Any Advice?

Im 14 and have been dancing (ballet) for 10 years, one class per week, not too serious. In another two years (about) i think im going onto pointe. Im currently in grade 6 RAD and really want to improve my skill in the next two years. If anyone has any advice on what to do to improve myself nad any advice to prepare for pointe it would be really apreciated! thx loadz

November 13, 2006 | In Questions | 7 Comments

7 Comments »

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  1. The best way to improve is to take more classes. At your age you should be taking atleast 4 a week. Other than that just practice.

    Comment by Karalyn — November 14, 2006 #

  2. Hi everyone,

    I have a question about Karalyn’s reply in this topic.
    As far as the first and third part of the reply is concerned, I totally agree.
    The best way to improve is to practice more and preferably in a class where someone can correct your mistakes. This is not only true for ballet, but for almost everything you want to learn.

    Anyway, I’m having doubts about the second part of the reply.
    Why “should” you take a certain amount of lessons at a certain age?
    This all depends on what you want to accomplish in the end.
    Just have fun?
    Go professional?
    Have fun, but being able to go en pointe in the future?
    Being able to go en pointe in 2 years?
    …

    But of course, if you do take multiple lessons, your chances are better than if you don’t.
    I only don’t like the feeling I get from people telling me (or others) what I (or they) “should or should not” do.

    Kaat

    Comment by Kaat — November 14, 2006 #

  3. It all depends what you want to do with your training. If you want to be a professional dancer, you should be on pointe NOW. There are too many 14 year olds in the world ready and able to whip out 32 (good) fouettes on pointe. If you’re doing it for fun, then it really doesn’t matter, and enjoy yourself! In either case if you are preparing for pointe, yes, you should be taking at least three or four classes a week. Your body has to be ready, and there is no way to do that without taking class. Besides class? Stretch, do foot exercises, pay attention to your technique while in class.

    Sorry about the people who don’t like being told what they should or shouldn’t do. That is what professionals and teachers are for. They have been there and done that, and know how it works.

    Comment by Zoe — November 14, 2006 #

  4. talk to your teacher about what they think you should do. different studios have different standards. I riquire that my students be taking at least two classes a week before I consider letting them on point. I also have to see that they are working at home. are there other classes for students of your level at your studio? if so upping the number of classes you are taking will greatly help you prepare for the demands of pointwork.

    Comment by Marissa — November 14, 2006 #

  5. hey thx 4 the advice! I dont wanna b a pro. but i wanna be the best in my class! lol ! im very competitive and i just wanna better myself for fun! keep the advice coming!

    Comment by Madi — November 18, 2006 #

  6. start taking more classes or if your studio is kind of do it for fun type go somewhere else that is if u wana go pro

    Comment by lea volley — December 6, 2006 #

  7. @ Zoe: I wasn’t talking about teachers or professionals (or other experienced people) who give you advice after considering your individual situation. Of course, it’s a good idea to take sound advice.
    I was thinking of the sometimes rather black-or-white views you get a message boards (like: if you’re 20 and want to start dancing, you’re an idiot – note: I’m not talking about going pro!). I think the first line in your post says it all. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful of the experts. But even with teachers telling you what to do, in the end it’s the students responsability to follow the advice, or not.
    I’m a strong believer in the “informed decision-making process”.

    @ All

    By the way, there is new neurological evidence suggesting that people can start to learn skills at a later age than ever imagined (eg playing the piano professionally after starting out as an adult). It’s amazing, but of course very hard work. I wonder to what extend this also applies to dancing.
    (The research I’m talking about is by M. Sitskoorn, from the Netherlands).

    Comment by Kaat — December 7, 2006 #

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