Links & News
CHECK OUT THESE GREAT WEBSITES
DANCE SPIRIT MAGAZINE http://www.dancespirit.com/
DANCE MAGAZINE http://www.dancemagazine.com/
POINTE MAGAZINE http://www.pointemagazine.com/
The Basis of Ballet Terms
As a general rule, the majority of ballet terminology finds its roots in French. The impressively flowery names of particular dance steps can seem intimidating, however once you spend a bit of time becoming acquainted with them, you will find they are easier to learn than it seems!
Beyond the basic French vocabulary, many ballerinas have slang terms or nicknames for various steps, which you may pick up through your time spent in the studio. These can also be helpful toward strengthening your dance knowledge. Below are a few popular steps to memorize, complete with pronunciations to assist you in sounding like a seasoned pro.
Arabesque (air-uh-besk)
One of the most common and basic ballet stances, an arabesque is simply the body balanced with one leg extended behind and to the right. In profile, this should exhibit perfect lines, and the arms vary upon the position of the grounded foot and the specific choreography. Shoulders are aligned in the direction the body is facing, and the arabesque is featured not only in a standing position, but in jumps and spins as well.
Battement (baht-MAHN)
The term comes from the word “beating,” as in a beating movement of the leg. Both grands battements and petits battements can be executed, the former coming much higher into the air than the latter. These can be stretched or bent, put in combination with other steps. It is commonly found in basic ballet exercises, used for strength training, however it is often also found in performances.
Three ways stretching can help you:
1. Stretching improves flexibility.
2. Stretching reduces risk of injury.
3. Stretching reduces soreness.
Lets look at these ideas more deeply.
1. More flexibility. A few dancers are “noodles”. They can twist themselves into pretzels. They don’t need more flexibility. Most of us are not like that. Most of us need to stretch to get the freedom of good turnout. We need to stretch to get the soaring arabesques and the effortless extensions that are so beautiful.
2. Fewer injuries. Have you ever kicked your leg up with too much force and pulled your hamstring muscle? Or maybe you fell and pulled something. Dancers who are flexible are less likely to get these types of injuries because their muscles can handle the unexpected stretch.
3. Less sore. When you work a muscle hard or in a new way, it will often be sore for a couple of days. For example, it you lift your leg to the front and hold it until it trembles, your thigh muscles (quadraceps) are probably going to be sore. If you stretch them out right away, you increase the flow of blood to the overworked muscle and it will not be as sore.
Stretch gently. Stretch safely. But stretch!
**ADULT BALLET**
Have you always dreamed of taking ballet classes but now feel like it’s too late? Do you feel like you are too old to get into a leotard and ballet slippers? Although professional ballerinas start at an early age, it’s never too late to learn ballet. Adult ballet classes offer a fun way to tone and tighten your body while learning the fundamental techniques of ballet.Adult ballet classes offer something for every age group, from young adults to seniors. If you have never danced before, a beginners class would be perfect for you. Beginner classes start off at the very first steps of ballet, so there is no reason to be intimidated. If you are a former dancer and want to return to ballet after several years, you will be placed in a class depending on your fitness and skill level.