My class definition: Beginner Ballet

As we shift into fall and a new season of dance, I wanted to give people some more information about my classes, especially since I moved things a bit over the summer. It's important for all students to realize that class levels have different names for different teachers so what is "beginner" for one is "basic" for another, etc. These are my level distinctions and apply only to my classes.

(P.S. I am not italicizing all the French terminology because it would take too long and because there are also variances in terminology among the schools. That's an entirely different - and lengthy! - post for another day.)

Today I want to describe my Beginner Ballet.

Who is it for: anyone! If you had a semester of ballet in college, great! If you had years of it as a kid, that's great too. And if you've never stepped foot in a studio, welcome.

What will you learn:
At the barre, you will get the basics -
1. Demi-plies and grand plies in First, Second, Fourth and Fifth positions. (This combination does not change.)
2. Slow tendus from first position.(This combination does not change.)
3. Moderate tendus from fifth position.(This combination does not change.)
4. Degages from fifth position in a simple pattern.
5. Faster degages from first position facing the barre, also in a simple pattern but designed to change your weight frequently.
6. Ronds de jambes, typically slow and moderate tempo; low, easy developpes in a simple pattern.
7. Grands battements in a simple pattern in all directions.
You will also work on balances en releve in first and second position, balance in sousous, holding retire, port de bras and pique.

In the center, you will get these basics -
1. A port de bras combination which will include arms in first, second, third, fourth and fifth positions, perhaps with chassee and temps lie, or even pas de bourree. Arabesques in 4 positions may also be included.
2. A simple tendu combination from fifth position that will introduce the positions of the body in the room, arm and leg coordination, weight shifts, and head movement.
3. Waltz steps, balances de cote, chassees, tombe pas de bourree, contretemps, pique arabesque, pique passe.
4. Breaking down soutenu turns, pique turns, and chainee turns. Everyone works at their own pace. Some dancers may take longer than others to perform turns.
5. Simple jumps in first, second and fifth positions.
6. Petit jetes, assembles and glissades - in combination or individually. These may also be approached at the barre. Note: all dancers have the option of working on jumps at the barre rather than in the center if they are not yet comfortable doing that.
7. A big jump across the floor which could include saute arabesque, saute battement en avant, grand jete, or saute passe.

Bonus:
This class is a great option if you are a more advanced dancer and want to work en pointe or if you are recovering from an injury and want a slower, more deliberate approach to technique.

Additional notes for new students:
Recognize that it's a difficult thing to start studying ballet but everyone in the class has been in your shoes at some point. As you gain more experience and move up in levels, you will be the newbie again - and again - and again. That's one of the great things about ballet: there is always something to learn!

Another wonderful thing about the discipline is that there is measurable progress: if you couldn't do a turn and then one day you can, you've progressed! But the measure may not be the same for you as it is for others. There are as many reasons for a student to start class as there are students! You might measure your progress outside of the studio, how it affects your stamina or overall health, while another student is using ballet to help them with a sport or the theater, etc.

Getting into the studio is a big deal. As an adult you have a lot of responsibilities and people you might care for or work for and it's not easy to simply say, "Gotta go to ballet!" Ballet is part of your personal self-care, however, and it's great for your physical and mental health, creative expression and community.

When you become a student in my beginner classes, you will find yourself surrounded by people who are like you in the most important way: they want to study ballet. You will discover that passion can lead to wonderful friendships.