101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #41 Become Part of an International Community

Reason #41 Become Part of an International Community

All over the world people study ballet - men, women, boys and girls.  Ballet is taught around the world -  each county adds to this art form. When you start a ballet class you join this international community. Ballet is non-verbal communication. When you study ballet you are connected by something that is bigger then yourself. As the Artistic Director of  Ballet Long Island I have worked with dancers from around the world - Russia, Japan, France, Brazil, Argentina, England, Canada, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, Panama, Romania, Bulgaria, Spain,New Zealand, Sweden, Venezuela, Guam and Puerto Rico. We all spoke the language of ballet -  communication by a voice that is distinctively human.
www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #40 Manege

Reason # 40 - Manege

The word manege in ballet means roundabout or circular. A dancer travels around the stage or dance studio in a circle while performing a series of steps or turns. A manège of any kind can be intimidating and difficult to master. It appears in almost every classical and romantic period ballet. It is often the big finish to a classical ballet solo. How do ballet dancers do that circle of turn or leaps? Spotting!! Spotting is focusing on a "spot" in the dance studio or stage so you do not get dizzy.  You spot a manège in a square.  No matter how diffcult or what kind of turns or movements it is made of. To the the audience eyes  - they see a circle being made around the stage, your spotting should move in four sides according to where you’re going: first stage right, then upstage, stage left, and finally, downstage. Perform a manege with energy,grace, strength, and confidence. A manege is challenging and fun. Learn to dance a manege. Start taking a ballet class today.
www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - # 39 Discipline

Reason # 39 Discipline

Discipline is the assertion of willpower over more base desires. It is also a systematic instruction to train students in a craft or trade. Self discipline and motivation go hand in hand in the learning process. Ballet is the basis for most all other forms of dance. Ballet will help teach you self discipline. Most ballet studios are disciplined places. You won't find lots of running and yelling, but rather students who are going through a set of long-ago developed routines of steps and positions. The process of learning these routines and coordinating them with music,  develops a discipline in children  and adults that will serve them well in all areas of life. It has a set of rules and technique that must be learned to the best of your ability.  We learn as dancers to accept our limitations for what they are on any particular day, and to deal with and adjust to those minute by minute - this will carry over in to other parts of your life.
www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #35 Rhythm

Reason # 35 - Rhythm

Dance has long been linked to music. Teaching students to listen to the music and feel the music in your body is an important part of teaching dance. How to teach rhythm? First you need to give that student confidence. That doesn't mean to tell them that they're doing fine but to tell them that they are improving. Sometimes they don't realize that they're not moving well to the music. Some students are very self conscious about movement to music and might even feel embarrassed. Part of the job of the teacher is to pick music for the class that will help students understand how it all goes together. I often say the steps in the rhythm that they need to be performed - so the students start to get the rhythm in thier mind. Clapping the rhythm can also help. Repeat, repeat, repeat - in ballet it is important to do the steps over and over again, this will help students understand the steps and the rhythm. When it all come together - beauty. Join a ballet class today.  www.theballetcenter.org

101 Reasons to Study Ballet - #34 Joy

Reason # 34  - Joy

We have all heard the expression "Jump for Joy" in ballet we get the opportunity to do it. Ballet can be a fulfilling form of exercise for everyone, regardless of their age or experience. Physical activity is known to exert a powerful "feel-good" effect. A feeling of joy. Ballet is a great form of exercise.  Brightening mood and enhancing mental health, in fact some people believe, regular exercise may be as effective as medication for some people with depression.The joy of movement will make you feel good. A growing body of evidence supports this boost to psychological well being. Endorphins are morphine-like brain chemicals that can trigger feelings of euphoria, relaxation and joy.  Add some joy to your life join a ballet class.
http://www.theballetcenter.org/