Wonderkept : ballet

BEHIND THE RED CURTAIN (because dancers are more than hairspray and hard work) 1ST RECITAL DONE

10:25 AM

(blurriness is inevitable in the theater)

Doing semi-private classes, and finishing up my first dance year at a new school, I've learned a few things.

Dancers don't just dance.

Their also makeup artists,
Hair stylists
students
friends
the race of people that can quick change in 5 seconds
and, especially in ballet, people with at least semi-patience who can take both praise and disappointment.

Because we all have those times when we've tried so hard and it just flops. I think it's important to dance, not just because you have it in you or you want to do it, but because it teaches you so many things to be in a dance class.

Because A girl who's sixteen could be learning from an eleven year old...and both of them with humility and patience. Because the best dancer in the class might move to the back of the stage while the clumsiest has 10 seconds of spotlight.

Because dance teaches you that work and hope is a reward in itself; and that the impossible isn't really as far from reach as you think it is.

So yes, dancers are people who spend their year sweating and cramping and stretching for six minutes of stage time. But if someone watched us, and tallied all the lessons we learned, they'd find that dancing is so much more.

So

Here's to all you girls
Who try hard
And think no one notices
You got this
God is with you

Dance on

Do you know the above to be true?

What are some of your trials and triumphs?

10 things

10 Things You Should Know the First Time You Walk into Dance Class (from a beginner to beginners)

2:01 PM

I've made a list today of some beginner dance tips (from a beginner, trust me). Some useful hints...and some things I wish I had thought through a bit more. Maybe, with these things in mind, you can skip that first embarrassing stage and go straight to the onslaught of learning the wonderful language of dance.

You are going to be embarrassed

This is number one because it's a fact. If you are new to dance, then you will probably embarrass yourself for at least the first 3-4 classes. Your dance teacher's going to look at you like "Other foot, again" "That's not fifth position" "Everyone has the right arm...except Michaila". But it's okay. Dance is a language and you just have to start mouthing the words. Just try your hardest not to be nervous, and everything will most likely go smooth.

Always have another pair of back-up tights

Okay, I just learned this myself. Dance tights rip easily. Period. On whatever (WATCH what you sit on, k?). Always have another pair of replacement tights at home, so that next week you can change out the ripped ones for the new ones. Another tip is to keep your toenails trimmed (and filed!) and to make sure your fingernails are filed as well.

Practice practice practice!

To help subdue number one, the answer is to practice. The more you practice, the more precision and skill you'll gain. Trust me, you might start out sloppy, with horrible balance, but if you keep over your moves, you yourself will be surprised.Especially remember this with pirouettes (ugh). And if you have a mirror (or even want to record yourself sometime) it's a great way to see if you are doing things right. You can also use Youtube, which is great for learning new dance moves before your dance teacher shows you them. Then you'll be partially ahead.

Learn the dance move dictionary

There's actually flashcards for this. All ballet terms/moves are in French...so they can be extremely hard to remember. Lots of times a teacher will show you, but other times she'll just tell you. Learning French, or just memorizing the meanings of some ballet terms will be a quick step ahead, and make both your teacher and your time in class easier

You're going to be sore. That's dance.

Prepare to be sore, sweaty, and perhaps bruised. Dance is discovering muscles you never knew you had. And making them strong. Sweat...well, I find that if I'm doing something right, I'm probably sweating. And bruising may come with anything between a pirouette, a jump, or some quick turn. clear a large space to avoid bruising your tush.

It's going to take a slice out of your schedule (not just once a week)

Because every day (or every other day) practice is essential. Not only to remember but to be better the next time class comes around. And to literally 'stay in shape' so that you won't fell like Gumby when you have to Arabesque. Practice is super important.

Buy extra bobby pins

You need bobby pins, your classmates need bobby pins. You constantly lose bobby pins. Easy.

I have these bobby pins from the dollar store...and let me tell you, while you're at it, get ones that are quality. The 'dollar store' bobby pins can be a risky purchase; the large ones I have literally peel black paint and it wasn't till I saw a chipping one that I put the mystery together. Random black things in my hair. Weird.

You are going to have one bad side

For me it's my left; this really comes out with turns. Also sometimes my turnout isn't as good on my left side as well. This motivates me to try and work out my left side more, and work on more turns as well.

You need to stretch on a daily basis

big one. Stretching, for me, not only helps my mood for the day, but it strengthens my dance moves and helps positions, turn out, and strength. Like I said before, you can find great ballet or dance workout videos on Youtube.

If you want tips, or are more advanced, try Katherine Morgan. For both advanced and beginner, look up Lazy Dancer Tips. Both of these channels will help you in many ways. I especially like the barre workouts and Swan Lake fitness on the second channel.

stay hopeful

I keep having to tell myself this. Optimism; it's powerful. And why not ask God to help you? After all, that's what praying is for.

Well, I hope you all enjoyed this and learned some simple things from my simple beginner tips! Have fun dancing ❤

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