Bloch Prolite II Hybrid Slipper Review

Just after classes started this fall, I got the Bloch Prolite II Hybrid ballet slipper, so I've had them for maybe 4 months now.  They are leather and split sole with a canvas arch insert.  At first, I didn't like them so much, but now that I've gotten used to them, I love them!  They're not too different from the Bloch Dansoft full-soles I'd been wearing.  I like them better than the Dansofts because the leather is a little less thick, so the pleating under the toes isn't thick and lumpy (which was really uncomfortable to relevé on).  It also clings to my foot better so you can actually see that I'm pointing!  So if you're looking for a new pair of flats, I totally recommend these!  A few other girls in my class also have these and we all love them!

2013 Wishlist

Exactly last year, I posted my dance wishlist.  This is an updated version, my wished-for items of this year.  It's a lot smaller than last year's; some things I have now, and some things I've found a cheaper alternative.

Dancewear:
Wrap Skirt from JanetsStore
Gg Skirt
Capezio Camisole V-Back Leotard 
Bloch Satin Trim Halter Leotard
Sansha Alicante Halter Leotard
And you can never have to many tights, am I right?  My favorites are Theatricals Convertible Tights and Body Wrappers Low Rise Convertible Tights.
My friends have been teaching me some little tap steps, so I really want tap shoes
Other:
First Position Ballet Documentary
The Ballet Companion by Eliza Gaynor Minden
Girl in Motion by Miriam Wenger-Landis
I-FLEX JR. Stretch Unit

What are some of your most wished-for dance items this year?

Winter Break

So much has happened since I last posted.  I didn't realize that the last time I posted was in October...it feels like it was just a couple weeks ago!  I guess time really does fly when you're having fun.  This post is going to be a giant catch-up post, and I'll try to remember everything that's happened since I last posted.  I'll try to keep it in chronological order!

They put out the cast list for Cinderella!  I'm a "lady of the court", not sure what that's supposed to be, but I'm really happy that I got cast for both the A and B showings.  Rehearsals start sometime in early January and we've already been fitted for our costumes.  Our costumes are a bright pinkish-purple with romantic tutus and sequined corsets, really pretty (and fluffy hehe).  Some of my friends are also court ladies, and I convinced one of my guy friends to sign up, so rehearsals are going to be super fun!

We had our vocab test, which included a performance section that I did not know about.  So it was the day after the written test, and my teacher hands me a piece of paper and says, "You have a few minutes to practice, I'll come get up when it's time!"  And I was just standing there like "what is this."  Apparently we were supposed to learn the combination that was on the paper then perform it.  For not knowing what I was doing, I don't think I did too bad; 94% overall for the written and performance tests.

So that was all good, but I kinda pulled my hamstring.  Again.  Did I post about that last times I pulled my hamstring?  I don't know if I did, but this is the 4th time it's happened since I started ballet (left three times, right once).  This time, it happened in class, during an exam.  One of our combinations was a barre stretch that ended with split.  I went into the split and it was fine until I tried to sink a little lower, but then my hip sorta popped.  When I talked to my teacher about it later and mentioned how it's a rather common occurrence, she recommended that I go talk to the athletic trainer.  We have an athletic trainer on campus (one of the many things I love about my school, they have everything on campus), so I went with a friend to talk to him.  He said I've been overworking by hamstrings by stretching so much, so I need to work on strengthening them and stretch them less aggressively (not exactly what he said, a shorter approximation).

Not really ballet related (meaning: you may skip this paragraph if you're on this ballet blog to read about ballet), but I finished my first semester of school ever!  Well, not ever, but does 1st grade really count after 9 years of homeschooling?  I took my first midterms last week, and they were surprisingly fun.  By the time we had to start studying for midterms, I was like 510% done with it all, so I just reviewed for Physics, since it's pretty much the only class where I care about my grade.  It actually turned out pretty well.  While most other people were stressing and doing all-nighters to cram, I just got lots of sleep and watched a lot of Doctor Who.  The tests were soo easy, I'm glad I didn't waste time studying.  I got an A on my Algebra II midterm (my first A in that class!!), but I'll have to wait until Winter Break is over to see how I did on the rest of them.

I know this was a really big post, but I guess we're all caught up now!  I'll probably be posting like crazy for the next couple of days.  I'm really sorry that I left for so long, and I don't want to stay away for so long again, no matter how mad life gets.  I have a personal goal to post at least once a month, if not more, and I plan on sticking to it!  Ballerinas, comment below, tell me what's been going on, how your classes have been going!  Is your studio starting recital prep soon?  Keep dancing!

Big Exam Grades, Pointe, and Cinderella Update! And Tip for Fast Improvement

Last week we had the big ballet exam.  The BIG one.  It was written and physical, over two class periods.  We needed to know the 8 positions of the body, the pas de bourrees, the Cechetti and Vaganova arabesques, the Cechetti and Vaganova walls, the 5 things that make a step happen, and the 3 types of releases.  Being a master procrastinator, I didn't get around to learning or memorizing any of this until two days before the tests.  Oops.  I did very well though; 96/100 for my written and 48/50 for my physical.  This boosted my class grade about 4 points.  Yay!

So a few weeks earlier, I was talking to my ballet teacher about pointe classes.  They aren't a part of the ballet classes, but an extra after school class.  She said I could have joined the pointe class this year but I missed the time to sign up, so I can sign up next year.  So guys, pointe next year!!  Unless I decide to join my friend's dance class outside of school this year-- they're starting pointe, too.  I'll have another update about what I decide sometime later.

This Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, we didn't have class because the teacher's were at a convention.  But on Monday and Tuesday we did have class, and the people who signed up for Cinderella got fitted for costumes.  I don't know when they're going to decide the cast, though.  Our teacher mentioned that they needed extra boys (not to dance, just sort of like props), so I've been trying to talk all my guys friends into signing up.....that hasn't been going too well. *sigh*

With class every day, I noticed how fast I'm improving.  Practicing every day, stretching every day can help a lot.  Even just taking 10 seconds to touch your toes every day and in just a few weeks you'll see the difference.  So here's my challenge to you; pick one thing that takes less than five minutes, that you can do anywhere, and do it every single day.  It's so easy that you don't have any excuse!  Let me know if you try this, and keep me updated on the results!  Keep dancing!  :)

Exams And Grades

Hey guys!  I know, I've been gone for a while, but things are so busy.  I won't be able to post as much this year as I used to :(  So anyways, we had our first ballet exam about 3 weeks, and another last Friday.  They were both on the barre routines we'd been learning. I got my grades back; 84% on the first, 86% on the second.  I'm kinda disappointed, I thought I had done better, but I'm happy that I got feedback too.  Here's some of the corrections I got: "Don't forget to cross your 5th esp. to the back.  Your arabesque need to be "up" as well as forward - keep shoulders square."

We have a really big exam coming up in October, a written test this time.  We've been learning the eight positions of the body, and the pas de bourrees.  For the test, we need to know the names, how to do them, and the definitions.  It's all a lot to process!

First Ballet Exam

On Friday, we had our first ballet exam.  It was just a quiz on the barre combinations we've been learning for the last week.  I think I did pretty well, besides messing up on battements.  I'm not sure when we're going to get our results, but soon, hopefully.  I got some new ballet slippers last Sunday that I finally finished sewing the elastics on, so I wore them for the exam and class on Friday.  They seem nice so far, they feel like my full-soles but softer and they fit better.  They are Bloch Pro-Lite II Hyrbid, I'll post a review of them in a few weeks.

This week, we have no school Monday, half day Wednesday, and no school Thursday so we only get to dance on Tuesday and Friday.  Wednesday is only half day, so the periods will be too short to have enough time to get changed and have a reasonable length class.  Instead, we're just going to stay in our clothes and learn the eight positions of the body.  I'm not sure what this is...we learned the first four positions last week, but I can't remember any of them (oops).  I'm going to try to stretch Tuesday and Thursday, even though I have class Tuesday.  Lacrosse tryouts are coming up in January, so I've started running to get ready.  Running can make you lose flexibility, so I'm going to need to stretch a lot more, outside of class.

So, it's like 1:30am.  I meant to write this post last week when I had nothing to do...but now that I'm trying to finish this physics assignment, it seemed like a good time to write it.  Good night (or good morning?) ballerinas!

Also, I extended the poll in case you didn't get a chance to vote!

First Class!

School started this week, as did ballet.  We started on Wednesday, but we only actually got to dance on Thursday and Friday, because the first day we just got our lockers and talked about the class.  At my school, we have nine periods which are 45 minutes each.  Since we have five minutes to change before and after class, that leaves us with a 35 minute class.  Not very long, no, just enough time for therapeutic exercises, barre, stretching, and a center combination or two.  I don't mind though because I feel like I'll improve more by dancing everyday, even if it's not a full class.

Since ballet is 7th period and I have 6th period free, I spend the first 40 minutes in the library doing homework, then I walk to the dance studio and change in the locker room with about 15 minutes left before class starts (including 5 min class-change time).  That gives me plenty of time to get dressed, stretch a little, and talk with my other classmates who have 6th free.

On Wednesday, we talked about what to expect in class.  We learn a new therapeutic barre routine and some combinations that we will repeat for two week, then learn new ones.  So we have 10 classes to memorize and perfect the combinations, which I really like.  We also have ballet exams.  I'm kind of excited about these, I feel like they will help me realize what I need to work on and I can improve even more!

The dress code is pretty simple; any solid color leotard, pink tights, pink ballet flats, no warm-ups (except Wednesdays, which are ballet skirt days).  I don't really like the "no warm-ups" rule, because since the class is only 35 minutes and the studio is freezing, I'm just getting warm by the time it's over.  But I like it too because this is the first time I've worn a leotard and tights without shorts over it and it makes my legs look longer and I look leaner!  If you've always wear shorts too, you should definitely try class without them one day!

I'm really glad to have the opportunity to dance here.  The teachers are amazing, and it definitely shows in their students.  I heard them talking about some of the summer intensives the students went too; Kirov, Joffrey, Atlanta, etc, and I just kinda choked on my water.  Like, whoa.  I thought this was just a school dance program.  But it's obviously waaay more than that.  I already signed up for Cinderella in March since the only requirement was to agree to attend every rehearsal (beginning in January, every Saturday from 9am to 5pm).  I had this nagging feeling as I signed the sheet that I was signing my life away...but anything for dance, right?  Keep dancing, ballerinas!  Comment below if you've started your fall classes already :)

Plans for 2013 - 2014 Dance Year

Hey there ballerinas!  So summer is coming to an end, and we're getting closer to that day when we can go back to dance again.  When's the date for you?  Are you dancing at the same studio where you danced last year or are you going someplace new?  What are you looking forward to most this dance year?  Comment below, I'd love to hear your responses :)

My 2013 - 2014 dance year begins August 21st.  Which is also the first day of school.  I posted sometime last month about leaving homeschool.  Well, I'm going to be dancing at my school now.  EVERYDAY.  FOR CREDIT.  I'm screaming from excitement if you couldn't tell! Ballet is an option at my school for health/physical education credit so when I was choosing my classes for the year I was like "Give me ballet!  Yeah, Physics, US History, whatever just give me ballet."  I'm super excited because last year we could only afford one 60min class a week.  Now I'm going to be taking class everyday!  And the studio at my school is so beautiful!  It's huuuge and open and has a door that connects directly to the backstage of the auditorium.  I will definitely try to get a picture.  Also, they have an annual ballet, and this year we're doing Cinderella in March.  I can't wait!

Also, the blog has just passed 5000 views.  I can't even believe it, thank you all so much!  I never thought it would become something like this, and I'm so glad to have found my way to the ballet blogger's community.  This is the one place where late beginners can unite and share their joys and their struggles and no one will ever judge you.  So, a massive thank you to all my readers and all the bloggers of the many other ballet blogs!

I almost forgot (no, I did totally forget, I had to re-edit this post); there is a new poll up in the sidebar.  Please vote for your favorite kind of post.  I want to know what you want to see more of, so please vote!

Ballet On Instagram

If you have an Instagram, be sure to check out these accounts!  These are just a few Instagram pages that I think every dancer should know about.

@fit4dancers

@ma_petite_ballerine

@real_world_ballerina

@balletzaida

@sharkcookie

@bunheadballet  (Also, check out her blog here)

I hope you like these :)  If you want to know about more accounts you should follow on IG, comment below!  Also, I'm thinking about making a Blogger version of this post...thoughts?

Natalie Clover Strap Leotard Review

I got the Natalie Clover Strap Back Tank Leotard in Blue/Black and I loooooove it! It's my current favorite leotard.  I got it from All About Dance, which is my new favorite place to buy dancewear because it is exactly like Discount Dance Supply, except all shipping is free!

The Natalie leotard has amazing support and is sooo comfortable.  I wore it for five hours this summer at my dance intensive, and it was comfortable all day through floor barre, ballet, lyrical, tap, and acro.  It's very flattering and I've received many compliments on it.  The only thing I don't really like about it is that it's cotton, and the top is a light color, so it does show sweat sometime.  However, I'm not a big sweater and it dries fairly quickly.  I'm 5'4, 150 lbs, and I got a large and it fits great.

If you have any questions, about the leotard or anything at all, just comment below :)  Keep dancing!

More SYTYCD Motivation!

Has anyone been keeping up with So You Think You Can Dance?  .....I haven't.  Haha I'm only at the Top 16 right now, so don't tell me anything I shouldn't and I won't tell you anything you shouldn't know!  So my favorite girl and guy at this point are Makenzie and Alan.  But I love Fik-Shun, Paul, and Nico too, and my favorite couples are Amy and Fik-Shun and Makenzie and Paul!  Comment below who your favorites are :)

And may I just say Sonya and Christopher Scott are killing everything.

Travis Wall, Season 2.  He started off brilliant, became even more so during his time on the show.  Watching his solos, you can literally see how much he grows and improves with each one.  Now look at him, an amazing, world-famous choreographer.

I saw this, then I hit 'rewind' and saw it again.  And again.  And again.  Like, I have no adjectives for this...whatever magic he's done here.

I hope you enjoyed these.  Keep dancing!

Summer Dance - Day 5

I realize that Day 5, Friday, was several days ago, yes.  Unfortunately, I got sick on Friday afternoon and have been pretty useless all weekend.  I started feeling it sometime after lunch, but I stayed through contemporary and hip-hop because it was just a sore throat at first.

Day 5 Schedule
Stretching/Recovery
Ballet
Lyrical
Lunch
Contemporary
Hip-Hop

Stretching was very interesting.  We learned a lot of different ways to stretch and which stretches with help with certain things like turnout, arabesque, etc.  I also learned that I have really loose hamstrings (I find that hard to believe...but don't argue with the teacher), and a well-streched psoas.  Therefore I should have no problem with high extensions, right?  Wrong.  Gotta work on that leg strength.  Also, the only thing holding me back from my front splits are my hip flexors.  I always stretch them on the sides, but not much in the front.  There's so much to fix!

Ballet and lyrical were really fun!  We had the same teacher a room for both, so we did barre for around an hour then center for about 15 minutes, then we learned some lyrical choreography in the remaining time.  I was really proud of myself, the choreo remembering part of my brain was on!  I remembered most of the routine we learned in lyrical, then after lunch in contemporary, I remembered most of choreography we learned there too!  In contemporary, we learned a piece to an instrumental song, which I've always wanted to do :D

Overall, it was a great week and I really hope I can go back next summer.  I feel like a better dancer, even in just the five days.  I loved trying other styles and learning my strengths and weakness.  I have a whole new list of things I need to work on now, but that's good.  Having small goals to work toward and specific things to improve are why I love ballet.

Summer Dance - Day 4

Today's schedule
Floor Barre
Ballet Barre
Ballet Center
Lunch Break
Tap
Acro

So today was great!  It started off with floor barre, like on Monday, so I know I'm going to be hurting tomorrow.  I hadn't had the teacher we had for both ballet classes today in any previous classes, but I really liked her.  We got to try a lot of new things and she gave lots of corrections.  Also, there were only three other girls in class today.  I'm not sure what happened to the rest of them, there are usually between six and nine other girls, but not today.  Not complaining, I love smaller classes!

Today was my first time trying acro.  It was fun, but I don't think I'll keep taking it.  I mean, I might take a class occasionally, but not consistently or weekly.  We started off real small, with bridges and bridges on our knees.  Then we moved on to backbends.  I tried, but I had this feeling I was going to slip and crack my head even with a wall behind me and the teacher holding my back.  She said I didn't have to do it today if I didn't want to, so after a couple more tries I just stopped.  Then we did some stuff across the floor.  I tried to crab walk, but I half-failed.  But I half-succeeded too ;)  There wasn't anything I completely "got" until we did the side round cartwheels.  I'm not sure that's the actual name though.  Anyways, I loved those.  I also really liked teeter-tots and cartwheels.  My cartwheels to the right were good, but my left side was horrendous.  Oh well, practice makes permanent!

Summer Dance - Day 3

Today's schedule
Conditioning
Ballet
Zumba
Lunch Break
Contemporary
Hip-hop

Not much to say for day three.  We had just gotten to our second activity, ballet, but I wasn't feeling good so I called my mom to come pick me up.  I'm not really sure what happened, but I didn't really have enough energy to move anything.  I sat out of ballet and the first 15 minutes or so of Zumba, but I was feeling a bit better so I finished the rest of Zumba.  Zumba was really awesome and fun, so I'm glad I didn't have to miss out on that.  Conditioning was really fun, too.  We had about 12 different strengthening activities set up around the room, and we all had partners.  Every two minutes, we would switch activities.  It was really good, I'll do a post later about some of the exercises I've learned.

My mom picked me up just as Zumba was ending and took me home.  I felt a lot better after I showered, ate, and slept, so I'm going to try going tomorrow.  I'm really excited for tomorrow too, because we have two hours of ballet in the morning and in the afternoon I'm doing acro for the first time!

Also, does anyone have a type of ballet slipper that they really love and recommend?  I'm looking for a new pair, so if anyone has recommendations that would help so much :)  I got some new leotards too, so I'm going to put together a few reviews next week.  Keep dancing!

Summer Dance - Days 1 and 2

Well.  The last two days were my first two days of dance camp.  Let's just jump right in and start this post off with how sore I am.  Yesterday, we started off with floor barre.  That was yesterday at 9am.  Today, 11pm and MY ABS ARE STILL DYING!!!!  Seriously, if you ever get the chance to take a floor barre class, you better jump all over that!  So our schedule for the last two days has been as follows, each an hour long:

Monday
Floor Barre
Ballet
Jazz Hip-Hop (Jazz teacher was absent so we had hip-hop instead)
Lunch Break
Contemporary
Hip Hop

Tuesday
Pilates
Ballet
Tap
Lunch Break
Leaps and Turns
Jazz/Lyrical

In ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, and tap, they're getting ready for their summer showcase next week.  I really like how they are teaching here; they don't focus too much time on the routine, and when they're working on it they encourage the girls who aren't in the showcase to still participate.  Some of the teachers have even retaught it from the beginning for us new students.  I hated my last studio during recital time because the entire class would become rehearsal and the girls who weren't in it were just sitting bored.

Plus, I really love the choreo we've been learning for hip-hop, contemporary, and tap.  In hip-hop, we have Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke (that's my jam!), and in contemporary we have The Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice (also a favorite).  In tap, I don't know the song and I don't have tap shoes, but I did it in bare feet and it was still really fun.  I might even have to invest in a pair of tap shoes ;)

So yeah, it's been really fun!  I'm still terrible at hip-hop, but better...slightly better.  That makes me happy :)  I still have trouble remembering choreography, but I'm working on it.  I just really need to focus.  Three more days of camp!  I'm exhausted already, but I'll try to make the most of it.  I can't wait until Thursday when we have 2 hours of ballet :D  Has your summer intensive ended already, or is still going?  I'd love to hear about your summer dance, and good luck with whatever goals you have!

Summer Dance And More News!

Hey guys!  It has been a long time since I last posted, I know, but there's been so much going this summer and not much dancing. Buuut, my summer dance camp is starting tomorrow! :D  I'm so excited to get back to dance, I haven't really danced since recital back in June :O  During my occasional stretching sessions, I noticed that I haven't lost much flexibility.  I'm still just as close to (or as far from, depends how you look at it) my splits as I was during the dance season.  Yay!  I really hope to close those last two or three inches on my front splits this week.

I originally planned on doing two weeks of dance camp, but I was volunteering as a counselor at a music camp and was having so much fun with the other counselors that I decided to volunteered for two more weeks than I'd originally planned.  I have some plans in August that I can't change or work around, so I can only do one week of camp :(  That's only five days, but I'll take what I can get.  I start tomorrow, and I'll try to post updates everyday during this week.

Also, if you've been following my blog for a while (I saw I had some new followers, welcome!), you know that I am homeschooled.  And you also know that I didn't really like my last studio and was looking to change after recital.  Now you're probably thinking, "Yes, Jordan, we know....but what do these have to do with each other?"  Well, I applied to a private school in my area, and I was accepted with a scholarship.  I love homeschooling, but I've been homeschooled for almost 10 years and I think this would be good for me, so I'm going to do it.  The best part is that the school offers ballet classes as an option for Physical Education!  I might be taking ballet everyday and getting credits for it!  *fist pump*

That's all the news for now, but I'll hopefully have another post tomorrow.  Keep dancing!

What Happens When You Don't Practice....

Hey there, ballerinas!  How's summer been?  I hope you've been practicing more than I have...I tried to turn a pirouette today and failed.  Miserably.  It's been 4 weeks since dance ended and since I've really practiced.  I was getting quads, now I need to work on my singles again *sigh*  And it's been 3 weeks since I last stretched (sat in my right split that night woohoo!), and now touching my toes almost hurts.  Take me as an example, keep practicing!  Don't lose everything you've worked for!

This week was my first week of volunteering as a counselor at camp, so I've been really busy!  I'm at camp for 9 and a half hours every weekday so I'm still trying to work out where to fit in dance and lacrosse practice around it.  I really love it though, so I signed up for 2 more weeks!  I have dance camp the week after it ends, I cannot wait ^_^  Next week, I want to start doing a couple of Pilates workouts each day and stretching.  I hear Pilates is really good cross-training for ballet, and you can never stretch enough right?  Getting my splits is on my summer bucket list and I plan to finish the whole thing!  Happy summer and keep dancing :)

Recital!

Recital was yesterday!  I got there just before intermission, just like at dress rehearsal.  I had planned to get there early before the show to get the full "recital experience," but I was at a party Friday night and didn't leave until after midnight.  I was still the first person in my class to get there.  It was pouring (I heard that it always rains on recital day-- can't decide if it's true or just a studio myth haha), so we had to run from our upstairs dressing room to backstage.  There was some bun drama before we went onstage...if you have a show coming up, don't use a sock bun or bun donut!  Waaaay too complicated!  Before we went onstage, our teacher told us that it was a full house.  They actually had to set up some extra folding chairs in the back (my grandma got one of those seats).  I was so excited to go onstage I was just jumping up and down.  Anyways, I think we did really well!  My partner and I landed our lift perfectly, and everyone got to their tour jete on time!  I messed up my grand jete :(  I'm disappointed because I'm the one who jumps across the front of the stage, but I plied too low and went up with my back leg bent.  But I'm also happy because everyone went up into their grand jete at the same time, at least who I could see :D  We went back on for the finale dance, and that was fun too even though no one could see us since we were squeezed in the back.  It was super fun, definitely a great way to end the dance year!  Comment below, tell me how your recital went!  If you haven't had your recital yet, don't forget; there's no such thing as too much lipstick ;)  Keep dancing and happy summer!

Recital, Summer, Life.

So, as you've probably noticed, I haven't been posting as much.  That's for two reasons: it's the end of the dance year, and summer is starting.  So here's a really quick update about dance, summer, and life.

This week in particular I won't be on much.  As I've said before, I am homeschooled.  But I've decided to apply to private schools for next school year.  I've been studying tons of math (my weak spot) so I can hopefully pass the entrance exams.  Until all this is through, I won't be online much.

For summer dance, I've decided to do one week instead of two.  I'm paying for it myself, which is going to take a chunk out of my savings.  So by cutting off one week, I have about $150 to spend elsewhere this summer.  Which I'm going to need, since my best friend and I decided to write summer bucket lists!

I'm probably not going to be posting much this summer :(  I will try to keep up a few motivation posts and stretching tips over the summer, but I can't promise that.  For most of June and July, I'm volunteering at a camp, which is all day and every day for 5 weeks.  The rest of my time is going to lacrosse practice, schoolwork, and finishing that bucket list.  But if anything significant in the dance area happens, I will post.  Also, if you need to ask me something, or just want to chat, kik me! @totorosfriend82  I'll reply as soon as I can :)  I will be posting the entire week that I'm at my dance intensive, sometime in late July.  Updates everyday then, plus all the tips and corrections that I receive!  I'll also post more in August, when the dance year gets started again and I'm trying out other studios.  And when fall comes, things will be back to normal :D

Well....I guess this is goodbye.  Just for the summer D:  But I will post this weekend about how recital goes.  Keep dancing, ballerinas!

So You Think You Can Dance

So, as you probably already know, So You Think You Can Dance is back.  And as you also probably know, last season's two winners were both ballet dancers!  Since this is actually my second favorite show (behind Criminal Minds hehehe), the theme of this week's motivation post is SYTYCD!  And it's going to be extra long, since I missed last week's post.  Well, enjoy!

These two (above) are my favorite performance and audition.  The videos below are some of the other performances and auditions I thought were amazing...

I've been watching since season one (I was about 7...totally Benji fan haha), my all-time favorite dancer is Kent Boyd, and my all-time favorite choreographer is Mia Michaels :D  If you watch, comment your favorites!  And if you haven't seen it yet, I definitely encourage you to try an episode.  Keep dancing! :)

Dress Rehearsal

Dress rehearsal was Saturday.  I got there just before intermission, and I had to leave right after I got offstage to get to my lacrosse tournament, but luckily, we didn't have a match scheduled in the morning so I didn't have to run from the tourney to rehearsal.  So it went well...mostly.  No one fumbled the lifts, and the younger girls didn't rush at all, I'm really proud of them! :D  We didn't majorly mess up until the arabesque to tour jete to waltz.  The last class before dress rehearsal, we changed it so we would arabesque earlier and have time to chaine to the tape line after the tour jete, before the waltz.  Yeah, well, I guess we forgot we changed that XD  So we were all waltzing in different places at different times.  Awkward lol!

Oh, and our dress rehearsal isn't really a rehearsal.  It's like a first performance with an audience.  It's free and open to the public, and Ms. Athena said over 2000 people showed up last year O_o  I don't even want to think about how many people showed up this year..

Our real/second show is in two weeks, and I can't wait again!  This time, I'm skipping my lacrosse tournament for that weekend (it's too far away), so I'm going to get there nice and early and stay through for the finale.  My third first recital haha...I suppose I should tell you guys my dance story sometime soon.  Anyways, it was great!  Have you already had your spring show?  How did it go?  Summer is coming fast too, do you have summer dance plans?  Comment below! :)

Recital Update

Hey guys!  I know I've been absent this week again, but we had our first lacrosse tournament last weekend.  It was awesome!  I got moved from middie to attack, and I scored 3 times!  We lost two games, but the third match we beat the other team, as I was told, 21 - 6 :D

I have another tournament this weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday actually, this one's huge) and this Saturday is dress rehearsal!  It turns out our dress rehearsal isn't really rehearsal time, it's like a first show.  It's free and open to the public, and they said last year over 1000 people showed up to watch. O_o  Since I need to be at lacrosse, I'm not going to the theater until Act 2 and my teacher is going to let me out after we get off-stage.

I'm kinda nervous.  The younger class we're grouped with tend to rush through the choreography, so my class is left to either go through it at the right timing, or try to keep up with them so at least we're in sync.  I also don't have my stage makeup yet!  I went to Walmart last night, but only found eyeshadow and lipstick that suited me.  I still need liquid eyeliner, hairnets, foundation, and blush, so hopefully I'll get them today before dance.  And 17 days until recital, and I still have like two more inches until I can sit in my splits!  I want to get them before the show, because I have a grand jete right across the front of the stage.  There's been so many changes in the choreo I barely remember where I'm supposed to stand, or how my arms are supposed to look anymore D:

....okay, I'm done ranting now.  Thanks for listening/reading lol.  I'll have posts about stretching and stage makeup coming soon :)  Is your spring performance coming up soon?  Has it already passed?  Tell me how it's going!  Keep dancing!

Altering Leotards

Hello ballerinas! :)  So, I just finished sewing up the straps on my new(ish) leotard.  I bought it to wear under my costume, but the straps didn't line up with where the costume's straps lay.  So I just snipped them off and sewed them back on about 4cm closer.  Leotards are very adjustable with just some safety pins, or a needle and thread.  If you have a plain leotard, you can make a pinch front with a safety pin.  Take a small safety pin, point it up, and weave it back in forth through the front inside of your leotard (like how you made paper fans as a kid...we all did that, right?).  Just make sure it's centered and enough material is bunched up so you can't see the safety pin.  I did this on my Capezio BraTek leo, and I love it!  Here are some pics for example:

Sorry for the bad pics, I don't know what's wrong with my camera..

There's tons of ways to alter your leotards!  Comment below if you have other ideas.

Update

Guys, I am soooo sorry I haven't been posted in like two weeks!  But I have a really good excuse, if you want to hear it!  Ok, it's kinda cliche, but true; I've been busy.  Really!

Summer lacrosse started last week, so it overlapped a week with spring lacrosse.  Spring lacrosse ended this week, and we lost every single game this season! *fist pump!*  Not a fist pump for losing, but a fist pump because we improved a ton!  The games when from being 12 point differences to only 4 or 5 point loses.  Pretty good for 10 weeks, right?

This Friday, I went to my very first concert!  Yeah, finally -- I refused to miss this one, after I missed All Time Low and then Maroon 5 >.<  But this was Ed Sheeran...even with the rain, the hour drive, my friends ditching me to go to prom, and my mom complaining most of the time, I would not miss it!  And I didn't!  And he was soo amazing! :D

Class last week wasn't that great.  My brother's practice was rained out, so I couldn't stay after to practice.  Also, the foot stretcher has mysteriously disappeared from our classroom O.o  Since spring lacrosse is over now, I don't have practices on Monday, so I can go to the other class now, yaaay!  I went this Monday and it was pretty fun.  I was assigned my munchkins (my nickname for the younger girls lol).  I have to lift one, then two others use my shoulders to hold an attitude.  I'm so scared I'm going to drop my munchkin...I nearly dropped her twice while learning the lift :O  It's a common misbelief that lacrosse players have upper body strength XD  So I'll be hitting the push ups and arm circles as much as I can before dress rehearsal.

Oh, and I started French this week.  I always take one or two classes over the summer, so this year I chose French (and involuntarily, Geometry.  I finished the first segment but I need "special help" on the second segment...poo).

So yeah, busy busy!  But I'm still sorry :(  I'll put a quick update about class tonight or this week's motivation post later this week.  And I have a DIY post I keep meaning to finish...hopefully I'll get around to it before next week!  Keep dancing :)

Cloud

Daniel Cloud Campos (aka B-Boy Cloud), is one of my favorite dancers and in my opinion the greatest b-boy ever.  Very unique, original moves and great musicality.  You might have seen him in Step Up 3 (he was Kid Darkness) which is where I first saw him :D
I'm going to put some of his videos below and if you like them, check out his channel.  There are TONS more!  He's not just a breakdancer; he's also a choreographer, actor, filmmaker, and more.  He's just an all-around artist.

Brilliant, isn't he?  This is this week's motivation.  I know it isn't the type of motivation that makes you want to work toward your splits or better turns or whatever, but I was hoping it would inspire you to find your artist.  Don't forget that dance is an art too.  Try to freestyle a bit-- no choreography, not thinking about technique, and just feel the music.  Be unique and keep dancing!  :)

Also, Happy National Dance Week!  This week, I'm choreographing my own dance to Lovely by Sara Haze to celebrate.  I might upload a video of it if I can find my camera when I finish it!

Hannah Bettes

I'm going to try to do a new motivation post every week from now on.  This week's motivation: Hannah Bettes.  She is unbelievably talented!  She was born to be a dancer - hyperextended knees, high arches, natural flexibility, long legs, etc.  And not only is she naturally gifted, she also works extremely hard.  There is a video of her in the last motivation post.

Another article.  Well, keep stretching!

Picture Day

Hey guys!  So this week was picture day for recital.  It was really crazy...I'm a little disappointed.  I really hope my pictures turn out good.  I wasn't really ready when they told me they were ready, so I forgot to pull my costume down so my leotard wouldn't show.  My mom noticed my leotard straps sticking out just before the head shots, which was after all the posing.  And my smile didn't feel right, I was nervous and it felt kinda fake. *sigh*  So I really hope they turn out nice, I'll get them sometime in May.  They had the picture stuff set up in our classroom, so there was no class :(  We just ran through our recital choreo in the next classroom with two other classes and the company.  I'm kinda sad that we didn't do much, but we got to see the advanced class and oh my gosh they were awesome!  There was this one girl, maybe 10 or 11 years old, and she was doing these triple fouettes things, she was amazing!  I also learned this pique/emboite/fouette type turn from watching them, it's really fun.

Can't wait until class next week!  I need to start my weekly challenge, I've been too lazy this week to start.  I already decided on turnout exercises for this week.  Also, I think the Turnboard is helping my turns!  I've been landing triples pretty easily lately which usually only happens on really good days :D
No post this weekend, sorry, I'm going to be away.  I'll probably have a new post up by Sunday night or Monday though.  Keep dancing! :)

I've Got Mail!

This week I got a package from Discount Dance and All About Dance.  They both had some sales going on last week, so I decided to get some things I'm going to need for recital and this summer.  My mom also got me some Soffes at Sports Authority last week, they were on sale for $20 for three so I'm really happy :D  From Discount Dance I got a Turnboard and a camisole leotard to go under my costume.  From All About Dance, I got two pairs of my favorites tights.  They were on sale, for about $5 each (plus, All About Dance has free shipping on everything, no minimum!  Joy!).  Hopefully I have enough tights now to last me until fall ;)  I'll post full reviews later, but all I have to say for now is:  OMIGOSH!!  I loooooove the Turnboard!!!!  It's soo much fun, my record so far is 11 pirouettes :D

If you want to see any particular type of post, just comment :)  I have some motivation posts coming soon, but let me know if you want any about flexibility, nutrition, turnout, etc.  Keep dancing guys!

Update(s)

Hey guys!  A lot has happened since my last update post! :O  I guess I start at the beginning-ish....

Tuesday I went to a lyrical class, the same one I went to for winter break make-up.  Some of the girls remembered me from last time.  The teacher didn't ignore me like the one in the last make-up class I went to, and said I could stand in the back and pick up what I could (no one was absent).  I already knew part of their dance, and I got about 10 more steps or so after what I remembered.  The girls were so cute though!  When I told them I was 15, they all started talking about how I should be on our studio's competition team.  They were really surprised when I told them this was only my first year in ballet and lyrical.  I thought it was really sweet that they thought I should be on the team :)  Ballet on Wednesday was good too, we only have like 20 seconds left of our dance to learn.  Picture day is next week, I can't wait!  Does your studio do pictures?  Have you had yours yet?

I completed my challenge from last week.  I stretched everyday from last Tuesday to this Wednesday, so I actually did eight days in a row and I'm really proud of myself :D  This week's challenge is going to be turnout exercises, I'll probably start tomorrow.

I've got most of my summer plans ready.  I'm (hopefully) going to volunteer at a camp this June and the beginning of July.  The studio I'm going to for summer just released their official summer dates and rates, so I decided to do two weeks in July; four days the first week, five days the second week.  I'm waiting to be accepted as a volunteer before I register.  Some of the classes they have on this year's schedule are Tap, Acro, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Pilates, Lyrical, Conditioning, and of course ballet.  I'm really excited to try all of them!  I don't have anything planned in August yet...I'm probably going to be visiting a lot of studios and trying out classes.
Anyone else super excited for summer?  Do you have any special plans?  Keep dancing :)

Tights Reviews

This is a review for two tights:  Theatricals Convertible Tights and Body Wrappers Low-rise Tights.  So first, the Theatricals.
I loooove them!  They're only like $6, they're comfy, they appear to be durable (I've only had them like two months), and they're the right shade of ballet pink, so what's not to love??  They're soft and the waist is perfect.  My new favorite tights :D

The Body Wrappers tights are basically like my other ones, except low-rise.  I like the low-rise because I don't have to roll the waist down when I wear my open back leo.  The waistband doesn't make an awkward fat bulge around my hips like I was worried it would.  It has a v-waist, so if you don't a flat stomach, it will roll and stick out.  There was a tiny hole in the V, so I just inverted the seam and it's all good now.

Recital Update

Class this week was alright.  We didn't do barre, we didn't stretch, we didn't do center or across the floor.  We worked on the recital dance the whole time.  We got our costumes!  Only five of the eight of us are in recital.  They're trying to get a costume for the new girl, but she came too late for them to order one.  So we tried on our costumes and they're gorgeous!  They fit us all perfectly.  They were supposed to drape from our arms, but there's only one elastic instead of two.  I suggested we just put hair elastic around our wrists and pin the fabric to it.  We ran through the dance a couple of time while wearing the costumes, then we took them off so they wouldn't get dirty (they're white).  We were also officially assigned to our spots.  I was center in the beginning line, but then Ms. Athena realized there were six of us, not five (there is a girl in another class that is with us) so I have to move left a bit to split center.  I'm a bit disappointed; last year I was in all the middle/back rows in our groups.  I really like the routine and song though, and I'm so excited!  This is our song, btw.

Ms. Athena said she would tell us more about stage makeup later, so I don't know how we're going to look :O  After class, I asked her if I could use the Pro-Arch foot stretcher and she said "Sure, anytime," so I'm going to use it as much as I can before recital :D  I stay every week after class because my mom has to pick my brother up from soccer at the same time, 20 minutes away.  I usually have about 30 min, but this week his practice ran super late so I had about 45 min to practice.  Since we only had the choreo in class, I did a short barre, some feet exercises, turns, and some turnout exercises.

I did all these stretches and exercises, and I think they work.  My hips and thighs were sore, so I guess they were good lol.

Have you guys gotten your costumes yet?  When's your show?  Keep dancing! :)

Goals Update

Hey dancers!  I'm starting a new goal schedule.  My deadline for my last one was the end of April, but I already completed the first goal (sorta lol) and the second goal I'm trying to avoid since fouettes can hurt my ankle.  My new set of goals I want to achieve by recital, which is June 1st.  That's nearly 3 months away, so this is going to be a bigger list than usual :3

1. Both front splits

2. Backbend

3. Consistent clean triple pirouettes

4. The wall stretch

5. Full rises
And I don't have a specific goal, but I expect to see notable progress in my feet and turnout (my two worst areas).

I'm also challenging myself to one week challenges.  Seven straight days of practicing something consistently, and if I don't make it all seven days then I have to restart from zero.  Right now I'm going to work on easy stretching every day this week (Tuesday and Wednesday already down, yeah!), and when I finish I'm going to do week challenges for these:
Theraband exercises
Releves
Turnout exercises
Pirouettes
...probably not in this order haha.

I've also had a change of diet.  Instead of less carbs and processed foods, I'm trying to eat smaller proportions.  I still eat much less bread, pasta, chips and such, it's become habit.  Also, I am in looooove with my new water routine!  When I get to dehydrated or need to drink more water for whatever reason, I cut up an orange into smallish cubes and put it in my bottle.  Then I fill it with cold water, so it's about 1/6 full of orange and the rest water.  Shake it a bit, then leave it for maybe 15-20 minutes and it's pure deliciousness!!!  Keep hydrated, and keep dancing :)

End of Spring Break Motivation

I know that spring break is over for most of us now, and if you were pretty inactive over the break (like me...guilty lol) it can be a bit hard to get back into the flow of things.  But a couple videos of amazing dancers and you'll be right back to the Theraband ;)

Her feet. O.o

I know I posted this video before but it never gets old!  Amazing choreography, incredible dancer!

If you need a seriously major boost (like I did teehee), I found the full movie of First Position on YouTube this morning! :D  Also, I found a website I think you guys might like.  They have a lot of nutrition tips and exercise tutorials, check them out!
Fit4Dancers

Skirts

I've been looking at skirts for a while.  I think it's time to be a big girl and graduate from Soffes lol.  I bought this skirt last week, and it arrived Saturday.  It's super pretty, but the waist isn't as elastic as I thought it'd be.  It fits....if I pull it on over my head.  Ain't nobody got time fo dat! XD  I'm returning it, and maybe I can get something more elastic and maybe less sheer this time.  I don't think I'd like wrap skirts; I like the flowy, swishy skirts, like circle skirts, and I think I'd rather wear it at my hips.  I've been looking at pull-on skirts and these are the ones I'm considering.
Mirella Pull-on Skirt
Body Wrappers Roll-down Waist Skirt
Watercolours Pull-on Skirt

I originally wanted this one in Nightime Floral, but Body Wrappers discontinued it in that color :(  I'm still thinking about getting it in Luscious Blooms instead, but I don't know if the M/L is the same as the M/T (which was the size of the skirt I'm returning).
Body Wrappers Circle Skirt

Please help me choose!  Tell me if you've tried any of these skirts, or if anyone you know has one!  Or you could simply offer your opinion haha ;)  Also, if you were looking for a skirt too, I found these gorgeous wrap skirts on Etsy.  Soooo pretty :D  Thanks guys, keep dancing!

A Guide to Beginning Ballet

I know that when I wanted to start ballet, I had a ton of questions, but no one to ask.  So I Googled.  It took me months to figure my way around this crazy world of dance.  I'm guessing that every teen interested in ballet is excited, confused, and nervous as I was.  I'm going to try to put all the best resources and tips I've found together to help the absolute beginner.  Hopefully more experienced dancers can find some tips in here too.

1. How to get permission.
Well, first off, you need to introduce the idea of you starting ballet to your parents.  I remember when I told my mom I want to switch studios and styles, her face was so hilariously confused XD  It can be a bit scary, they could say no and crush your dreams, but you'll never know until you try, right?  Try to start the conversation somewhere they aren't too busy.  I always ask my mom stuff like this when we're in the car.  Be prepared to explain to your parents why you'd like to start ballet, and why it would be good for you.  If they seem resistant, mention how ballet will help you with confidence, grace, and discipline, all while helping you get in shape, learn a valuable art and skill, meet new people, and have fun.  Moms and dads can't to resist something so beneficial right? ;)  If money is as issue, offer to help out with some of your savings.  This will help your parents realize how serious you are.

2. How to find a good studio.
Finding the right school is probably the most important thing.  You want to find the studio that is right for you.  Don't just join a studio because your friends go there, or it's close to your house, or anything unimportant like that.  Choose carefully.  Google "dance studio" or "ballet school" and your city's name.  Also search neighboring cities, especially if you live in a smaller city like I do.  Things to look for in a studio include; a good variety of classes, qualified teachers, and a nice facility with sprung floors in all classrooms (very important, to prevent injuries!).  Think about how disciplined and challenging you want the training to be.  Very strict?  Really relaxed?  Somewhere in between?  More serious schools will have some sort of grading syllabus, while relaxed studios might just have beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.  You should also ask your parents about how much they are willing to pay and how far they will drive.
Make a list of studios you think you might like, then start calling them all and see if they offer a teen/adult beginners class, or if you could enroll in a class with younger kids.  Tell them how much experience you have and ask if you can try a class.  Most studios should be fine with you taking a free class just to try.  If not, then ask if you can come in and watch the class.  Do this for every studio on your list, and if you are making arrangements to try classes, then be sure none of them are the same day.  You will probably have a lot of studios to visit (I already have four studios I'm planning to visit next fall, and it's not even summer yet lol), so bring a little notebook when you visit.  Write the studio name, name and time of the class, and the teacher's name.  Right after class, write down your thoughts of the studio.  Some questions to consider: Were the teachers and students nice? Did the studio seem clean and organized?  Did you like the class?  What did you learn, and did you receive any corrections?  Did the class have the right amount of discipline?  Think about stuff like that, and write your observations.  Even ask some of the students how they like their classes.
After taking all the classes, you might know exactly which one you want.  If not, narrow it down.  Cross out the ones you didn't like.  Look at other details: do class times work out with your schedule?  Is the dress code too relaxed or too strict for your liking?  How many classes can your parents afford?  Are there any performance opportunities?  Are the classes at least 60min?  Are there any extra costs like recital, uniforms, or other performances?  Other things to consider.  Think about it.  Re-read your notes.  Then decide.  If you end up not liking it, you can always switch as long as you haven't bought a recital costume or anything yet.  You should try to look at studios again every year, as your interests and experience change.

3. What to expect in a ballet class.
Ballet classes pretty much follow the same format: barre, then center and across the floor combinations.  For example, my class always start with plies.  Other than that, we almost never do the same barre routine.  Some classes will do the same barre every week, though.  The most important thing in class is to not be afraid to ask questions!  I ask everything and anything.  Make sure you show up about 5-10 minutes early, and be sure to thank the teacher after every class.

4. Things to know before starting class.
You can read up on terminology as much as you like before starting class.  There are a few dictionaries and glossaries at the bottom of this post.  But the only thing you really need to know is the feet positions.  First, second, third, fourth, and fifth.  Rotate out from your hips, and if you can't straighten you knees or all your toes aren't on the ground, you might be forcing turnout.  Don't try to push your 4th and 5th positions until starting class.  You can learn first, second, and fifth arm positions too, because third and fourth vary by teacher and method.

5. What to wear, and other must-haves.
For your first class, it probably won't matter what you wear.  For my first class, I wore a tank, booty shorts, black leggings, and socks.  I probably looked like I belonged in a ridiculous 80's aerobics video, but I was comfortable and that's what matters.  Socks, tank, and shorts should be fine for your first class or trying out a class.
When visiting a studio, ask the teacher what to wear and record it in your notebook.  You can buy what you need before your second class.  Most dress codes are simple; black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers.  Some are more specific, like leather slippers or different color leos for different levels.  Some are very specific and require a certain model or brand of tights, leotards, and shoes.  Some teachers allow shorts or skirts over the leotard, but ask.  After buying from your local dance store a few times, you will get an idea of your size and can order online.
Some other things you should keep around are an extra pair of tights, a small sewing kit with heavy thread, some sort of pain cream (I'm currently using Arnica gel), and a heavy strength theraband.  I also think that The Ballet Companion is very helpful.  If you don't want to buy it, definitely try to get it from the library.

6. More dance!
Eventually, you probably be completely, absolutely, and totally in love with dance.  You want to dance everywhere, and those few weekly classes aren't enough.  That's when this magic comes is: open classes.  There might be a studio near you that offers an open adult class.  Call and ask if they accept teens in the class.  These classes are gold -- at 8-20 dollars a class, you can take a few to fill in your week.  If you take a trip anywhere, do a little research for dance studios in the area beforehand.  My family went to Tennessee this summer and we had to drive through Atlanta, so I made us stop there so I could take a few classes at Gotta Dance Atlanta.  It's a really great place, try it out if you ever get the chance!  Also, if you live near a professional company, they might offer open adult classes too.  I live between two companies, which both offer open classes.
There's also practicing at home.  You can practice anything at home.  It's like your own personal class and you're the teacher.  Try to work on your corrections.  Or do a 5 day challenge. For example: work on legs on day 1, core on day 2, turns on day 3, arms on day 4, and weak side on day 5.
Then the ultimate awesomeness that only around comes once a year...summer.  Summer intensives are super helpful and can help you with technique and learning other styles.  There are pre-professional summer intensives like Jeoffrey, Boston Ballet, SAB, Houston Ballet, The Rock School, PNB, etc.  These are for advanced and pre-professional students, but don't cross them out yet.  Maybe in a few years, yeah? ;)  But they are also very expensive.  Then there are other summer dance intensives or camps for beginning and intermediate students.  Look at local studios to see if they offer summer intensives, or do a Google search.

7. Pointe, dancing professionally, the future.
It takes a lot of work to dance en pointe.  If you're willing to work hard for several years, then go for it!  Some people will say things like "Oh, your feet aren't right for dancing en pointe", or "Your body type isn't good for pointe, you need to be born for it."  Ignore them.  I believe that with hard work, you can do anything.  I've seen 300+ lbs. girls dance en pointe.  I've seen girls with scoliosis dance en pointe.  I've seen men dance en pointe.  If you want it, then work for it.
Very few dancers make it professionally.  The chances are even lower when you start late.  Some who have natural talent and good training might make it, like Misty Copeland or Elizabeth Parkinson.  For those who don't, there are other options.  Modern dance isn't as particular or technical as ballet, and many professional modern dancers don't even begin modern dance until college-age.  And there are many dance-related jobs, like costume design or physical therapy (which I'm interested in).  I recommend you read Meet the Dancers; it gives you an inside look at how some dancers made it.

8. The stuff no one tells you.
There is so much stuff no one ever tells you!  I'm going to start a rather random list of all the important stuff.  Please comment any others you know!
1) You don't wear underwear under your tights and leotard.  The tights act as underwear, and you don't want awkward panty lines.  You can wear a bra if you feel uncomfortable, but if your leotard has shelf lining it shouldn't be a problem.
2) How to make a proper ballet bun.
3) Dancewear is expensive.  After buying from your local store a couple times, you'll get a sense of your size and can order online.  Discount Dance Supply is my favorite.  Read all the reviews before ordering.  Or make you own stuff.
4) At barre, leave enough space between the person in front and behind you for a full battement.  Angle your body slightly away from the barre for front battements, and towards the barre for battements to the back so you won't kick anyone.
5) You might need to know how to sew to attach elastics to slippers or fix and adjust leotards.
6) After adjusting the drawstring on your slippers, tie it with square knot (pull it very, very tight), cut it to about 2 inches and coat the ends with clear nail polish.  Tuck them inside the shoes when you put them on.  You might want to tape them to the inside with medical tape.
7) Warm up and stretch before you go to class.
8) Wash your dancewear by hand.  It will make them last longer.
9) There are serveral different method of ballet: Royal Academy of Dance (aka RAD), Balanchine, Cecchetti, Vaganova, etc.  You can ask your teacher which one you study.
10) Don't just walk around wearing your ballet slippers.  You don't want to bring outside dirt into the classroom.  Put your shoes on in the classroom, and take them off before you leave.

Ballet Links
I'm going to give you guys every link in my ballet library.  This is every single dance website I've ever saved to my favorites (that was not included earlier in this post).  You've probably seen a lot of them before on my blog, but here they are again.  Also, check out the list of ballet blogs in the right sidebar.
ABT ballet dictionary
Glossary of ballet
Ballet terms
KBM Talent
Ballet Freak
Pure Barre
Yumiko Dancewear
Eleve Dancewear
28 Arabesque Exercises
Dance advice
Homemade Flexistretcher
Pointe Magazine
Balletband
Common Dance Injuries
Ballet to the People
Scottish Ballet Port de Bras
Unique Bodyweight Exercises
Ballet Beautiful
Ballerina Problems
Ballet For You And Me
Dance Technique
DIY SAB skirt
Using a Theraband
DIY Portable ballet barre
Ballet Skills
Learn how to do a split
Ballet Tips
Recital Makeup Tips
Turning Tips
Tips from Sophia Lucia
Exercises for Feet and Ankles
How to make SAB skirt
How to improve turnout
Floor barre
Pilates workouts
Dance Recital Makeup
Wrap Skirts on Etsy
Fit4Dancers

If you have any questions or comments, please comment below!  I hope this helped :)

More Romeo and Juliet Pics!

I found some more pictures from Romeo and Juliet that some of the dancers posted on Facebook :D Some are from the dress rehearsal or backstage.

This is the balcony scene.  It was really pretty, but you can't see the stars here :(

The bedroom pas de deux.

See, I'm downloading random people's pictures from FB to share with you guys!  Cuz sharing is caring and friendship is magic ;)

Sorry for the lack of helpful tips in the last couple of weeks.  I've been working on this really huge post for you guys...I mean really huge :O  I should have it finished and up by tomorrow, or at least the end of this week :)  Keep dancing!  Btw, there's a new poll, please vote!

Romeo and Juliet

Saturday night was Romeo and Juliet!  I went with my mommy ^_^  I got some pictures of the theater before it started.  I realllllly wanted to get a picture of the balcony scene, it was so pretty, but I didn't think I could get a good pic without flash.

We got good seats, we were the first two seats in row N of A-Z.  The people in the two seats didn't show up until the first intermission, and didn't come back after second intermission, so we had a perfect view of the  stage.  The ladies in the seats next to us were really nice.  It was their first time at a ballet, too.

So, about the show...it was brilliant! :D  I was a bit disappointed that it wasn't Macmillan's choreo, but the music was by Prokofiev so that was good.  They had a former student (who is now with ABT) as Juliet, and a guest dancer from Houston Ballet as Romeo.  They were good (Romeo's pirouettes were fantastic), but Mercutio was amazing!  I almost started crying when he died.  Not because it was sad.  It was hilarious!  He kept getting up and grabbing his sword like "no, no, I'm okay...really, I've got this" and he'd start toward Tybalt dancing/walking like he was drunk.  Then he'd trip and drop his sword, and so he'd abandon it and go kiss one of the harlots.  Then it was sad when he actually died, because we didn't see him anymore :(  There were a lot of funny parts actually.  At the part where Romeo was kicked out of the Montague's party, Juliet goes up to her father, crossed her arms, and stomps her foot then runs offstage.  It was so funny, and it was loud too because of her pointe shoes.  And every time Paris would try to kiss her hand, she'd bouree super fast and stiff to the other side of the stage lol!  It was a really great show :D  A girl I know was one of the harlots, she did really good.  I saw some other friends there, too.  Oh, and I ended up wearing a sort of casual dress and heels.  Some people showed in jeans and t-shirts, even shorts.  Some showed up in suit and tie, and floor-length gowns.  Tell me about your first ballet experience!  Comment below :)