Becoming a ballet dancer can be difficult. It is not something that can be learned overnight, nor can it be mastered in a few months. Taking ballet classes is imperative to learn the proper techniques necessary to become a truly magical ballet dancer whose every move and step personify grace and beauty.
Ballet Shoes – Tips For A Proper Fit
A ballet dancers best friend are her ballet shoes. The wrong shoes can result in disater. Ballet shoes that are not well fitted can cause a dancer to improperly execute ballet techniques. Injury and improper balance can also occur when ballet shoes are not properly fitted. Any ballet dancer with a little experience knows that properly fitted ballet shoes are critical to good performance.
Ballet Shoes: Canvas Or Leather?
Ballet shoes are an important purchase for the beginning ballet student and many elements will affect your purchase decision. To make the correct choice, you will need to listen carefully to your instructor and follow their advice about which shoes to buy. If you are not taking ballet lessons, and cannot seek advice from an instructor or a more advanced ballet dancer, then you will benefit from reading up on the types of ballet shoes available and appropriate for a beginning …
Ballet Moves – Put The Grand In Grand Plie
Practicing ballet is great not only for your body, but also for your mind. It teaches you discipline and determination.
Ballet Dancing The Ideal Physique
Are you a ballet dancer, thinking about taking ballet dancing to the next level?
First, let me say that I truly believe that whatever you put your mind to, and become completely focussed on that goal, you can achieve…
This article is just highlighting some of the centuries-old beliefs as to what constitutes an ideal physique for a ballet dancer…
It is well recognized that a ballet dancer MUST possess a physique that can be trained to the finest degree of coordina…
The Power of Stretching
Stretching gives one the ability to have explosive power available at one’s fingertips without the need to warm up. Of course most of us are not martial artists or agents. But, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of other benefits.
Why do dancers often get growing pains?
As a dancer goes through any period of growth, some pain and stiffness may be noticeable. Unfortunately as we grow, all the action takes place at the growth plates in our bones, and it does take some time for the muscles, ligaments and nerves to adjust to their new positions. This article explains the reason for growth pains and offers advice to those dancers who may be experiencing a decrease in flexibility.
What is Osgood Schlatters Disease?
As a dancer goes through any period of growth, some pain and stiffness may be noticeable. Unfortunately as we grow, all the action takes place at the growth plates in our bones, and it does take some time for the muscles, ligaments and nerves to adjust to their new positions. This article explains the reason for growth pains focusing on the area of the knees and offers advice to those dancers who may be experiencing pain in this area.
The importance of balance retraining exercises for the dance student.
There are many things that can influence your ability to balance. Poor balance may cause your supporting foot to wobble and make it hard to stabilise en demi-pointe, putting you at risk of injury. In this article Lisa Howell discusses some test and exercises that are aimed at improving balance.
Pointe vs. Weight. How heavy is too heavy to be dancing en pointe?
It is possible that a dancer who is slightly heavier does has enough strength to hold their weight en pointe, however how heavy is too heavy to dance en pointe? This article, from Lisa Howell, discusses the issue of pointe work with heavier girls and offers some suggestion to a sensible diet and exercise programme to maintain whilst dancing.
How to Treat Achilles Tendon Injuries in a dancer
Problems in the Achilles tendon are common in dancers and it is a generally poorly understood injury in many dance circles. Lisa Howell in this article summarises the key steps to a successful rehabilitation programme, focusing on an eccentric loading principle. Predisposing factors to Achilles tendonopathy and advice about returning back to dancing are also mentioned. It is important to note that information given in this article is generalised in nature and must not be used to diagnose or tre
Improving the height of demi-pointe in a dancer.
An essential component of Classical Ballet is having ample strength in the feet to get into a high demi-pointe (or ¾ pointe) position. Gaining this position is essential for correct technique and balance. Some dancers have excellent pointe range on testing, yet struggle to achieve this height when rising. Lisa Howell offers some exercises and tips to improve range and height of the demi-pointe position.