| The idea of beginning pointe work is what inspires | | | | Your teacher knows if your technical weaknesses |
| many young dancers and adult ballet beginners | | | | are because of physical limitations, or lack of |
| alike. The effort involved may differ, but the | | | | ability to concentrate and learn. Teachers also |
| required classical technique, knowledge and | | | | recognize that many dance lovers come to class |
| execution of basic ballet positions, moves and | | | | to enjoy dancing, and are not going to take on |
| precision, is identical. While younger dancers cope | | | | the challenge of advancing through grueling years |
| with growth spurts, education distractions and | | | | of work. |
| social activities, older ballet beginners cope with | | | | It's fine to love ballet and not work to change |
| how to get more flexible, life/family responsibility | | | | your abilities and physique - but you may never |
| distractions and.....social activities. | | | | progress to dance in ballet pointe shoes. That |
| Your ballet teacher will select you to start pointe | | | | does not matter. Dance for your artistic and soul |
| work when she/he sees a basic sound ballet | | | | fulfillment. Just work on the basics well so that |
| technique, which means how you execute ballet | | | | you can do classes safely without getting dance |
| exercises. Not how you were born to dance or | | | | injuries. |
| not, with a near-perfect physique, but how work | | | | Yet if you are serious about classical dance, I |
| through the limitations many have who study | | | | know you want to get as much 'inside' info as |
| dance. | | | | possible, to get ahead in your classes. And you |
| Your teacher will also look for strength - your | | | | can. There is an overwhelming volume of dance |
| barre work must show that you understand and | | | | education in books, video and photos, written by |
| can perform correct posture, skeletal alignment | | | | many expert teachers. |
| and hold the turnout that you have. | | | | |