Ballet Improvisation

Hey Dancers,

On Monday of last week, we did a ballet fast. The entire class had no steps, only music and an order. On Wednesday, we alternated between very simple exercises and improvisation. What did you learn from these approaches? What did you like? What was most challenging?

Louis

Port de bras

This week we focused on port de bras or "the carraige of the arms." What connections did you make this week between your arms and your dancing?

Head Strings and Corsets

Dancers,

We worked with head strings and corsets this week. We also moaned alot and tried to have a creative performative experience in ballet class. What did you learn this week?

What did you learn this week?

We explored some new steps and imagery for use in alignment. We explored sissonne, contre temps, saute entournaut. We now have head strings and rib cage support. We also thought about lengthening our spines. What worked for you? What helped the most with your ballet knowledge?

Louis

Ballet Contra Dance

Hey Dancers,

Tell me about your ballet contra dance experience.

Louis

Ballet teachers

Hey Dancers,

As you can see, ballet is taught in very different ways. Each teacher will offer instruction in the ways that they were taught and they will teach the movements that they like. Catherine and David are very different teachers and dancers. Catherine has years of experience, while David is beginning his career. What did you learn this week from these very different teachers?

Louis

Online Ballet Dictionary

Mikhail Barysnikov in Don Quixote.

There is an online ballet dictionary. Check out this link to see_some_professional_ballet dancers_demonstrate_the ballet vocabulary. Watch the quicktime videos and check out the definitions of glissade, ronde de jambe, pique, and balance. Tell me what you'd like to incorporate into your movement from watching these dancers.