The Ballet Bible

Professional Ballet

Hi, I have recently become fascinated by the art of ballet and was wondering if I could become a professional ballerina or not.

I am 181cm tall (just over 5″11) and i’m almost certain that’s too tall…
I did jazz for two years (when I was 7 and then stopped for two and started again when I was 11. I am 13 now so I have been doing jazz for the last two years.

I have never done ballet before but would like to learn and I would start taking lessons as soon as possible if I knew that I had a chance in the world of proffessional ballet.

Please give me your honest opinion.
Thank-you!

Help! Arabesque!

Whenever I do a 90 degrees arabesque to the back, my back always arches a lot, instead of staying straight. HELP!!

spcpa (what do you think?)

Ok im sorry its kp again! Have any of you ever heard of the school called the Saint paul conservatory? (spcpa) If you have what do you think. Do you think it would be a good performing school to go to for a 14 year old who has been in ballet sice she was 4. My friend Michelle wants to go there but she doesnt know if it is the best switch. What do you think?

-kp

Help finding the right ballet summer program

I am 12 and am a ballet lover. I started dancing when I was 3, and this year my teacher wants me to go to a summer program.

I don’t now the best one(s) to pick. My parents want to make sure that I am well looked after.

I got into the Atlanta Ballet, and I am very happy but I don’t know if that is the right one for me and if I would be well looked after.

What should I look for in the auditions that I am going to later this month and next month? Can some one answer my questions? here they are:

1. what is the best school to go to since this will be my first summer program.

2. what schools look after you and what schools don’t? I know all school say they look after but I know some of them don’t like Ballet Austin, the world’s worst dance school in WORLD.

3. from what you have heard about me do you think the Atlanta is a good school for me?

4. does the Atlanta have a good summer program and do they look after you?

5. what should I look for in the auditions?

Thanks so much
Nancy

colleges with dance, and more.

Hi
My problem is that I am looking for a college that I can Minor in Ballet and Major in Paleontology. Trust me it is extremely difficult to find a college where I can do so. I want a really good Dance Program but the sciences also need to be there. Does anyone know of any? I Love dance, dance is my passion and allways has been.

Thank you for your help.

How do I point my foot properly?

I started ballet a couple of years ago then I quit and now I’ve started again… I’m 13. I cannot point my foot properly sometimes or my foot muscles get cramped and i cannot move them… I need help on how to point my foot properly!

Izzie

Are medium size arches okay for pointe/ballet?

I was just wondering if you’re going to make it in the professional/advanced world that you have to have HUGE or BIG arches because I am only 11 and I think my arches are pretty well shaped like I am far from having flat feet or anything but I don’t have GIGANTIC arches. Do you think I am going to be able to make it?

I have all the other ideal ballerina requirments! Also I have another guestion, when you point your toes should your big toe be kind of bent and curled over or straight, or does it just depend what poisition your legs are in?

Also when I point my toes my ballet flats don’t really show it. Is this just because they aren’t broken in enough? I have only have them for a few months only going to 1 class a week for a hour. (don’t worry I switched schools now and I go 3 days a week for 1 1/2 hours)

PLEASE ANSWER SOME OF MY QUESTIONS PLEASE!!!

How to improve Pirouette?

I am now 17 years old…in fact I have the base of traditional dance since young…and i have started ballet since last year, around August. Coz of I hav the base of dancing, so my teacher push me very fast and towards the higher grade.

I learn from grade 2 and now I am actually preparing myself for intermediate foundation exam next year. I feel that my pirouette is not so good….it is hard for me 2 turn for 2 round…..so what is the best method 2 improve it?

I wish 2 hav nice turnings…….moreover, how 2 improve the ankle strength?

I am now practise on pointe shoe too……it is ok but I juz feel tat my ankle is nt strong enough………

Developpes?

Hello! I’m pretty much a beginner (and by pretty much, I mean I am haha) I’ve been dancing for 3 years, but this is really the first year I’ve been in a real class. I was just wondering if there is anything I can do to strengthen developpes because mine are extremely sloppy and I also can’t get them as high as they need to be, and I can’t hold them. Is there something I can do to strengthen my leg muscles? Any tips at all would be amazing! I love this move, I just want to get it right!! Thankyou for your help!

Where to go for Dance College

I am 17 and have been dancing since I was 4. I do classical ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and pointe. I dance every day of the week (not sunday) an love it. ( I always have.) I am 5’9″ and am 115 lbs. I work extremely hard in all of my classes my instructors all think I am a beautiful dancer. Right now I am dancing… 30 1/2 hours a week. That is including rehersals for our performances.

What do you think? I am looking at a variety colleges right now including Mercyhurst in Erie PA but I know I can do better than that. Any suggestions on colleges with EXTREMELY GOOD dance programs. (Haha… I looked at julliard but well you know how it goes.) lol.
Thank you.
-kp