Evolution

Over time the typical ballet class has evolved. When my mother was taking dance classes her teacher would strike them with a yard stick if they were not getting it right.

When I was a child I had a friend who's teacher would threaten to burn them with a lit cigarette, that she was smoking while teaching, if they were not correct.

Now a days teachers are to use constructive criticism and reassurance. It is then up to the dancer to apply the criticism and become better. Don't get me wrong...a ballet class still requires a very strict environment for optimal learning but it is a lot less invasive.

**Tip of the day: Enjoy your teachers and celebrate their critiques. They just want you to be the best you can be.

5.6.7.8.

*A tip for teachers:
Repetition repetition repetition.  Stick with the students who don't get it the first time.  They will always try harder for you if you take the time.

5.6.7.8. and 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and,  okay, again, and, again.
Some just take more time than others to be a successful teacher.

 

* A tip for the dancer:

Learn how to take constructive criticism. You know if your teacher cares if she/he takes the time to fix what you are doing wrong. Apply the suggestions and make yourself the best dancer you can be.

the.dance.bag.

The dance bag is the lifeline to any dancer. The items inside will secure the survival of most situations in the dance world.  Things to have in your dance bag should include:

a LARGE water bottle.

bandaids for those unexpected injuries.

some sort of protein bar or granola bar for a quick snack in between hours of rehearsal. You will need it for energy.

bobbi pins for fixing and securing the bun.

your dance shoes...of course.

athletic tape for sprains or injured toes.

extra tights. you never know when you might get a hole in the ones you are wearing.

a towel to wipe off the sweat and keep you fresh.

Now you have all that you need to survive! Happy Dancing!

{the bun}

Most dancers and teachers know the importance of the BUN. Not only does it take a science, a precise twisting, tight pinning and then the famous "shake" test to see if it can withstand intense jumping, sweating...dancing, but it serves a very serious purpose. The bun is to get all hair off the neck so as to make sure correct alignment is being taught along with technique. The neck is very important in the role of any curriculum and thus the bun was created to help achieve the best levels of posture and grace.

sweats.

Have you ever noticed why dancers look "strange"? They do have method to their madness. For instance, SWEATS...

A dancer will wear their sweats inside-out so they don't get fuzzies all over their tights. 

So next time you think a dancer has walked out the door without looking in the mirror just remember they have probably given it MORE thought than most would.