An introduction to Ballet:
To me ballet to the most beuatiful style of dance. Its gracefulness and poise astounds me, and any one doesn't take part in it is missing out. Choosing to do ballet can be stressful and confussing if you don't know what your doing. So over the next week I will be adding on more tips an ideas so you can start ballet ASAP!
Finding a Dance School:
I found looking for a dance school the hardest. I went on google and typed in dance school in my area. There were so many to choose from and I knew that only one school would be right for me. In the end I tried out five different dance schools and only one of them I really enjoyed.
1.You need to start by having a list of dance schools in your area.
2.Look the classes they have to offer. See how many classes they have that you are intrested in.
3. What kind of qualifications do the teachers have. Do they offer pointe classes for thoose who are ready? Is it a professional or recreational class?
4.Check the prices and make sure they are a good price you are willing to pay. (I will post infomation on what a good dance school be like soon)
5. By now you should only have a couple of options left. Now ring the studio and book in a trial class. Choose the one you like the best and sign up.
Happy Dancing
What do I bring to my first class:
Going to your first ballet class can be daunting if you don't know what to expect. I have made up a list of things that every dancer should have in their bag or on them:
-Ballet shoes
-Leotards
-2 pairs of tights (one for wearing other in bag for emergency)
-Small kit with the following: Pins, needles, thread, unpicker, band aids, first aid disinfectante, clear nail poshlish, hair ties, bobby pins and hair nets.
- Leg warmers
-Cross over
-Drink bottle
What you can bring when you get in higher levels-
- Rosin
-Tennis ball
-foot rubz
-Therabands
Where you can find discounted dance wear-
- http://www.discountdance.com/
- http://www.justforkix.com/
Good Luck!
What to expect on your first class-
So, I know how it feels. You have just signed up for classes and it is two hours before you have to leave. You are nervous, unsure of what it going to be like, and hoping you have everything. Make sure you have everything as listed above or most of them. Hair in bun, the right uniform and your bag is packed. Some dance schools allow warm-up time before class if not go a little earleir or do it at home if it makes you more comfortable.
At the beggining of the class you will start of with barre work. A very simple warm-up (the easiest part of class). If you struggle don't worry it will get better. During barre work you will do things like plies, tendus, dagages, grande battements, fondus, developes ect. That would normally take about half of the class time. You will get a break and time to stretch for a couple of minutes and then will be asked to line up in the centre for centre work (pretty much explains itself). Just like barre work but has some turns and jumps included (you have nothing to hold into! Very hard the first time). Then over to the corner of turns and bigger jumps. Then once again into the centre for a reverence (courtsy for the teacher. Not hard at all). After that go to your teacher and thank her for a great lesson.
If you have another lesson shortly wait in the foyer stay warm and stretch. Also have something to eat and drink.
