Ballet/Training

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Expert: - 10/29/2008


Question

Leyah
Im 15 years old and i have been dancing since i was about 10 years old but i really havent had SERIOUS training, i dance at church and i have been coreographing all the dances for the last 3 years many people tell me that i am an awesome dancer and the best out of the group but i know that i REALLY need training because i want to do pointe. Can you tell me which classes  need to take?

p.s. im very active i play volleyball but im also not on the skinny side! Please help

Answer
Hi Leyah. Since you want to do pointe work, you will need ballet technique classes. You may need a couple of years of training at 2-3 classes per week, so that you have the strength and technical accuracy to learn pointe work.

Look up the ballet studios in your area and see where you can find a beginners class for students around your age. Since you have been dancing, you have a head start, and the teachers will know which class to place you in.

Once you start training you might want to get a manual called The Perfect Pointe Book. It is focused on getting students technically accurate and strong enough to learn in pointe shoes. You can find it at http://wwww.theballetstore.com on the front page. Also at the same site you will find articles on ballet technique, mostly in the blog area, that will help you as you train.

There are also articles about healthy diets.

Feel free to ask any other questions as you study, I'd love to hear how it goes for you.

All the best, Dianne.

Dianne M. Buxton

Expertise

I can answer questions about ballet positions, ballet movements and ballet technique, pointe shoes and pre pointe exercise, mens training, ballet diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, produced and directed dance companies. For any answers related to health questions I will offer my experience, and give references to information, but I also automatically include "see a professional".

Experience

dancer, ballet and modern, choreographer, dance teacher, artistic director, ballet mistress, producer

Organizations
I.S.T.D. Actra, Actors Equity

Publications
http://ezinearticles.com http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com http://streetarticles.com http://balletconnections.com

Education/Credentials
Graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada where I studied Cecchetti, Bournonville, Vaganova and Graham technique. Taught at the National Ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard University.

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