Tips or tricks for the newbie in ballet...?

[Penelope Martin]

Okay so I am 14, 15 in March and I've never done any kind of dancing before. I am going to starting taking ballet in the fall and is there any advice that I should need before taking the class. I can only afford one class a week so if I work hard how long before I can go on pointe...? And what should I expect for the first class...? Also what should I bring...?

Any and all comments are deeply helpful
Thank you in advance

 

[Pompal 09.]

By biggest advice to you is to do yoga and pilates every day. If you can't afford actual classes, buy an at home DVD and do the strengthening, stretching, and core strength exercises. Ballet dancers don't get their powerful bodies from ballet - they get it from yoga, Pilates, and various other cross training methods like swimming.

If you're only taking one class a week, you shouldn't be en pointe for at least 3 years. You need a strong fundamental basis before you can advance to that level. Any sooner would be incredibly dangerous to you.

First class will probably be a series of 'easy' exercises so the teacher can assess everybody's skill level.

Bring (well, wear) a black leotard with ballet pink tights unless your studio specifies other colors. Full soled leather ballet slippers are my personal preference for beginner level students as they help strengthen the feet. You may bring short shorts or a wrap skirt if your studio allows. Also bring a water bottle, granola bar, and notebook to write down new vocabulary words (ballet is mostly in French so it's good to know the literal translation of things). Invest in a small bag or backpack to keep your dance things in.

 

[lizardmomma]

Besides all the good advice that Artemis gave you, I would like to give yout a couple of hints. Being a teen instead of a little kid when starting may actually help you. I just finished my first year of ballet and I'm 33. When you start to do you exercises at the barre (well everything you do) make sure to pay attention to your body and how it's positioned, what muscles you are using, things like that. If you use your body instead of just pointing you foot and being lazy you will progress faster and be a stronger dancer. Don't be afraid to question your teacher if you are doing something right or wrong and ask for help that is what they are there for, if not during class then right after.