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Safe dance practice

Safe technique in classical ballet is of the upmost importance especially for growing bodies. It is imperative that as bones grow and develop that classical training is of the correct level for each individual student. This is why young ballet students do not begin pointe work until at least 11 years-old.

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A good ballet teacher will request an x-ray of the feet and check that ossification of the metatarsals is at least 80 - 90% complete. It’s better to wait another six months or a year before bearing the weight of the whole body on the metatarsals which could cause deformity for life if these initial measures are not followed.

April 2020

Building ballet vocabulary safely

The process of building up a vocabulary of steps must also be taken into consideration when training young children. Every ambitious student wants to achieve 32 Fouettés round de Jambe en tournant before they even master the Plié, so it’s crucial they are able to correctly execute the basic fundamentals of technique each step of the way - no pun intended. 

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7 Fundamentals:

  • Understand correct alignment of the limbs and body showing correct posture and weight placement.

  • Use turnout muscles correctly.

  • Stability of the pelvis and lengthening through the body.

  • Hold the shape of the arms from the centre of the back showing breadth of movement and correct tracking.

  • Coordinate harmoniously; torso, limbs, head and eye focus to aid jumps, leaps and travelling movements.

  • Spatial awareness.

  • Demonstrate a degree of balance and control through strength and core stability.

 

Just a few objectives a ballet student must demonstrate as they’re building up their vocabulary of steps and movement.

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