101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #18 Learn 5 New Positions

Reason # 18 - Learn 5 New Positions

There are five positions of the feet and arms in classical ballet. All basic moves start from and end in one of these five positions. The basic ballet positions for arm and feet do not have French terms like most ballet steps they are simply known as First, Second, Third, Forth and Fifth position. All ballet steps and positions are done with the legs turned outward.

First Position - Your heels are together  your feet should be turned out only as far as is comfortable. It is important that you feel completely balanced in this position remember the goal is to move and keep the position. make sure your feet aren’t rolling forwards or turned out so far that you feel you are going to fall over. Arms are rounded in front of the body.

Second Position  -  Legs are turned out feet are apart.  The space in between your feet should be about one and a half lengths of your foot. Arms are out to the side but a little rounded.

Third Position  - Legs are turned out. The heel of one foot is placed next to the middle of the other foot. The heel of your front foot should be touching the arch of your back foot. One arm is rouneded up over head the other arm is rouned to the side.

Forth Position - one foot is directly in front of the other, turned out, with a space of about the distance equal to one foot’s length. One arm is rouned above the head the other is rounded in front.
Fifth Position - Your front toe should be in front of your back heel. This is the most difficult of the five positions. The goal of this position is to get your front foot so far across your back foot, so the back foot is almost hidden. You are in your best turn out so that you are standing front toe to back heel, and back toe to front heel. But to execute this position takes years of training unless you were born with perfect turn out. Some professional dancers never master this position perfectly. Arms are held over head rounded.

Learning ballet is a challenge. It is a contest of skill, strength, special effort and control. Join the challenge start a ballet class today. http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #17 Bunhead

Reason # 17 You Can be a Bunhead

What is a bunhead? It is a term used as a playfull name for a ballet dancer or ballet student. Female ballet dancers wear their hair in a bun for class and for most performances. You can't just wear a bun hair style to be a bunhead you must take ballet class, read ballet books, watch ballet videos and go to ballet performances. Basically in the most essential respects; fundamentally you must walk, talk, eat, sleep and dream ballet. There is always something new in the ballet world to see and discuss. Ballet is a living breathing art form and you can be part of it. Go to see a ballet or take a ballet class. http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - # 16 Just For Kicks

Reason # 16  Just For Kicks

There are two meanings here - one ballet is fun and you will have a great time studying ballet, two - you do kicks in ballet class. A kick in ballet class in called a grand battement it is a powerful movement where the dancer takes the leg as high as possible, while the supporting leg remains straight. Do not try to push your kicks high the first time. You will injure yourself to the extent that you may never be able to kick high again. Ballet is a process that take time and effort. You will be rewarded with a beautiful body and a fun activity. try a ballet class today - just for kicks.http://www.theballetcenter.org/

Scholarship Audition

Dance Scholarships 2012-2013
The Ballet Center offers a broad scholarship program for its students.  To encourage and support our serious dance students, The Ballet Center offers significant reductions in tuition for those who qualify.  The broad scope of this scholarship program is exclusive to The Ballet Center.  During the semester 2012 – 13, Artistic Director, Debra Punzi, will offer fifty (150) scholarships to deserving students.Scholarships are full and partial depending on skill or financial need. The Ballet Center is the only school on Long Island that offers this great scholarship program. Our mission is to make dance available and affordable to everyone. Many of our students have gone on to professional careers in dance – teachers, professional dancers and choreographers. Ms. Punzi believes serious and talented dancers should be rewarded and encouraged.Serious about dance? Apply for a TBC Scholarship.

Scholarship is awarded through the audition process. Students wishing to apply for a scholarship must file an application and audition at The Ballet Center, 1863 Pond Road, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

Audition Dates:
Sat June 23 - 11:00am
Wed July 18 - 7:00pm
There is a $10. Application fee.
For more information Call 631-737-1964 www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #15 Draw Circles on the Floor

Reason # 15 Draw Circles on the Floor

There is a step in ballet where you draw circles on the floor - rond de jambe a tere. Alright you don't draw with pen, ink, chalk or paint.  Rond de jambe translates from French literally "circle of the leg". Really it is  half-circles made by the pointed foot, one leg is the standing leg or supporting leg the other is the working leg returning through first position to repeat; creating the letter 'D' on the floor. Why would we do a step like that? Ballet is performed in "turn out" - A rotation of the leg from the hips - duck like. The rond de jambe a tere trains muscles to move in any direction while maintaining turn out. This is good for keeping your legs in good shape. What some nice looking ballet legs try a ballet class today.http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - # 14 Nice Booty

Reason # 14 - Nice Booty

Now you too can have a Movie Star backside that turns heads. No expensive surgery or overpriced trainer needed just attend ballet class. Ever notice how ballerinas and male dancers have perfect, firm buns.  Doing a few exercises in ballet class will help you attain the butt of your dreams. There are so many exercises in ballet class that tone and define your rear. At the start of ballet class we plie - this movement strengthens and tones the butt, legs, arms and back. Later we grand battement -  kick this uses all the muscles of the leg and rear.  Releves are easy toe rises when done correctly you squeeze your butt together, stomach in and perfect posture. Toward the end of class you jump it will burn calories and tone your butt. You will do all this exercising with grace and listen to wonderful classical music. Start your ballet class today. http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #13 Ballet Slippers

Reason # 13 Ballet Slippers

Ballet slippers are the soft shoes both men and women wear to ballet class or on stage They are made from soft leather, canvas, or satin, and have flexible, full soles or split soles. The idea is to have shoes that show off the arch of the foot and create a smooth long line of the leg from hip to toe. Traditionally in classical ballet, women wear pink shoes and men wear white or black shoes. Your shoes should match your tights -  again to create a long line. Many fashion designers have copied the look of ballet slippers - ballet flats. They are a great alternative to high heels. Ballet flats are popular with girls and women of all ages.  They are seen  at Weddings, Proms and other formal events instead of heels. Do not wear your ballet flats to ballet class they are great for social dancing but not good for classical ballet. Well fitted ballet footwear can mean the difference between comfort on the stage and potential injury. Ballet shoes should fit snugly fit like a glove. If there's any room at the front of the foot, the dancer will not be able to fully point the shoe. The dancer should try ballet slippers on both feet. Sometimes, dancers need different sized shoes for their feet, as again, the right fit is absolutely critical to both performance and safety.  Ballet slippers don't have typical laces; they have what are known as drawstrings. You need to crisscross these drawstrings and then pull them taut. Ballet shoes should fit snugly, but they shouldn't 'suffocate' the feet. During fittings, the ballet dancer should point their feet. If the heels of the slippers start to slip off, you needs to move to the next size down. Some modern ballet shoes are made with specialty materials which conform to unique foot sizes-- however, these specialty shoes cost a lot of money. Finally, check with your ballet teacher to correct any problems with your ballet slippers. Have fun picking out the perfect ballet slippers - just for you. http://www.theballetcenter.org/

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #11 It's Easier Then You Think

Reason # 11 It's Easier Then You Think

Ballet it is easier then you think. Ballet classes are taught in levels. Take the first step - sigh up for ballet class. Look for a beginner level class. Ballet classes are often ongoing so some of the students in the class will be new but some may be taking this class for years. How can this be? Well some students find the beginner level class challenging and do not want a move to a higher level class. All ballet steps start from basic human movement, walking, running, leaping, jumping, hopping, and bending. In beginner level class teachers will break down the movements so students can understand and perform the steps. You will have fun, learn new steps and French terms for the names of the steps. I am not saying being a professional ballet dancer is easy. Professional dancers train daily and must be artists and athletes. Becoming a professional dancer in a ballet company is a highly competitive process.  Many people have the goal but only a handful are able to enjoy successful careers in this physically demanding job. With that said you can have fun learing ballet. You will enjoy taking ballet class.http://www.theballetcenter.org/

How To Choose A Ballet School

What do you need to know to find the right ballet school.
First - Find a professional ballet school, even if you only want to introduce your child to ballet. It is best to learn proper technique. Take a look at the schools website. Look for a school with a professional ballet company in residence.
Second - Visit the school. Talk to the staff. Ask how many students have become dance professionals.
Look for a professional setting at the school. Ask about the dance floor. It should be a "floating dance floor".
Third - Small class size allows for more individual instruction. The teacher can catch any problems before they turn into bad habits or improper technique. Proper names of steps should be taught. French is the vocabulary of ballet.
Fourth - There is no license issued by the government to teach ballet so anyone can teach ballet. Ask for information on the teachers background and look at the schools website and read the bios of the teachers. A good school will have a good website with lots of information for you to read.
Fifth - look on Youtube to see if the school has videos posted so you can see the students and teachers.
This is a good start on how to find a ballet school for yourself or your child.

Summer Ballet Intensive

Summer Ballet Intensive is a unique training experience for children, teens, and adults that immerses aspiring dancers in a minimum of three classes per day, plus rehearsals and performances. They are joined by professional dancers from Ballet Long Island. Dates - Mon July 9 - Fri July 13, 2012 Time - 9:00 am - 3:00pm Tuition - $300 This is a fun-filled learning adventure.The teaching staff is one of the best in the United States. Dance classes in ballet and modern dance will be held along with classes in choreography, pointe, and character. Students will also view videotapes of famous classical dance works to enhance learning. Ballet Long Island's Summer Ballet Intensive is designed to develop all facets of a student's orientation to ballet. Professional dancers on staff with Ballet Long Island will join the intensive students in a performance of "Coppelia." Debra Punzi    Laurie Solomon Robin Williams Natasa Trifan Dawn Petchonka Keith Miller Performances: Choreography Showcase - Thurs July 12 - 2:00pm - free Tickets: FREE Coppelia - Fri July 13 - 2:00pm Tickets: $16 adults, $6 child, $6 senior citizen Call 631-737-1964 for more information or email us at balletlongisland.com.