(by 2 people)
How I Got Started With Ballet
If you have ever tried ballet, you will know of the wonderful feeling when you are doing a jump. (I'm going to use lay-man term here) To me, it feels like I can stay there, up in the air for along period of time. It feels like flying.
I was 4 years old when I first saw my aunt going to a ballet class. I fell in love with the dance immediately! I remembered pestering my mum to let me join the kid's group.... by sitting on the floor and crying. She reluctant let me join and that was my first ballet claess ever.
A Little History Lesson
Knowing the history of ballet is not only important for the appreciation of the art, but it is also important to those who want to be a ballerina. But let's face it, history is boring. Yawnnn... So I will keep it short here.Like almost all great western art, ballet began during the Renaissance period in Italy. The ballet at that time is very different to what see now. It is simple movement with much emphasis on poetry and music. It later spread to France and that where it became popular, due to King Louis XIV efforts. At that time, only men can dance ballet at that time because it was thought women shouldn't attempt such dangerous movements. Today, men who dance ballet are often viewed as "girly".
Women first started dancing ballet in 1680s. Today, you watch ballet performance all over the world. Its popularity has certainly spread to a stage where everyone has at least some knowledge of it.
Awesome Books On Ballet
Improve Your Skills Now!
The Ballet Companion: A Dancer's Guide to the Technique, Traditions, and Joys of Ballet
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Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/02/2008) 
New York City Ballet: The Complete Workout, Vol. 1 and 2
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Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 12/02/2008)
The Pointe Shoes
These ballerina shoes are specially designed to enable the foot to move in a special way without getting hurt. It consists of the platform which kind of protects the toe, the box that surrounds the toe and protects your foot from blisters.The shoes has to be constructed by a professional. An unprofessionally constructed shoes can cause substantial discomfort and injury to the ballerina. Therefore if you budget is tight make sure to invest in proper shoes before the other stuff.
Ballet Essentials
Adult 24" Leg Warmers - Tiger (Cherry)
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Amazon Price: (as of 12/02/2008)
List Price: $19.20
Leotard 10527 Adult CAMISOLE
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Amazon Price: $27.00 (as of 12/02/2008)
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Adult Cobra Ballet Slipper - 2030 (4M - LBP)
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Amazon Price: $14.00 (as of 12/02/2008)
List Price: $18.50
What Do You Do In A Ballet Class?
- Barre. Barre is an equipment you are practically guaranteed to use in every ballet class. The term "barre", however, is also used to mean the time in the class spent using the equipment and also the action of using the equipment. Exercises at the barre are slow and repetitive to help you build more strength.
- Center. Center simply means the center of the room. Center is where the real work begins. It normally starts after you finish barre (warm up). During center, students do adagio, allegro and mixture of turns, waltz, etc.
Adagio is when all the movements are low and controlled manner. With adage, emphasis is put on sustaining positions, and balance rather than music.
Allegro is performed quickly and the most important qualities is lightness. - Pointe. If you are new, it can be quite a while before your teacher let you do this exercise. Pointe is incorporated into the barre and Center exercises. This is the time where you can start wearing pointe shoes.
Ballet Swan Lake
Arm & Feet Position
The Demi Plie
Stand straight and bend your knees as far as it goes without lifting you heels off the ground.
The Battlement Tendu
This is a movement where with one leg grounded, this leg can be stretched out of bent.
Arabesque
Your legs can extend for as far as you can go. Pull up through your torso and supporting leg to lengthen away from your body with working arm and leg. Careful not to hurt your shoulders.
The Pirouette
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