Technique
3 Simple Balance Checks for Center Work
If grand leaps and high extensions are not exactly on your agenda, you’re not alone. It is far more beneficial for an adult student to focus on their balance and posture before they try to attempt such demanding moves. Consider three simple balance checks to help you reassess your alignment and core strength.
Cambré and Port de Bras: The Ultimate Upper-Body Duo
Design Inspired by the Unique Grace + Style of a Dancer
Back To Basics: The Five Positions of the Arms
Far from angular and robotic, a ballerina’s arm movements are arguably the most fluid feature of her dancing. Just like there are five standard positions of the feet, there are also five positions of the arms in ballet. Working in conjunction with the rest of the…
Barre Essentials: 5 Guidelines for Proper Posture
Barre work is the most important part of ballet class. The barre is where you learn to stand, move, and think like a dancer. Without the support of the barre, a student’s alignment, technique, and confidence are tested. You can build a solid foundation by following…
Back to Basics: The 5 Positions of the Feet
Ballet technique starts with the five positions of the feet. Unlike other dance forms where the steps are performed in the parallel position, ballet technique operates on the principle of turnout, or the outward rotation of the hips. Here’s a review of the five…
Learning to Articulate the Feet: A 3-Step Guide
In speech, to “articulate” means the ability to express oneself clearly and fluidly. Likewise, a dancer needs to have the ability to move certain parts of their body in a smooth manner that doesn’t look choppy or disjointed. Learning to articulate the feet results in…
Ballet Terms That Can Be Confusing
It can be difficult for adult students to remember the vast ballet vocabulary, especially when some of the sounds and phrases seem to blend together. Here are a handful of terms that can be confusing to the untrained ear, and what makes them different. 1. En croix vs….
3 Tips To Improve Your Extension
It’s always impressive when a ballerina can lift her leg up to her head. How does she do it? Follow these 3 principles to improve your extension. 1. Activate your core. Being uber flexible may look cool, but having bendy limbs is worthless if you don’t have the…
10 Common Ballet Technique Mistakes and How To Fix Them
Ballet technique can be both beautiful and frustrating. If you find yourself getting hung up on a particular step or movement, chances are you’re not alone. This list of common technique mistakes can help you identify problem areas and work to correct them. 1. Pliés -…
How To Improve Your Turnout
Ever see a ballerina walk like a duck? That’s “turnout”. Turnout is the outward rotation of the hips. It’s not natural, it’s not easy, and it can cause damage if not done correctly. While professional ballerinas have been practicing turnout since they were children, adult dancers can . . .
Ballet Class 101
Adult ballet class is where you learn the basics of ballet. There is no need to feel insecure if you’re new to ballet. The purpose of an adult ballet class is to offer instruction without the pressure of pursuing a professional performing career. Ballet class…
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