Do's and Don'ts for the Ballet Newbie

This time of year, people attend Nutcracker performances and start to think about taking classes themselves. I love that! I too find myself wanting to dance when I see it - or even hear the music.  With that in mind, I'd like to welcome new students to my classes (or anyone's classes!), whether you give yourself the gift of dance at Christmas or Hanukkah or make a New Year's resolution for 2015.

If you're new to ballet or you have been away for a while, here are a few things to keep in mind when you take a class:

DO come with an open mind. You likely won't get every single thing right your first (or second) time in class so give yourself permission to flail a bit. It's okay: everyone else in your class has been there too.

DO wear comfortable clothing. If a leotard and tights are too formal or expose too much, then choose leggings and a long t-shirt or shorts and a tank top. As long as the teacher can see your hips and alignment, the point is to be comfortable with yourself, mentally and physically.

DON'T talk or ask questions during the barre. If I give you a personal correction during a barre exercise, that is not the time to engage in conversation or respond verbally. Also, it's important to be able to follow along so watch someone else at the barre if you don't get it immediately. Questions slow everything down; a barre needs to flow to get people warmed up.

However, DO ask questions in the center when given an opportunity to do so. Often, someone else is wondering the same thing.

DO watch other students, particularly students the teacher has called upon to demonstrate or has praised. Even if a student is not perfect, I may use him or her as an example to show you something specific I like that he or she is doing. Pay attention and ask yourself if you are doing the same thing.

DON'T stand and do nothing. If we are marking a combination (i.e. going through it step by step with or without music) that is your opportunity to walk through it and "test the waters." Following along as we mark will get the combination into your body. Even if you are confused, try to make your body do what I am doing.

DO stand behind someone who seems to know what he or she is doing, whether that means at the barre or in the center or across the floor. DON'T stand in front of them and try to look behind yourself. That is needlessly difficult.

DO have fun and DON'T take yourself too seriously! No matter what class you try, whether it's with me or someone else, a basic class or something more challenging, remember that you are there to enjoy yourself. Class should not be an additional stressor in your already-stressed life. Let dance help lighten the load on your shoulders. The hour or hour-and-half you spend in class is YOUR time. Turn your phone off. Turn your problems off. Relax and let ballet flow over you and through you. Too philosophical for you? Then remember this: ballet is great for your brain. The challenge of learning choreography, of learning new ways of moving and expressing yourself, is not merely physical but also mental. It allows you to be creative as well as physical. There is more to take from dance than simply exercising your body. Enjoy it for friendship and support too.

Happy dancing and happy holidays~

Your first ballet class~ever!

At this time of year (right after New Year), lots of people resolve to get back into shape or to return to ballet or to try something they've never done before and they go to a ballet class. But if they are brand new, they don't usually know where to go or which class to take.

Newbies, you have 2 choices, generally speaking:
 - Take a course with a finite number of classes/time, perhaps one offered at a college or rec center or at a studio or school that offers them in a workshop setting or short intensive; or
 - Take a drop-in class at a studio or school that has classes for adults.

I have taught both. Workshops or courses have a starting point and an ending point. They are meant as introductory or elementary classes that give you the basics to take a more advanced class or a drop-in. They can be terrific for super new people who want to be with other super new people.

Mostly, though, I teach drop-in classes at the Basic, Advanced Beginner and Beginner/Intermediate levels. (The non-dancer often refers to these classes as Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced but because of the locations in which I teach, the class names must be consistent with other teachers' classes.) A drop-in class is ongoing with no need to sign up in advance or commit to a certain number of classes or time.And for the newbie who wants to take class with me, the Basic level is the one I always recommend.

When you attend, what can you expect? First of all, you will be overwhelmed, no question about it. I will place you next to people who can be role models, introduce you to them and them to you. I will often direct my comments at the barre to you, as in, "Joanna (if your name is Joanna), tendu means stretch so we always want to stretch our foot completely."  This is not an invitation for you to engage in conversation with me; it is simply to make sure you are paying attention to what I want you to pay attention to. If the class is big, the newbie is easily distracted by other people, by the studio and mirrors, by the fact that they are trying something new so I need to keep them focused to get the most out of the class.

I will watch you and jump in as necessary to guide you at the barre but mostly I want you to follow along. Much of ballet requires people to follow along. You are expected to watch the more advanced dancers when they perform - no matter what level you are at. (When I take class, I often watch the pros for the way they do something - you can always learn!)

In the center, I will modify combinations for the newbie and often stand directly in front of them. Keep in mind, the class is for my current students so I can't allow you to absorb all of my attention. I will only give you corrections for the most basic of things (e.g. when you're stepping with the wrong foot) but I will make sure you do not get lost. Don't worry - I won't abandon you! This is also because a lot of corrections in the first few classes are like water flowing over a bridge. Everything is so new to you that to try to make adjustments when you don't even know what the class structure is can be so frustrating. And I don't want you frustrated.

However, this class is not about you. You're an awesome person, I'm sure, and you'll make a fine addition to the class but I will begin to care about you more when you return consistently and prove you want to be there and are willing to work or try things. I want you to have fun, to enjoy yourself and the camaraderie of the other students (all of whom have been exactly where you are and will be incredibly supportive of you as you progress). I want you to want to make ballet a part of your life, not be frustrated and disappointed, so if I leave you alone, it's not because I don't like you, but because I want you to be a part of the group. I need to step back and watch you and see if we are a good fit for each other - and you should too. You might not like my style or my students or the music I play. If not, we part on pleasant terms and that's that. No one is disappointed in the other.

When you do return, it will get easier. I will suggest you watch my YouTube videos and read my blog for more info. I will start giving you corrections and feedback. I will continue to encourage you, as I do all of my students. But it will take time! Just give yourself permission to not know things. It's the best way to learn! And in a short time, you will be the one welcoming the next newbie.

Happy dancing~