PSA: Never run backwards!

Very few things in ballet are absolute. There are a million ways to approach pirouettes en dehors. Different schools teach arabesques with conflicting arms. One dancer's pas de chat is another's saut de chat.

However....

Never EVER EVER run backwards in a class.

Unless you are performing choreography, you should always move in the direction of the combination. Typically this means exiting downstage and to the right or left.

But why, I hear you asking...

Because the group coming behind you isn't expecting you to run at them. You might get in their way or worse, injured if they can't avoid you. You will probably also get cursed at.

But what if the combination doesn't travel much, I hear you add...

Because the group coming behind you isn't expecting you to run at them. You might get in their way or worse, injured if they can't avoid you. You will probably also get cursed at.

But I messed up the first few steps and I'm soooo close to the back, I hear you insist...

Because the group coming behind you isn't expecting you to run at them. You might get in their way or worse, injured if they can't avoid you. You will probably also get cursed at.

But--

No. Just don't. It's very poor classroom etiquette. People won't like you. They'll complain about you to their friends. They might actually kick you if you're in their way. So don't do it.

I wish I could say this is something I see only in beginner classes but it's in advanced classes too. When I am teaching, you better believe I stop the class and say, "No! Don't do that!" In a nice way, of course. 

When I am not teaching, however, all I can do is telepathically send a message to the dancer who is running back through the group coming up next. No!!!! 

Happy dancing~