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Ballet/ballet head and eye

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Expert: - 4/6/2010


Question
Hi I'm 14 and a late starter my problem is that when I'm doing something like Grande battement or any exercise en croix i don't know ware my head is meant to be ware am i meant to look like when i do a grande battement to side should my head be to the side all i really dont know i hope you can help

Answer
Hi Christi. You might ask your teacher, because most teachers have a certain pattern of head movements that they prefer, or are teaching from a ballet syllabus which dictates the head positions.

The most common pattern of head movement is: when the leg is devant, the head turns and inclines toward the front leg.

When the leg is a la seconde, the head is straight.

When the leg is derriere, the head turns and inclines over the supporting leg side.

There are variations on this. One thing I can add is that for your eyes, always look where your nose is pointing, with a relaxed but strong gaze. This will always look natural. I say that because I often have seen students, when their head is turned to the right, looking to the right, but much farther sideways than the direction of their face.

I hope this helps Christi. All the best, 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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