Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 1/3/2009

Question
Hi!

I love watching ballet! I'm pretty graceful, and I would like to start. However, it's pretty expensive and requires a lot of time outside my home. Therefore, I would like to teach myself. Is there any way I can do this while staying safe? I'm also a fairly experienced gymnast, so I know a lot about staying balanced, keeping my feet in turnout, and combining strength and grace. do you recommend any materials to help me learn?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Rebecca. I have promoted many home practice DVDs, or ballet manuals but only on the assumption that a student is in ballet classes. While you have a head start on progressing in ballet with your gymnastic background, I don't recommend that anyone teaches themself ballet.

If you were to sign up for one class a week, then you could practice at home, as recommended by your teacher.

I know you can find learn-ballet-at-home materials, but I don't recommend it.

Ballet dancers practically live in their ballet studios - so avoiding being outside your home while getting involved in ballet is like having two opposing goals.

Sorry but that's what I think about this.

Whatever you do, all the best, Dianne.