AboutKT Expertise I can answer questions dealing with the "how tos" of jazz, ballet, hip hop and lyrical. I can help get over creative blocks with song ideas and inspiration to help create. I can answer choreography questions and techniques to help better your dancing and/or teaching.
Experience I have been dancing for 19 years in the styles of jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and contemporary. I studied at a studio rated one of the top 100 studios in the nation, then moved on to The Ohio State University to study dance. I have been teaching summer dance camps for five years. I've been choreographing solos and group routines at a local studio and for groups in my state for three years. I have also attended numerous conventions and workshops throughout the nation. Through the winter I judge for a dance team circuit in the styles of Pom, Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip-Hop.
Education/Credentials I will soon be graduating with a bachelors degree in early childhood development and a minor in dance education.
Awards and Honors This past year I was given one of only twelve scholarships out of four hundred students from Broadway Dance Center's the Pulse.
Expert: KT Date: 5/18/2008 Subject: Alot...need a higher releve, better turnout, stretchier ancles, and how to move up a level
Question Hi, first of all thanks for even reading my question! First at my school we have levels. I am 11 years old, almost 12 (I am very mature for my age, i have been dancing at a very professional school for at least 5 years...and I have progressed alot), and I am in level 3, which is is the level before pointe work). They have me taking a lot of extra classes with the level 4 and 4xS. My teachers tell me I need a higher releve and turnout. What should I do? I am going to the summer program and I want to show them that I have improved. Can you help me fulfill my dream of being in the New York City Ballet? Thanks! Also I need help with my point, I can't seem to stretch my arch and ankle. Do you have any strengthening exercises to stretch my ankles? Thanks! Also I have this friend at my school, and she is really good. She's a bit ahead of me, and when I'm in her classes alot of the teachers seem to notice her. I can't help but envy her, and I feel bad about it. I know that it's not good to want to be someone else, but I feel that I never get credit for anything, and they never notice me. I hate when they yell at me. How should I deal with criticism? Also...I really want pointe shoes. I mean hundreds of girls want them, but I cried for an hour once, because I felt I would never prosper. Can you please help me? I am asking for advice in my grief. Thanks so much!
Answer Hey Eryn! Sounds like you have lots on your mind! Let's see if we can break this down a bit and answer some questions you have...
As for your concerns about higher releve and a stronger ankle: These can all be worked on by yourself at home! One thing that will strengthen your calf muscles (for a higher releve) and can also help strengthen ankles is a resistance band. These can be found anywhere that sells workout equipment or even dance stores. I personally work at a store that carries a resistance band kit which includes a very helpful exercise book to help you along the way! Basically you are going to want to put the band around the ball of one foot and work through your full pointe. This resistance will mostly build up your ankle strength and will help you get a higher releve as well. Other ways to strengthen your releve and ankles are by doing more of what you already know. Stand at a bar and pop into a releve from a flat foot position one foot at a time and then work to get into releve from a plie position. I know this sounds basic and simple but it will significantly increase your releve and ankle strength. Keep working the muscles of your feet and ankles and pointe work will be in your future. You are so young don't stress over moving too quickly! Take your time and do it right!
As for better turnout: There is a certain natural turn out that everyone is built with, some more than others. I personally never had a very natural turn out. The way my body was shaped and built it just does not come as natural to me. This doesn't mean however that you can't do anything to work for a better one. First thing you can do is to be sure you are ALWAYS using your turnout in all movement during ballet class. Often times it is harder to use our turn out to Grande battement for example and instead of working harder we simply muscle our leg up into the air using the front of our thigh! Just simply paying attention to using what turn out you do have will help you! A way to increase and stretch your turn out muscles is the frog stretch. Lay on your belly with the insides of your thighs on the ground behind you trying to touch your feet together (your legs will make a diamond or triangle shape). What you want to work for is to get the legs and feet to touch the ground while keeping the pelvis on the ground. Sit like this while watching TV and it will increase!
As for your envy and dealing with criticism: Everyone feels the way you do at some point in time. Dance is a difficult art and we are constantly being criticized, corrected and compared to one another. You have to find something in you that you can believe in to help you avoid the jealousy towards others. The most beautiful thing a professional ballerina shows the audience is confidence in herself; passion for her art and love for the piece she is dancing. These things can all fall victim if we let ourselves get caught up in the ability of another dancer. It's ok to watch your friend and try to learn from her but never let it take away from what you have going for you! And know that being corrected in class is a great thing because it will only make you better. Believe me when I say that as a teacher the girl I try and fix the most is the one I REALLY want to see improve and make it! So trust your teachers and listen to their comments to improve your dancing.
