Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 7/25/2011

Question
Hi Dianne,

I did ballet when I was 3 for about 2 years but stopped but i started primary school. Since then I haven't had any professional training but have always been interested in dance, especially ballet.

I'm now 14 and taking GCSE and A Level Dance simultaneously and earlier than usual. I have been told that I am a very good dancer with good technique even though I haven't had any training for 10 years. I really want to improve my ballet technique from home as i am unable to take lessons. I have checked out several websites and you-tubed just about everything!

Do you have any advice that I could use to improve my technique using videos/websites/books? Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated :)

Thank you!
Emma

Answer
Hi Emma. I truly do not recommend practicing ballet without a class, however, here are the best sources I can think of to help you learn:

The Perfect Pointe Book which you can review at http://balletpointeshoes.info

It is an excellent source of instruction on basic ballet technique as it teaches you how to test yourself and make sure you are doing exercises properly. While geared as pre pointe exercise, it reviews ballet turnout, use of the foot muscles, proper posture and more. In that way it covers all the important basics. It includes video (hours of) and well organized home practice charts for you to track your improvement.

David Howard's ballet class DVDs are the best, I think.

My ballet blog http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com has many articles about different aspects of ballet technique if you want pointers on ballet moves.

http://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/0871271915/ref=as_li_wdgt_fl_ex?&camp=2123...  Inside Ballet Technique is one of my favorite books on anatomy and ballet. I think every ballet student should read it!

All the best Emma.