simplyballet – Page 2 – Simply Ballet Skirts

What should I wear to class?

simplyballet01/02/201604/05/2017FAQ

Traditional attire for a ballet class is a leotard and tights – for both men and women. However, if you are just starting to learn ballet you probably have something adequate in the closet for your first few lessons;

Clothes that will allow your body, arms and legs to move freely, and not cover your feet such as;

Leggings
3⁄4 Gym or yoga pants
Shorts
Fitted T-shirt or singlet top

Foot protection that will allow you to dance such as;

Ballet shoes
Jazz shoes/Gymnastic shoes
Cotton socks (not synthetic as they are generally too slippery)

Continue reading “What should I wear to class?”

Who Can Learn Ballet?

simplyballet11/06/2015Inspiration

It’s something I hear far too often. “But I’m too old to start learning ballet!”.

I could substitute ‘old’ with many of the the other excuses people give – too un-fit, too un-coordinated, don’t know anything about how to…. But in my book they are not hurdles that stop you from beginning to learn the joys of ballet.

In this beautiful story by the UK’s Channel 4, the reporter looks at how ballet is helping people with Parkinson’s disease. So watch and be inspired. Then book yourself into a ballet class….

[facebook url=”https://www.facebook.com/Channel4News/videos/10153301238136939/” /]

Can I Learn Pointe Work?

simplyballet10/21/201504/11/2017InspirationInspiration

[cmsms_row][cmsms_column data_width=”1/1″][cmsms_text]

The dream of most girls who start learning ballet is to one day put on a pair of beautiful satin pointe shoes and dance like the ballerinas they idolize. It’s also the dream of many late starters who take up ballet later in life – but is it even possible to do pointe work if you came to ballet later? The good news is – Yes! It is possible if you are willing to put in the commitment. Continue reading “Can I Learn Pointe Work?”

More than Just Technique

simplyballet10/07/2015InspirationInspiration

Widely regarded as one of the best dancers of 20th Century classical ballet, Natalia Makarova appears as Odette in this 1984 footage from the Metropolitan Opera House.

Makarova, 44 at the time, convinced former partner Ivan Nagy to come out of retirement to dance with her at the Met’s 100 year anniversary gala. The results are spectacular in a different way to 21st Century dancers. The focus is more on the artistry, the character, the musical and movement dynamics than on how split is her penchée (although, it’s nothing to be ashamed of!). Ivan appears the partner from heaven, his skill and control makes Makarova look as though as though she is floating on water. A great reminder that ballet is much more than just technique.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sARqFuqJ_7E?rel=0&w=640&h=480]

Inside the Studio – What, Why and Where?

simplyballet10/07/2015FAQFAQ

A ballet studio generally consists of a number of elements; A large, open space to allow adequate movement, mirrors to allow students to correct their technique, a barre fixed to the wall for executing exercises on, and a source of music, either live or pre-recorded.

All students in a class should be aware of studio etiquette and safety procedures for the enjoyment of everyone in the class. Continue reading “Inside the Studio – What, Why and Where?”

Your body and ballet – Identifying Safe Dance Practices

simplyballet10/07/2015FAQFAQ

Whilst classical ballet training conducted in the correct environment is relatively low risk, as with all forms of exercise and sport there is potential for injury and accident. Be aware of your own body and the space you are working in. Ensure you tell your teacher at the beginning of each class of any previous injuries or disabilities, (whether permanent or temporary) or if you are pregnant.

Implementing safe dance practices are the responsibility of each student – you are the best person to know how your body feels, and what your own personal limits are. Listen to your body and treat is with respect, it will reward you for it in the long run. Each person is different, and depending on your own fitness and age you may require more or less maintenance than another person. Continue reading “Your body and ballet – Identifying Safe Dance Practices”

Gelsey Kirkland – Giselle

simplyballet09/28/2015InspirationInspiration

This is the story of a good ballerina, turned bad – turned great.

In 1969 Gelsey Kirkland was already a soloist at the New York City Ballet, aged just 16. Obviously talented and hand picked by George Balanchine to join the company just a year earlier, she would go on to become one of America’s greatest Ballerinas – but by her own admissions it was a rocky road.

Having joined the NYCB in 1968, the young Gelsey struggled with injuries, eating disorders and the desire to dance the classics such as “Giselle” and “Swan Lake”. Her sudden move to American Ballet Theater in 1974 to dance with Mikhail Baryshnikov gave her the opportunity, but brought its own price

In her 1986 autobiography “Dancing On My Grave” she details her struggles whilst at ABT with a serious cocaine addiction. Still a talented technical dancer, the magic of the performance seemed to be mostly lost for the audience. Eventually fired from ABT for her drug use, she performed freelance and for various companies until meeting her soon to be husband Greg Lawrence, also a cocaine addict. Together they shook their drug habits and Gelsey returned to perfoming, this time with The Royal Ballet in England alongside Anthony Dowell. Now a mature and seasoned artist, her performances in “Sleeping Beauty” and “Romeo & Juliet” with the company are arguably some of the best ever – certainly worth a Google search to view!

Upon retiring from dancing, Gelsey began to pass on her knowledge, living and teaching in Australia for a number of years before returning to New York to open her own studio – The Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet. She has also shared her story in her two autobiographies Dancing on My Grave and The Shape of Love.

Below is some rare footage of her early time dancing at ABT in Giselle. You cannot fault the lightness of her steps, and the innocence of her performance in the role. She is truly an artist.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-Tgfx5jFkI?rel=0&w=853&h=480]

Sylvia – Royal Ballet with Darcey Bussell

simplyballet09/26/2015InspirationInspiration

Nymphs, shepherds, mythical gods and celestial beings form the setting for the ballet Sylvia. Sylvia was first produced in 1876 for the Paris Opera Ballet, however it is Sir Frederik Ashton’s 1952 version choreographed specifically for Margot Fonteyn, which is now part of many companies repertoire.

The score by Leo Delibes is almost more famous than the ballet with Tchaikovsky reported as saying it was “…the first ballet, where the music constitutes not only the main, but the only interest. What charm, what elegance, what richness of melody, rhythm, harmony”

This video showcases British ballerina Darcey Bussell in the title role in her Act 1 variation set to Delibes famous “pizzicato”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqGbGcvUsI0?rel=0&w=640&h=480]

Introduction to Classical Ballet for Adults

simplyballet09/26/201504/05/2017ClassesClasses

Simply Ballet runs an “Introduction to Classical Ballet” course in conjunction with WEA South Australia.

This 8 week course is designed to get you off to the best start possible in your ballet journey and covers all the basics you need to know before entering a beginner ballet class. Topics include posture and alignment, safe dance practices, positions of the arms and feet, and simple vocabulary. The course also offers insight into classical ballet’s heritage with an excerpt from a different ballet viewed and discussed each week. Each lesson you will build on skills already learned, helping you grow in confidence and understanding of Classical Ballet. Enquiries for course dates should be sent directly to WEA by emailing enrolments@wea-sa.com.au or calling 8223 1979 quoting the course reference “25609”. Alternatively, contact Simply Ballet directly for more details.

It’s my first class – what do I need to know?

simplyballet09/25/201504/05/2017FAQFAQ

Awesome! Good on you for starting ballet.

It’s a good idea to be a few minutes early to find the studio and get yourself organized. Class will start with a simple warm-up, followed by exercises holding onto a rail called the “barre“. Some of these step are then repeated in the center to challenge your balance and skills. Class will end with a cool-down and a “reverence” where the teacher and the students thank each other for the class. Continue reading “It’s my first class – what do I need to know?”