Tips for Ballet Class
by Kathryn Morgan on Monday, November 21, 2011 at 6:24pm
Everyone always wonders how to get the most out of class. Well, ultimately that is up to you! But here are a few things that could really help.
First off, DON'T CHEAT! For example, don't hike your hip to get your leg higher or don't turn in a bad position soley to get in more spins. If you dance correctly now, you won't develop bad habits for later. Who cares if your leg goes higher but is turned in? It doesn't count. You will only be cheating yourself. Work on doing things correctly. This will build your strength and eventually you will begin to notice that your leg WILL go higher and you WILL get in more turns!
Secondly, don't grip the barre! Every once in awhile check your balance. If you are too dependent on the barre, you will probably fall over in the center. I don't mean to do the entire barre without holding on, just be aware and be over your legs. I find when I do this, center ends up being much better.
As far as turnout goes, no jamming your heels into the floor! Use the back of your legs. If you think from rotating from underneath, this will train your legs to turnout automatically. When you are dancing onstage, you physically can't jam your legs in the floor- you are moving around so your legs need to learn how to turnout naturally. For plies- don't cut them short. Think of them as landings for jumps. The deeper you train your plies, the safer your jumps will be. Always think of your little toe leading back in tendu front. So many people lead with their heel and thus end up turning in. Place your feet on everything in the center. A big grand jete is not the only thing that counts in a combination. All the in between steps are just as important. That is what makes you look like a professional- the little things. Don't slam your feet around. Place each one and turn them out. Don't forget about your arms! They are so important. 75% of the audience has no idea what your legs are supposed to do, and they are watching your upper body and head. Not that the feet and legs are not important- but don't forget the upper half!
Finally, don't worry about everyone else. There is ALWAYS going to be someone who can jump higher, turn more, or have better feet than you. Don't get frustrated. If you spend the entire class trying to outdo someone else, you missed out on improving yourself. Class is a time to work. While you should "perform" in class and have fun, it is YOUR time to work on your technique. By taking class seriously and really focusing, you will really improve your chances of becoming a professional.
I'm sure I left a lot of things out, so I will be doing a Part 2 soon!
First off, DON'T CHEAT! For example, don't hike your hip to get your leg higher or don't turn in a bad position soley to get in more spins. If you dance correctly now, you won't develop bad habits for later. Who cares if your leg goes higher but is turned in? It doesn't count. You will only be cheating yourself. Work on doing things correctly. This will build your strength and eventually you will begin to notice that your leg WILL go higher and you WILL get in more turns!
Secondly, don't grip the barre! Every once in awhile check your balance. If you are too dependent on the barre, you will probably fall over in the center. I don't mean to do the entire barre without holding on, just be aware and be over your legs. I find when I do this, center ends up being much better.
As far as turnout goes, no jamming your heels into the floor! Use the back of your legs. If you think from rotating from underneath, this will train your legs to turnout automatically. When you are dancing onstage, you physically can't jam your legs in the floor- you are moving around so your legs need to learn how to turnout naturally. For plies- don't cut them short. Think of them as landings for jumps. The deeper you train your plies, the safer your jumps will be. Always think of your little toe leading back in tendu front. So many people lead with their heel and thus end up turning in. Place your feet on everything in the center. A big grand jete is not the only thing that counts in a combination. All the in between steps are just as important. That is what makes you look like a professional- the little things. Don't slam your feet around. Place each one and turn them out. Don't forget about your arms! They are so important. 75% of the audience has no idea what your legs are supposed to do, and they are watching your upper body and head. Not that the feet and legs are not important- but don't forget the upper half!
Finally, don't worry about everyone else. There is ALWAYS going to be someone who can jump higher, turn more, or have better feet than you. Don't get frustrated. If you spend the entire class trying to outdo someone else, you missed out on improving yourself. Class is a time to work. While you should "perform" in class and have fun, it is YOUR time to work on your technique. By taking class seriously and really focusing, you will really improve your chances of becoming a professional.
I'm sure I left a lot of things out, so I will be doing a Part 2 soon!
