Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 3/9/2008

Question
Are there any online ballet classes that I can use? My ballet teacher said to practice at home, but I can't remember any steps

Answer
Hi Traci. There are a many dance DVDs on the internet. I have viewed a few of the best. Unfortunately, the ballet classes I have seen on DVDs show incorrect technique that the teacher presenting the class does not correct! I would not want any dance student copying it, thinking they were learning correctly.

However, there is an excellent manual for pre-pointe practice routines that is the best and safest to use. It has detailed instruction, videos, photos, anatomy explanations, and is designed so a student can work at home without injury.

There is good reading in this manual, and something almost unique - self-assessment exercises so that you can understand exactly your level of strength and accuracy, and improve specific details.

While this book is designed to help you work toward pointe work, it also  improves all your basic technique. You can find this manual at http://www.theballetstore.com in the upper left hand corner. It is a book you download right onto your computer. I have read it all, and read the teachers' version, and it is good to use for years - because all the basics are there. I think you would be very pleased with it.

Any student who learns from this book may end up understanding ballet properly, and better than many teachers. I think your teacher will be pleased with your progress too. This book is definitely superior to many ballet classes shown on DVD, because it teaches you how to correct yourself!

Also, Traci, there are many articles on theballetstore.com that explain lots of technical details too. You might enjoy them!

All the best, Dianne