Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 11/23/2009

Question
Hi Ms. Buxton,
I'm a 17 about to be 18 year old guy. I have been interested in ballet for a long time, but I've never had the money to pursue this dream. However the college I will be attending next fall offers many courses in ballet. I'm just an average joe with a normal figure..just no sixpack! Would you happen to have any advice on training (muscle building, stretching, etc.) for me? Like I said, I'm on an extremely tight budget but I'm motivated to learn on my own..I just don't know where to begin the physical training that is required to begin the true ballet training. Thanks you sooo much!!

Answer
Hi Richard. I assume you mean exercise other than ballet, so here's some ideas.

Pilates - an excellent system of exercise to strengthen muscles, with safe stretching.

Slow Burn for muscle building - read the book, by Frederick Hahn, and exercises are included. Also, it is a good read for you because ballet training is similar in the high-intensity style of movement that builds (as opposed to tears down) muscle fibers. I'm sure the book would be in a local library. It is an excellent book on training in general.

No running, or jogging for endurance. Ballet classes build endurance. Running and jogging wears on joints and swimming would be a good alternative if you want to work on that.

Read all you can about ballet positions, movements and technique. I have posted many articles at my blog http://www.balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/

I also refer to the dance education written by other dance experts on that blog.

All the best Richard, and feel free to ask any further questions that you may have.