Hey guys! So Monday and Tuesday I had my ballet classes. I think I mentioned before that our studio has a new owner. I was very curious as to how things would change with him in charge, and I'm starting to see some differences. We now have uniforms. We need to wear a specific leotard, this one, in the color burgondy on Monday, and any black leotard on Tuesday. I sort of like the leotard (not a fan of the sleeves though). It covers bra straps and is very flattering and supportive. I am a little disappointed though because I can't get any cool funky leotards for class (like this one, on sale for $8!)
Other differences include a "back to basics" type attitude. We aren't allowed to do double pirouettes in class until our singles are "perfect", despite most of the girls in the class having very good single and double pirouettes. We've also started simplifying chaine turns by keeping our hands on our hips or shoulders instead of out in first. This policy kinda gets on my nerves, because I feel like most of the people in my class can do the basics pretty well.
Another difference is the leveling. Last year, the levels were pretty weird. There were levels 1, 2, 3, and 3a, and also intermediate and advanced. I was in 3, moving to 3a. Now the levels are 1-7, with me at 4. I like this new leveling because it means, if I go up a level a year, that I'll be in 6 when I graduate, which is only one level from the top.
I really love pointe. I'm the only girl in my class that is actually on pointe, all the other girls have pre-pointe shoes. We only do pointe for 20-40 minutes during Tuesday classes, and now most of it is barre work or chaines across the floor. Pointe is definitely a lot of fun though, I can't wait until we move on the the bigger things.
Tell me how your classes are going in the comments!
Things are different for me too, especially because I've switched studios. I was put in one level of ballet, and now I've moved up to the next, although that class is going to be working on basic things, sort of like yours. It's still a higher level, they just want our technique really nice before we start tackling harder things, like triple pirouettes.
ReplyDeletePointe is really nice too, because during the school week, we have a technique class, then an hour of pointe, and I like that better than how I did pointe at my old studio.
Keep posting, I love to read your blog!
Sounds good! I wish we got an hour of pointe, now it's only about 40 minutes a week :/ Thanks so much!
DeleteI love reading your blog! It s so much fun(:
ReplyDeleteWell, I started ballet when I was 4 years old and I loved it! but I had to stop at age 12 because my teacher left. My mom made me watch "Billy Elliot" a few nights ago and I want to go back so badly! I had the thought of coming back for soo long but that movie made me finally say "Mom, I want to go to class"
Right now, I am 14 years old , so I havent been dancing for two years .
I think I am starting next month and I am nervous! I still remember steps but in my new studio I dont know the teachers, any girl,etc.
So I was hoping that you can help me ,also I am a very good student and I dont want to get bad grades.
Do you think it s a risk in school?
I know is long , just that I dont do ballet for being in pointe , I do it because I love it!
Thank you so much, I appreciate it! Find a studio that has the class options you want and call or email them. There's a lot of helpful links in the ballet tips and info link in the sidebar, but if you have any specific questions or concerns about it ask me in the comments.
DeleteTry to talk to the girls before class, just say, "Hey, my name is _____, I'm new here." They'll introduce themselves and probably make small talk.
It's important to balance ballet and school work. School should always come first, but I haven't ever really had a problem with not getting my work done. Just manage your time carefully and your grades should be fine!
Good luck, have fun dancing!
What grade should I get lessons in if I have just turned 14 and are a beginner ( I did ballet when I was about 4/5 but I quit because it was combined with tap and I didn't like tap!) :)
ReplyDeleteIt depends on each studio. I wouldn't expect a beginner to start in the first level or grade because that's usually very young kids, but maybe in level 2-4, depending on the syllabus. The teacher will probably put you in a class and see if you need to move up or down a level or if that's a good level for you. You can contact the studio and ask them about it. I started off in a teen beginner class, but when I switched studios I started in level 3.
DeleteHope that helps!
Hey! In a older post you said you had a playlist in your ipod that is only for your ballet classes, Would you mind sharing the songs? (:
ReplyDeleteHi! I made a post a few months ago with some of those songs, right here: http://teenballet.blogspot.com/2012/07/dance-music.html
DeleteThe ones that I didn't include are:
Into the Airwaves By Jacks Mannequin
Swim By Jacks Mannequin
Amy, I By Jacks Mannequin
There, There Kaitie By Jacks Mannequin
Dark Blue By Jacks Mannequin
Drink With Me from Les Miserables
Bring Him Home from Les Mis
Empty Chairs at Empty Tables from Les Mis
The Music of the Night, From Phantom of the Opera
and the songs Elephant Medely, Your Song, and El Tango de Roxanne from the movie Moulin Rouge.
The Jack's Mannequin songs are upbeat, the Les Mis songs are slow and somber, but have a lot of feeling.
Hope that helps!
How old are you? Not to be stalker but I just thought it was strange that you were the only one in your class on pointe. Good luck with the new owner!
ReplyDeleteI'm 16, the other girls in my class are around 11.
Delete