Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 10/16/2009

Question
Hi, i have recently started taking ballet at a small studio near my hme.im 19 yearsold and this is the first time i'm taking formal classes. the studio isn't exactly top notch, although i appreciate the experience, so i purchased finis jhungs barrework 1 and centerwork 1 so i could practice on my own at home. i am really determined, because i have ALWAYS wanted to take ballet but couldnt growing up because of financial constraints. i want to, eventually, get into pointe work, and i was wondering how much time and practice will get me there in three years or so. the DVD work out is about 90 minutes long, and from the clips on his website, they seem very very detailed, and i strongly believe i will be able to learn a lot on my own. if i practice for at least 1 1/2 hrs every day, will i be able to progress quickly?

Answer
Hi Anavel. Your determination and efforts are admirable! I think that Finis Jhung is a good choice, but I have a recommendation that will help you along with what you are already doing.

When you work on your own, you miss the feedback from a teacher, and you may be doing things wrong, repeatedly. On the other hand, when you have a teacher who doesn't see the things you do wrong, or doesn't know how to correct them - you depend on yourself anyway.

I recommend The Perfect Pointe Book, not only because it gives you exercises to prepare for pointe, but because the author provides excellent detail on basic ballet positions involving posture, turnout, and balance. Along with that, you get anatomy of the feet and other areas. Even more, she provides self-assessment exercises and progress charts so you know exactly how far along you are progressing. It is a download with video and photos.

The link to this book is http://www.theballetstore.com/ and you'll see The Perfect Pointe Book down a bit on the home page.

An hour and a half each day is sufficient - and always have a day off completely to rest your muscles, give yourself a foot massage and recover generally. Watching your favorite ballerinas and truly relaxing is part of your progress.

The ballet store site also has many technical articles about each ballet exercise, and some on safe stretching that may interest you also.

If you experience any tightness or pain that does not resolve with rest, you need to get additional information about the movements that cause discomfort. Working on your own isn't ideal, but get the most that you can out of your ballet class. Seeing a chiropractor periodically is good, to keep your joints aligned, and is a good place to ask any questions that might come up about any movement difficulty.

How quickly you progress remains to be seen, for a while. Everyone is different, so I cannot answer that.

I hope you understand that I don't mean to discourage you, but want to point out a degree of caution. But I applaud you in your enthusiasm and willingness to work. Just be sure to consult local health care professionals if you have any difficulties.

All the best, Dianne