Another new class and some changes to the old ones!

New class: I am adding a third Basic Ballet class for adults and older teens at Le Studio in Pasadena on Saturday mornings from 9-10AM. It will be much like the one I teach on Monday/Wednesday evenings at 7:30PM. Everyone is welcome - brand new to ballet? Returning after an injury or years away? This class is perfect for you! We have a LOT of fun.

Changing of the guard: Melissa Waters is taking over the Monday morning class in Pasadena while I am teaching the adult ballet class at Dance Arts Academy in LA at 9:30. Melissa is moving the class time by an hour so it will go from 10-11:30AM (Mondays only; the Wednesday class will stay the same at 9AM).

So long and farewell: the Friday morning ballet class is canceled as of March 4. Sorry!

All other classes are the same. Please see my calendar below for a concise picture and as always, please contact me if you have a question.

Happy dancing!

Keeping a dance journal

Do you know that I can *still* remember corrections given to me by teachers from 20 years ago? I still try to apply them too (never did get them right!). I was taught to write down corrections after every class so that they would become solid in my mind and also so I wouldn't make the same mistakes twice. A journal can be especially helpful if you're taking with several teachers. One may suggest an arm or head correction while another focuses on your core. By writing it all down, it will reinforce your memory of the correction and also get it into your brain for an application of it somewhere else.

Here is a tip from Pointe Magazine:

"As ballet dancers, our days are chock-full of classes and rehearsals--which makes it difficult to keep track of all the important corrections we receive from teachers and coaches. Try keeping a dance journal. After class or rehearsal, spend some time reviewing your corrections, and jot them down in a notebook. Doing so will help you process and retain the advice--and the less time you spend re-fixing old problems, the more you can work on polishing the details. Soon, you'll be able to conquer whatever you've been focusing on, be it a triple pirouette or that tricky Odile variation."

Schedule change: I'm teaching at Dance Arts Academy!

Love your body: Spend Valentine's Day in ballet class!

Beginning on Monday, February 14th (Valentine's Day!), I will be teaching adult ballet from 9:30-11AM at Dance Arts Academy. The amazing Leon Logvinsky will be playing for me! I am thrilled to be teaching at Dance Arts - those of you who've taken class there know how spacious the studio is - and I'm especially happy to have Leon as an accompanist.

I hope you'll join me if you have a Monday morning free - or need a boost to start your week!

What: Adult Beg/Int ballet
Where: Dance Arts Academy, 731 So. La Brea Ave, LA 90036
When: Mondays, 9:30-11AM, starting 2/14
$15/class

Happy dancing~
Leigh

Adult Ballet Beginners on Schedules, Attire, and Blogging

Here is part 2 of the interview from Dance Advantage:

Adult Ballet Beginners on Schedules, Attire, and Blogging

Storytime With Two Adult Ballet Beginners

This is from one of my favorite dance websites, Dance Advantage. This is the first of a 2-part interview with a couple of adult beginning dancers. If I were their teacher, I would be thrilled at their passion and dedication - just like my very own students! Thanks to Nichelle for allowing me to share with you!

Storytime With Two Adult Ballet Beginners

Getting to the next level

Recently, an adult student of mine approached me about how she could improve her dancing, telling me she wanted to get to the next level, which for her is pointe work. I am always happy to hear this question, whether it's from an adult or a teen student because that shows me she or he is committed mentally. Often mental focus and energy is half the battle.

The number one thing to improve your technique is consistency. Attend classes regularly - at least twice a week - and you will see your strength and stamina develop. Try as hard as you can not to take off a week or more; this is hard especially for adult dancers because of all their obligations but dance is an obligation too, not necessarily a luxury.

Number two, challenge yourself technically. Step out of your comfort zone in class. Once you can do a double pirouette, push for three - and you'll see your doubles improve! Add beats in allegro, which you can practice first at the barre. If a combination is easy for you, ask the teacher if you can reverse it and practice that on the side.

Number three, go for performance quality. Dancing is not just about technical achievement; it's beauty and art and creative expression. Sometimes the most technically skilled dancers are bland on stage while those who lack certain precision may have outstanding expression in their faces and bodies and we can't take our eyes off them. That's your goal.