Ballet Info for Intermediate to Advanced Youth
FAQ: I’m Older, should I start at 4 classes per week to catch up?
No! Ballet is powerful. It shapes bodies. If technique is bad, the body is badly shaped. If technique is good the body is correctly shaped. You can make up some time by starting with 2 classes per week, but don't take more than 2 until you get the basics, and the technique firmly implanted in the brain.
FAQ: My Body is Not "The Right Type" for ballet. What should I do?
If you want ballet, take ballet. You will be surprised at how your body will re-shape in just six months of 2 to 3 classes per week. The “wrong type” refers to those desiring a performance career, on the stage, doing classical ballet, 3-5 hours per day, 5 to 6 days per week. If your body really is the “wrong type,” such as an extra bone in foot that prevents pointe work, then there are dancing alternatives. Explore Flamenco, Irish Step, Lyrical Jazz, Modern Dance
FAQ: What should I look for in a teacher?
That depends on what you want from class. If you desire a career, find one who stresses the traditional levels. If you desire to dance just for the love of dance, find one who offers a challenging class. If uncertain, look at the teacher’s body and the advanced dancers bodies. Are muscles misformed” Are they prone to knee and ankle injuries? If yes, then find another teacher. Most of all find a match. What do I mean by that? You’ll know when you find it & keep looking until you do.
FAQ: What should I look for in a studio?
Check out the floor. If concrete, or only a thin layer of something over concrete, go to another studio. A new wood floor can be as hard as concrete. Ask about how the dance floor is constructed. A good studio will have some method of shock absorption built into the floor. (If a wood floor in an old building, usually the aging process has provided the needed spring.)
Next, check the walls. Are the pictures hung on the walls inspiring to you? There is no set rule for number of square feet per student. Some very small studios with too many students per class produce excellent dancers. It depends on the teacher's organizational skills.
FAQ: Why is my teacher always picking on me?
Because she likes you and thinks you can do better. I assure you teachers only pick when there is something to pick. Just try to do what your teacher is telling you to do. If the correction makes no sense then request a private class and in the private see if you can get the instructor to offer more detail or explain the correction in a different way. If that doesn't work try a class or two from other teachers. You may find they all tell you the same thing but in different ways and eventually, one of them will say it in a way that makes sense to you and you will leave saying, "Why didn't anyone tell me that before?"
FAQ: I don't want to be a ballerina. I love other forms of dance, but my teacher says I need ballet. How often should I take?
It depends on what you want. If you just want to please the teach, take once a week. If you want to know about ballet, take twice a week. If you want to develop ballet muscles and ballet skills, do a double pirouette, or jump really high, take 2 times a week until you get the technique, then go to 3 times a week to develop the muscles and skills. In addition, I suggest taking Modern Dance
FAQ: I love to do ballet, but I love other things too. How can I dance well without taking so many classes per week?
You can develop good technique and become an excellent dancer by only taking 2 to 3 classes per week, IF you are consistent in attending classes, and practice at home. BUT, your ability will develop slower, you will not be ready for the pro's by age 18, you risk injury if you try to jump from 2 classes per week to the 3-5 hrs daily of a summer dance camp or a professional company. In other words you can dance and enjoy dancing and enjoy your other activities all your life but you can also kiss good bye any hope of performing with a professional company. You can enjoy performing at civic events, and dance tournaments and competitions. There are many non-professional opportunities to perform in every community.
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