Starting Ballet- What You Need To Know Before Taking Your First Class
So, you’re thinking about taking your first ballet class? That's great!
As exciting as that can be, I also understand if you’re feeling a little daunted. Learning anything brand new always comes with its own unique challenges, and ballet is no exception.
The good news is that whether you're starting "late" as an adult, or not, there are some things that will always be the same. To help lessen your fear, and help you take that first literal leap towards a this beautiful art form, I’ve compiled a short guide on what to expect.
DECIDING WHICH LEVEL BALLET TO TAKE
If you’re reading this article, then it’s likely that you’ve a had little to no experience. My advice- start at the lowest level. If it’s too easy you can always move up. Starting with a level that’s too difficult will only sour your experience, and more importantly, can be a hinderance to other more experienced dancers in the class. Failing to keep up with a combination, or be have practiced spacial awareness has the potential to be dangerous when limbs are flying in all directions!
The great thing about starting simple is that going back to basics is ALWAYS beneficial, no matter how advanced you are. Even the greatest dancers will take time to brush up on the most simple (simple to learn, but not to do!) foundational exercises.
BALLET CLASS FORMAT
A traditional style ballet class will generally last between an hour, and an hour and a half.
The first part of the class will be held at the barre. Unless your teacher says otherwise, you’ll always start with your left hand on the barre for the first side of each exercise. As the barre progresses, so too will the intensity of the exercises, finishing with a Grand Battement, a step that will later help you with your Grand Allegro in the center.
Although the barre is designed to warm up the body, it’s preferable that you’re already at least a bit warm before you start. A few rises, strength conditioning exercises, and gentle stretches can be done in the 15 minutes before class begins to avoid injury, and to help you get the most out of your barre.
Make sure to give yourself a good amount of room between you and the next person at the barre, when possible. If you think you might kick them at any pointe, angle your body slightly toward or away from the barre. Awareness of the others in class is all part of the training!
If you’re a newbie it might be helpful for you to sandwich yourself between two more confident dancers, so that you have someone to follow on either side.
After the barre you’ll then come to the center for Center Practice. This is when the real fun begins! Everything you’ve practiced at barre is to prepare you for this. Make sure you spread out and find a spot where you can see yourself in the mirror. Stick to the back of the room if you’re less confident so you can follow those in-front.
You’ll start slow, with some tendus and adagio exercises. After that you’ll move on to pirouettes- turns that are often performed travelling from the corner on a diagonal.
To finish the class we have our jumps, which also start small and get bigger with each exercise.
When class is finished, dancers applaud their teacher. Be sure to thank your teacher personally as well.
Cest Pointe Makes Cute and Comfortable Leotards For Ballet Class
WHAT TO WEAR TO BALLET CLASS
It’s generally recommended that you wear something comfortable, that you can move in. Be aware of anything that could trip you up, or get you tangled. Things like large hoop earrings can be seriously dangerous, and your earlobes will be happy if you leave them at home.
If you’re an aspiring professional, or even if you just want constructive feedback from your teacher, then it makes sense to west fitted clothing so that they can see and assess your line. Keeping the ankles and feet exposed is particularly helpful for this.
While socks can be a good substitute for ballet flats while you’re starting out, you’ll likely want to invest in some proper shoes as you advance to allow for better grip on the floor, protection of your feet, and to easily pivot on the ball of your foot in pirouettes.
BALLET CLASS ETIQUETTE
This section could take me all day…but I’ll try to stick to the most pertinent info!
KEEP NOISE TO A MINIMUM
If you’re going to a school with aspiring professionals, you might notice a difference in atmosphere. Serious schools will discourage talking at any time, while an adult ‘just for fun’ school will hopefully be a little more relaxed. In any case, it’s best to keep any talking to a minimum while in class out of respect for your teacher and fellow students.
INURIES
If you have any injuries and anticipate not being able to do any part of the class, let your teacher know before hand. Most teachers will be okay for you to wait at the side and watch the class, without sitting down. Again, it’s always best to check with your teacher before hand.
SPACIAL AWARENESS
Give your fellow dancers space, and be aware or your relationship in space to them at all times. This is actually not just for safety, but for general spacial and bodily awareness. As a corps de ballet dancer you use and hone this skill daily!
And finally, one of my pet peeves- never run backward!! Please please please always move forward and to the side as quickly as possible after you finish your turn at an exercise. Get in the habit of doing this as soon as you start taking classes so that it becomes second nature, and you’ll avoid getting trampled and frustrating your classmates.