Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 5/29/2008

Question
Hi, I saw your site and wanted to ask how many years of training of ballet you think would push me up to the next level for jazz and lyrical. My fouette' turns suck and I need a lot of help

Answer
Hi Claudia. Let me ask you the following so maybe I can answer your question:

How many years have you studied classical ballet? Have you got any ideas from reading my articles on fouettes, pirouettes etc.? It all depends on your basic technique, which is discussed in many of my articles as well.

Sometimes if you fix something very basic, and build strength for the basics, your more advanced movements get better really fast.

I'd love to help you, and answer your question. Would you be willing to read all my articles that seem relevant to you, and then get back to me?

If you have a good basic ballet technique, that will help you build strength to dance jazz and lyrical. How to improve the basics of ballet technique might be your focus for a while.

You might consider going into a lower level class once a week, maybe over the summer, just to practice basic ballet technique. Can you ask your teacher what he/she thinks about that? Teachers usually appreciate it if you confide your goals and ask for advice.

If you feel you need a structured guide for practicing some daily routines at home, consider getting The Perfect Pointe Book (you'll find the link to it on http://www.theballetstore.com on the front page). I recommend it to all dance students, even boys. Even if you do not aspire to excel at pointe work, the daily routines and self-assessment charts are excellent.

Please let me know if my answer is sufficient or not, because I'm happy to discuss this with you further.