So many people give up on their hobbies because they just feel as if their technique just isn't good enough to make those hobbies professional. Ballet is a common hobby for little girls, although a lot of little girls quit ballet before it gets too serious. Maybe you were a little kid who quit ballet and now wants to restart but feels too behind to get going again. Maybe you spent your childhood doing ballet recreationally and now you are thinking about improving your technique on a more serious level.
I have compiled some of the best advice I have received and come up with over the last few years while I was struggling to catch up in my ballet technique classes to at least provide a little bit of encouragement.
One of the first things I did at my new studio last year (2021) was panic. I was really behind in class and I couldn't even wrap my head around the routines and how to keep up with them. I honestly couldn't land a solid double pirouette, or even a perfect single, and my technique for every routine at the barre was all over the place.
I was used to being in a very recreational studio where there was very little competition in between the girls. (By this, I mean encouraging each other to become better and keep up with each other as a team, rather than competing against each other.) As soon as I joined a more competitive studio, I felt very uncomfortable. I didn't know if I could ever catch up. The girls were executing double, triple pirouettes, multiple fouttés, and were very confident in knowing the barre and centre routines. I didn't know how I could ever catch up. A year later, however, I can see how much I have improved and I am so happy I didn't give up, although I still have a long way to go.
In order to catch up in terms of flexibility, I had to start stretching a few times a week. I was lucky enough to have a friend who would FaceTime me and follow along to stretch routines often. If you can find another friend willing to stretch with you, it can be really fun and beneficial to both of you, even if the friend isn't interested in dance but wants to be more flexible.
I say just go for it! You owe it to your future self to try something you want to do, and who knows? You could absolutely love it and even take it to a professional level. You are taking ballet lessons to become a better dancer, not to impress the other girls in class. If you work hard, it isn’t as hard as you think to catch up. You will see so much improvement within a year. Something I tell myself when I join a new studio is that it is going to be different from what I am used to. It is going to be uncomfortable for the first couple months, but I know I can catch up if I work hard and remember to be patient with myself and my progress.
Be friendly to the other dancers and try your best. It makes a world of difference. Ask the instructor for clarification. It is also better to be in a class that is too hard for you than to be in a class that is comfortable, because that class will hold you back. All of that being said, ballet is very hard and it takes a lot of hard work to keep at it. Having to catch up with the other girls was so rewarding and I am so happy I was put into a class that was too hard for me. If it feels too hard at first, that is probably going to be the most beneficial class for you, as long as you have the determination and passion to keep working on your technique and grace. Again, it is going to take a lot of hard work and determination, as well as thick skin, to accept the corrections from the teacher. If you want, you can even ask your teacher for more corrections. Always practice at home every chance you get. I like to do relevés while I brush my teeth occasionally. Practice your turns anytime you are in an open space. If you can, I definitely recommend buying a turning board. I struggle with spotting during my turns and turning boards really help with issues like that. I also recommend buying Therabands and items like yoga blocks or rollers to help with your flexibility and conditioning.
What I have recently started doing is the habit of keeping a dance progress journal. I love writing down my progress. Every class, I write down a short list of corrections the teacher gave me that I want to work on improving before the next week. At the end of the week, I write down a summary of movements and exercises I want to try out as well as my progress I made that week. Maybe I landed a triple or was able to consistently perform a routine. Maybe the teacher complimented my turnout. I like keeping track of my small accomplishments so I can look back at my progress, and also encourage myself every week on what I did well, especially since ballet class is full of so many corrections. I also started a photo album after I started pointe to look back at all of the progress I have made in even just a month after getting my shoes.
In conclusion, just remember that no matter how daunting the new class seems, you can do it! It takes a lot of work, but you can do it if it is something you really want to do! My favorite inspiration story is Misty Copeland's. Misty Copeland, a principal dancer for the ABT, started ballet at 13 years old, and she has gotten so far in her career. Keep track of the small victories you will accomplish as well as the improvements you want to work on.
A recap:
Be patient with yourself
Practice at home
Be friendly to teachers / students
Ask for extra corrections
Stretch daily
Keep track of the little accomplishments!
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I hope these tips helped! Let me know in the comments what posts you would like to see next!
Katie Ballerina :)