All classical (ballet) dancers- Please Help!

Question

Ok so in 2 weeks my dance studio has evaluations to see if we will move up to the next level or stay in the same level for the entire next year. Anyways they do most of the basics of a normal dance class which for my studio would include the following-

1. grand plies in first second fourth and fifth

2. maybe a few ton dues from fifth

3. balances

4. single double and triple pirouettes outside

5. single and double pirouttes inside

6. peakes

7 shanes (sp?)

8. jumps

9. pointework (which is really just a simplified version of the above if you know what i mean and then some eleves and releves)

10. fouttes

11. italian fouttes

12. Splitz

13. and just like i said a few things from barre and mostly all things center including grande allegro petite allegro and reverance

14. BEATS like entrechecats (sp?)

So my I was wondering if anyone could give me some exercises to do at home to improve all of this (especially turns, fouttes, and splitz or excercises to improve my technique generally) I would be really grateful best answer goes to 1st person who gives a good answer quickly

Answer 1

for you turns you just have to practice balancing. here is what i do and it really helped me

do tondue( sp.) to fourth and then just hold your self up on releve for 5,6,7 and 8. do that a few times then do do quarter turns, then half, then singles, doubles and so one. then switch legs.

(this should be and entire 8 count for every time)

for fouttes just stand next to the barre or in center and do the motions without turning at all, do this on each leg for 5 mins a day. you'll have themi n a week.

and for your splits just over extend for 2 mins on each side but for the last 10 secs put your hands in the air (it's a really nice stretch)

hope this helps  

Answer 2

I have taken dance for 16+ years...

one way to improve any turn is to exercise core muscles and improve your strength in that area. I'm sure your teacher has said this but make sure you pull in all core muscles when you turn to tighten and straighten your turns. This ball is great for these exercises.

www.benderball.com

There is a stretch I like that improves flexibility in the groin region for splits. Basically lay on the floor with your butt toward the wall with your legs up. Push your butt against the wall and spread your legs into a straddle on the wall. Eventually after laying there for about five minutes (play a long song you like and can relax to) your legs will almost reach the floor from relaxing in this position. Make sure your legs are straight and when you decide to get up pull both legs from straddle position to straight together on the wall very slowly. Then slowly move away from the wall and roll up when standing.

Answer 3

do each of those moves twice a day and you will see improvments in no time

Answer 4

Hi

I suggest just going over everything that you listed. If you have enough space in your house, go over the exercises that you learned in class.

Practice your splits everyday. Go over your preparations for fouettes and pirouettes.

Answer 5

all i can say is practice makes perfect

Answer 6

Two of the best things to work on are your turn out and your pointed toes.

Doing butterfly stretches will help stretch your turnout. Sit with the bottoms of your feet touching and your knees bent. Gently push down on your knees.

I'm not a great dancer...but I was always praised in ballet because of my strong point. To stretch it, do one foot at a time and point your toes as hard as you can until you feel it stretch. Hold it for a few seconds and release.

Just make sure that you are able to do all of the positions and turns cleanly.

Good luck!

Answer 7

make up a dance with all those in in it. sorry I'm only 12 and I've taken dance (ballet, hip hop, and jazz productions.) for about 5 years...

well you know what all the dance teachers say "your not going to get this down unless you practice!"

or something along those lines. haha.

so just practice them over and over again (i know it kinda sucks unless you are REALLY into dance)

well i hope i helped!!