The news that Edward Villella would leave Miami City Ballet was first announced more than a year ago. We were as surprised as everyone else when he abruptly accelerated his departure date just as we were preparing the cover of this issue! In “Edward Villella Speaks Out, the former MCB artistic director gave us a very candid interview just days before he left his position. We wish him well as he continues to pass forward to the next generation of dancers what he learned from Mr. Balanchine, “body to body, mind to mind.”

The new year is always a good opportunity to make a fresh start. As you think about your goals for 2013, an update for your studio image may be on the list. In “A New Look for a New Year,” our experts tell how you can make the best first impression on potential customers through your logo, website and social media presence.

We’ve been working on a few changes ourselves. For one, we’re going back to basics for the monthly History column. This issue, we begin with Martha Graham in a new, concise lesson-plan format that you can easily share with students. We’ll introduce other essential dance history makers each month: their impact on the field, the cultural context for their work and why they continue to matter today.

A popular feature of the January issue every year is the Dance Teacher Summer Study Guide, beginning on page 68. Whether you’re helping your students find the right summer intensive or you’re looking for a continuing education opportunity for yourself, you’ll find it here.

Photo by Nathan Sayers