's dance-inspired. With a hilarious costume like this you'll be the life of the party/dance class! Just be sure to pair (🍐) this look with a sense of humor and some clever puns for the best results.

Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dumb

This original costume idea will get you and your besty all the LOLs. The hardest part will be deciding who's Tweedle Dee and who's Tweedle Dumb. Shout out to these Miami City Ballet dancers who prove that you can be just as festive in the studio as you can trick or treating through your neighborhood.

You're probably used to jotting down rehearsal notes and corrections, but according to research from the University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology Center, you may want to save room in your dance journal for these exercises, too. These writing prompts were designed to boost your well-being by focusing on the positive.

Read more at pointemagazine.com!