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Ballet/Re-starting Ballet

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Expert: - 1/26/2010


Question
Hi, I started doing ballet when I was 3 but quit in grade 5 when I was 10 because I was the oldest in my class. I am now 14 and want to start again but I don’t know whether I should go back down to grade 4 for a while to quickly re-learn the stuff I might have forgotten over the past 4 years.
My legs are still quite strong and I can do the basics I would need for grade 4 but I’m not sure what to do. Please can you help? Thanks, Jamari x


Answer
Hi Jamari. I recommend that you ask your teacher. Tell her/him that you are willing to do whatever is best in order to get back in shape. My thought is if, like you have already thought, if you go back to Gr.4 you may get in shape more easily by doing what your muscles already know how to do.

Then at some point you could go into the Gr. 5 class and catching up would be easier.

So you are thinking intelligently about this. Ask your teacher, and proceed with the plan you both feel is best.

Enjoy your ballet! Dianne

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Dianne M. Buxton

Expertise

I can answer questions about ballet positions, ballet movements and ballet technique, pointe shoes and pre pointe exercise, mens training, ballet diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, produced and directed dance companies. For any answers related to health questions I will offer my experience, and give references to information, but I also automatically include "see a professional".

Experience

dancer, ballet and modern, choreographer, dance teacher, artistic director, ballet mistress, producer

Organizations
I.S.T.D. Actra, Actors Equity

Publications
http://ezinearticles.com http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com http://streetarticles.com http://balletconnections.com

Education/Credentials
Graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada where I studied Cecchetti, Bournonville, Vaganova and Graham technique. Taught at the National Ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard University.

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