What to expect when you're starting ballet for the first time
If you have wanted to take a ballet class but felt it would be too intimidating, you are not alone. Trying new things can be a daunting task. However, everyone has to start somewhere, and your instructors are there for you to help you learn the basics. Learning ballet is a long and never-ending journey. There is always room for improvement. So, when you’re starting ballet for the first time, taking it slow is okay! Pacing yourself is a vital part of the process so you can be confident, safe, and strong in your foundation.
What do we do in ballet training?
Ballet training includes strengthening the body as well as the mind. With a set of techniques developed over centuries, we strengthen through exercises on and off the barre. Using memorization skills, body awareness, and endurance, dancers learn different sets of combinations (series of movements) to strive for perfection. In ballet training, key concepts such as turn out (rotation of the legs outward), the movement of the arms (port de bras), and head/shoulders (epaulement) are all studied to work towards mastery.
What is the barre? Why do we use it?
The ballet barre is similar to a handrail, used as a tool to hold onto with one hand while doing exercises. All traditional ballet classes start at the barre. For a typical hour and a half long class, barre will often take up about 60 minutes before moving to the center. Barre work focuses primarily on strengthening and stabilizing your standing leg (the leg closest to the barre), as well as alignment and coordination using the barre as a balancing tool and reference point when practicing movements. Eventually, these skills learned at the barre are translated to centerwork.
Why do we turnout?
Turnout in ballet is one of the biggest differences from other styles of dance. Finding these small rotator muscles are difficult to do, especially if you have never had to use them before. Consequently, turnout makes the art and practice of ballet unique and challenging to do! However, with lots of practice, your body gets used to using your turnout muscles, resulting in more functional technique. Turnout not only allows for the legs to move quicker underneath us, but also enables the dancer to execute tighter, smoother transitions while allowing for longer extensions when lifting the leg. All of these turnout related concepts are essential elements to ballet technique, and will ultimately help you achieve strength and beauty in your dancing!
Do I need to be flexible to do ballet?
Not at all! There is so much more to ballet than bringing your leg up above your head. Although flexibility is a common aspect of ballet, it is not vital. As a dancer, you will find your own strengths and weaknesses. Flexibility can always be improved upon, but it is not a make or break necessity for starting ballet or becoming a good dancer! As you begin to understand more of the technique behind ballet, flexibility will start to happen naturally as you learn how to effectively move and stretch your body.
How can I get started?
Resources for beginner dancers can be discovered in many places right now. The options are endless! Start by checking out ballet studios in your area to see if you can join. If you’re an adult, there may be studios dedicated to adults or studios with adult programs in your area. With some research you may find the perfect fit for you! If you are not in an area that provides what you’re looking for, online options can guide you! Whether it is a free YouTube video or beginner barre content you can buy, you’ll find plenty of information and follow-along content! However, it is important to make sure you stay safe while dancing, so listen carefully to the instructor if you don’t have someone in person with you monitoring your movements. Embrace the process, be patient with yourself, stay safe, and most of all, have fun!
Let’s dance!
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