First Pointe Class!

Hello all!  So yesterday I had my first pointe class!  I'm taking Pointe I at my school, once a week after school.  The class is an hour long, and it's pretty small, with only 10 girls.  Two of the other girls are in my regular class during the school day, but all of the others are middle schoolers.  It was homecoming week at our school, so the other high schoolers and I were all decked out in face paint and spiritwear, which was pretty funny.
In the first half of class, we warmed up in our flats, then we learned how to tie our pointe shoes.  Then we went to the barre and did a bunch of releves and echappes.  It was pretty basic, nothing too hard.  My toes hurt, but it was more uncomfortable than actually painful.  It was really fun and I can't wait for next week!  Here are some tips for you first pointe class:

1. Remember to cut your toenails!
2. Get to class a little early
3. Check and double-check that you have your shoes and your toe pads
4. Convertible tights are a must!
5. Don't stress about getting everything right.  It's your first class, you have the whole year to learn and improve.

Comment below if you're starting pointe this year!  Keep dancing!

First Pointe Shoes + Ankle Stretching Tips!!!!

Hey guys!  So....I got my pointe shoes today!!!!

Last Friday, two other girls in my class and I were approved for pointe!  Today, my teacher was at a local dance store to help us get fitted, so a girl in my class and I went.  We both got really lucky; she got the first pair she tried on, and I got the third pair I tried.  My biggest struggle was the padding; they gave me Jr. Ouch Pouches to try at first, but the seam across the toes bothered me.  They'd decided I didn't need a toe spacer because my toes are straight, but they gave me one to try to see if it would relieve the pressure on the seam.  It did, but not very much, so then I tried the Pillows for Pointe Super Gellows, which are seamless, with the toe spacers and it was a lot better.

The first pair I tried were by Mirella, not sure of the name, and they just looked wrong; the second pair were by Bloch but were too narrow; and the third pair were the ones I got: Bloch European Balance, size 6.5 XXX.  They make my feet look waaaayy better than they actually are, and they're pretty comfortable (I mean, for pointe shoes).  But I was really surprised by how much it hurt the first time I went up, but it hurts less every time.  It's something you get used to, I guess.

When I got approved, my teacher said that I'm strong, but my ankles aren't very flexible, so I might have trouble getting on top of my box.  And, as you can see, I can't quite get on top of the box.

That's okay though, she said if I stretch my ankles twice a day, they'll improve fast.  Here are some ankles stretching videos you all might find useful:

So, our first class isn't until late October, but I sewed my ribbons and elastics as soon as I got home today because I just couldn't wait!!  Besides these pictures, I'm not going to go up on pointe again until our first class...no use in getting hurt before class even starts.  Anyone else starting pointe soon?  Comment below!!  I'll update again after the first class, but until then, keep dancing!

Quick Update

Hello!  Since my last post, some things have changed, so I thought I'd just do a quick summary of my current situation so I don't have to clarify in another post.

So, as you could probably tell by the lack of posts, I didn't do the summer intensive in August.  And I ended up not being able to fit Contemporary dance into my schedule this year, so I'm not taking that either.  But I am still in Int. Ballet, the same class I took last year, but this year it's only three other girls!  Since it's such a small class, we get a lot of corrections and have more time to work on things.

Also, this week we're getting evaluated for pointe.  Pointe classes start in October, so if I get approved, the next post you'll probably see here is about my new pointe shoes!  Keep dancing!

Cinderella + More (Extended "Well I've been gone for 3 months" Edition 100th Post!)

Well, I've been gone for 3 months.  I actually thought I'd posted last month!  Anyways, a lot has happened with ballet since January so I'll try to summarize.

First, let's cover the show.  Last week was performance week.  We had two videotapings on Monday and Tuesday, then our four live performances on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  It was actually really hard.  We would leave our school classes and go straight to a ballet class (on Friday we were also dismissed from our last period class for opening night) and then we'd be there until around 9pm.  By Thursday morning's show, I was already super tired and ready for it to be over.  I'm also kinda upset that I missed a whole week of lacrosse practice and a game, but I did manage to make it to one practice and a game.  And we all have a ton of schoolwork to make up, since there was basically no time to study.

So before each show we had an hour warm up class taught by a senior, then dinner in the cafeteria, and then an hour to get our make up and costumes on.  Since I'm only in Act II, we also had the entire Act I (about 30min + 10min intermission) to get ready.  I ended up helping a lot of people with their buns; not counting my own, I did about five or six every show, before starting my make up.  So usually, I barely made it on stage on time.  Life is hard when you're the best in the bun game ;)

Friday night was our opening night, so before we had dinner, our teachers read us some emails from the alumni.  It's a tradition every year during the ballet, I've learned; dancers that have graduated write encouraging letters to the cast.  Everyone was crying and hugging and we all just felt like a family.  Then all the seniors in the ballet gave their speeches, since this was their last ballet with the school.  I didn't cry until one of the guys that was volunteering gave his speech, the last speech, and it was exactly what I needed to hear.  After the letters and speeches, we were all ready to dance.  The rest of the shows went great and even though I'm really glad this week is over, I can't wait for next year's show.

Oh, and tutus are a pain.

Now besides the show...we were selecting our courses for next year, and I chose to take Intermediate Ballet again.  I didn't ask my teacher if I could take Advanced because I'm not sure if I want to.  I can always change later, of course.  Here are the pros and cons of Advanced vs. the pros and cons of Beg/Int.
Advanced
Pros:
Honors credit
Kinesiology and dance history
New things to learn
Cons:
Actual tests (like with paper and a pencil)
Double period every other day
Much larger class
Choreography
Different (more strict) teacher

Beg/Int
Pros:
Same teacher
Class everyday
Familiarity with course (easier during a tough junior year)
Very small class
Only dancing/terms (no tests)
Won't get in trouble on days I don't feel like dancing
Cons:
Learning same things
Regular credit

Opinions?

Sometime last year, I posted about starting pointe next fall right?  Okay, let's just assume I did.  So I was talking to one of my friends who's planning to start pointe next fall too and she mentioned that she's going to start over the summer at her dance intensive.  I'm probably going to go to the same dance camp I went to last year, so I'm thinking I can probably start pointe there!  We talked about getting pointe shoes together and I'm super excited for summer!

So this is about it, the end of this never-ending post.  I hope my readers are still there; comment below if you've had a ballet performance recently, or about your pointe plans!  Or just say hi!

Oh, and funny story...I missed bows during the first recording.  Oops.  Keep dancing guys!

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?

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 :)

Therabands

A theraband/exercise band is basically a long strip of latex that can be used to strengthen areas that are harder to work.  It is used especially for feet and ankles, to strengthen for pointe.  I have a Bunheads heavy band and it's good, but it was kinda expensive.  You can probably find one in any sports or dance store, or a store that has a Pilates/yoga section (like Target, Walmart, TJMaxx, or Marshalls).  These are some theraband exercises.

Another theraband-type I found is the Balletband.  It's like a theraband, but the ends are attached, so it looks like a giant rubber band.  It can also be used to stretch.

I hope you guys enjoy these!  I'll post some more feet tips soon.  Keep dancing :)

A Healthier Ballerina

I really want to go en pointe.  Like, really REALLY.  I've had soo many dreams about dancing in shiny pink pointe shoes, I stopped counting after the 4th or 5th.  But recently I've been rethinking it.  I've heard that it can mess up your feet, and many dancers eventually get arthritis in their feet.  Now, in my family, we were taught to take care of our feet.  Breathable leather shoes, good support, good fit, all that stuff, because you will need your feet for the rest of your life.  When I hear dancers talk about their ugly feet from pointe, sometimes I don't want that.  But then I think about the beauty and rewards of dancing en pointe.  When my time comes, I think I'll try it.  After all, we only live once.  I don't want to one day regret choosing to dance en pointe, but I don't want to regret not doing it either.

Also, you're holding your whole body weight on your toes.  The heavier that weight is, the worse it is for your feet.  Besides being nowhere near ready for pointe shoes, I'm quite overweight.  I want to lose some weight before I'm ready for pointe.  Like, 25 pounds.  So I'm going to start a diet.  Already started, actually.  A low-carb diet, I guess.  I'm just eating less bread, pasta, potatoes, and crackers, that type of stuff.  Since I only get moderate exercise two or three times a week, I was eating way too many carbohydrates for my body to use.  Basically less carbs, more fruits and veggies and nuts. I'm going to start running, too.  My city has this huge annual 5K, and this year's is coming up in a few weeks.  I'm not going to run competitively, but I want to run in it to motivate me to train.

I guess that's kind of all I'm doing for right now.  My goal is to become stronger and healthier.  Diet, running a couple times a week, and my usual dance exercises.  And lacrosse is starting up soon too, I can't wait!  Do you guys have any personal health goals?

Pointe Shoes

Pointe shoes.  The goal of almost every young ballet dancer (and us not-so-young teen beginners).  There's just something intriguing about effortlessly dancing on your toes in shiny, pink, ribboned slippers.  Of course, that's only what it looks.  Pointe shoes are really much more difficult than that.  Have you ever touched a pointe shoe?  I'd always thought they would be strong but flexible until I went to a dance store for the first time.  I saw a pair of Suffolks on display, so I picked one up - hard as a rock.  Of course, they have to be.  They have to able to support your whole body weight on a little platform.  And then there's all these requirements to be able to dance en pointe.  I'm not en pointe yet, but these are some of the things that I've picked up.

Age and maturity: if a dancer is too young and her feet haven't finished developing yet, dancing en pointe could cause serious injuries.  Most teachers will not allow students to get pointe shoes until at least age 11.  Also, you need to be mature.  You should be listening and paying attention in class.

Turnout and technique: turnout is much harder to maintain while dancing en pointe.  You would need to be able to hold your turnout.  Technique is...well, technique.  It's important even in flats, but in flats it's much easier and you can fake your way through some exercises.  En pointe, when your whole weight is on two toes, you can't fake.

Ankle and foot flexibility: you need to be able to push you ankle over your toes (that's the best way I can describe it...lol) to have a high releve.  Your toes should meet your foot at a 90 degree angle.  Without flexibility, you won't be able to get on to your platform.

Strength: you need strong legs, strong ankles, strong feet, and a strong core to dance en pointe.  To roll through demi-pointe on to your toes and hold it there takes a lot of strength.  This is probably the most important requirement, because you need muscle just to get on your toes.

Like I said before, I don't have pointe shoes yet, but these are some of the things I've heard and read.  But it really comes down to whenever your teacher says your ready.  If you see any information here that is wrong, just let me know so I can change it :)

Who here cannot wait for their pointe shoes?!  I really hope to get mine before I'm 16.  When the day finally comes, I'm probably going to die of excitement XD  Who's en pointe already?  Tell me about your first time!