| Ballet Barre Basics |
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| Written by SarahWilkiamson | |
| Wednesday, 01 July 2009 | |
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1. Know the six positions:
1. Know the six positions: First - keeping heels together, turn the feet outwards so that the toes point to the side. 2nd Position - as 1st position but with a gap of about 12 inches between your heels. Third - feet should be as in first position, but the arch of one foot should rest against the heel of the other foot. Fourth - similar to third position but with a gap of 6-12 inches between the feet. Fifth - similar to fourth position but with the big toe of one foot touching the heel of the other. Sixth Position: Both feet are parallel and side by side. 2. Plies exercises for beginners are always in first or second position, but intermediate/advanced ballet dancers use all positions except third and sixth. 3. Begin tendu steps in 5th. Push forward with the food, then to the side, backwards and complete the step back in 5th position. 4. Stand either facing the barre or with your left hand on it - beginners will usually face it and more advanced ballet dancers will rest their left hand on it. Leg Exercises at the Barre 1. Begin in the first of fifth position by standing straight. Position yourself sideways to the barre or face it. 2. Point your foot and raise your leg forward or to the side as dictated by the way you are positioned beside the barre. Don't use your buttocks to raise your leg, and remember to keep both of your knees straight and your leg turned out. 3. Keeping your leg in place, let go of the barre. This exercise will increase your strength. Remember to stand straight. 4. Keeping your technique and posture correct, return to your starting position. Ballet Dancing Tips 1. Ballet dancing is a skill that takes years to perfect. Don't give up. Keep at the exercises and you will succeed. 2. Ballet shoes are often purchased when you enroll in ballet school or a specialized dance store. 3. While ballet requires most of your body to keep its lines, toes and fingers are allowed more movement. Show energy by using them to interpret the music and engage the audience. 4. If you don't have finances to purchase a new expensive costume, try to find a used on in a consignment store. If someone in your family is handy with a needle you could ask them to make a costume for you, or you could hire a seamstress to do this. Keep in mind that the seamstress may not have the time for a last minute costume so you might need to reserve her services in advance. 5. There are two things to keep in mind when starting pointe work. The first is that your body weight will need to be supported by your body strength. This is where the strengthening exercises you have done over the years begin to pay off. The second is that you must have a good technique in order to dance en pointe. If you find your body isn't ready to do this, then participate in a different form of ballet that doesn't require pointe work such as jazz or modern ballet. Any kind of ballet will make your body flexible and that will benefit you throughout your life. About the Author: If you are interested in learning more about DC dance, drop by this site which is the premiere Washington DC dance classes online destination. From the Webmaster: "Having the opportunity to share my hobbies and interests with so many people around the world gives me great satisfaction. As a bonus, I blog and produce websites about topics that interest me and receive ad revenue from the websites and Blogs."
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