Fiz Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Thank you, friends! Moomin, it's the tank one. The straps on it are much more comfortable than the normal tank ones. It really is gorgeous, as is the skirt. Sheila is so clever! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidW Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 I have my first Lincoln ballet class tomorrow at 8.00! Eek! Excited/nervous...say a prayer for me please, dear Ballet Co-ers! Good luck Fiz - enjoy! Whilst not a new class, I had my first proper class last night since being off for a month or so with achilles tendinitis - I was surprisingly nervous! Was a great class though and came out feeling properly worked (and covered in sweat...!). And I don't really mean to get involved in the debate regarding the barre, but it made me think of a rather lovely comment that one of my teachers back in the States said to an adult class: that one of the uses of the barre is to prepare the ladies for working with a partner (albeit a wooden one in this case!) and that guys should think about how they use the barre to help realise what their partner needs during Pas de Deux. Of course, in MacMillan's utterly gorgeous second movement of Concerto, the man starts out acting as a literal barre, with the piece inspired by MacMillan watching Lynn Seymour warming up before class. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisadebs Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 it made me think of a rather lovely comment that one of my teachers back in the States said to an adult class: that one of the uses of the barre is to prepare the ladies for working with a partner (albeit a wooden one in this case!) and that guys should think about how they use the barre to help realise what their partner needs during Pas de Deux. Of course, in MacMillan's utterly gorgeous second movement of Concerto, the man starts out acting as a literal barre, with the piece inspired by MacMillan watching Lynn Seymour warming up before class. This made me smile - I remember watching dd's year 7 class at White Lodge and the girls were asked to place their hand on the barre as if taking the hand of their prince. I remember thinking it was a lovely analogy. On the rare occasions when we have watched class since I am constantly amazed by the real precision tuning that goes on at the barre. It is never about how high a leg can go, but how it gets there, not about how long you can balance, but how your body and mind is maintaining that balance. The pupils are certainly encouraged to be thinking dancers whilst respecting a tradition that links them back to generations of dancers before. I am not saying this in anyway to fuel debate - the comment just reminded me of how much I enjoy watching barre work, the exercises are a bit like beautifully executed 'pre-flight checks' that enable them to 'take off' when they get to the centre 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Fiz so pleased at last.....back to ballet again for you.....love to know how the class goes!! Linda x 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinMM Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 DavidW I really love Concerto and the second movement especially as the music is so gorgeous but a little masterpiece by Macmillan. One of the most moving I saw was an RBS performance a few moons ago,now but a dancer called Denise Nunn did the second movement and she was lovely. She also was the first maid in The Month in the Country (Vera) but then disappeared to Australia or New Zealand I think but had a lovely soft flowing style. Sorry about your foot it's so frustrating.....Ive got a foot injury too at mo it came on again after the Workshop on Saturday just as it was getting better so will have to rest it this week.....so no classes 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi66 Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 (edited) DavidW and lisadebs, that's so lovely! I remember (reluctantly!) being told off gently by one of the lovely teachers at DanceWorks many moons ago. I was 6 months into my adult ballet life, and so keen to test (or show off?) my balance often I wasn't using barre. A prime example of ignorance and incompetence breed arrogance. Honestly, tip toe balancing on one foot, and look no hands! - we have all been there and done that, aged 3! I hope my (beginner's) sin was absolved by now, as I know better now. My confession for the day. Edited February 5, 2014 by mimi66 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Good luck Fiz - enjoy! Whilst not a new class, I had my first proper class last night since being off for a month or so with achilles tendinitis - I was surprisingly nervous! Was a great class though and came out feeling properly worked (and covered in sweat...!). And I don't really mean to get involved in the debate regarding the barre, but it made me think of a rather lovely comment that one of my teachers back in the States said to an adult class: that one of the uses of the barre is to prepare the ladies for working with a partner (albeit a wooden one in this case!) and that guys should think about how they use the barre to help realise what their partner needs during Pas de Deux. Of course, in MacMillan's utterly gorgeous second movement of Concerto, the man starts out acting as a literal barre, with the piece inspired by MacMillan watching Lynn Seymour warming up before class. I have never ever thought of it like that, yet it makes perfect sense! Thank you DavidW. :-) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Thank you, dear Lin. I have run out of likes for today! I will PM you if that is all right. I don't want to bore everyone. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moomin Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 You won't be boring us fiz, I like hearing about your classes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billyelliott Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Thank you, dear Lin. I have run out of likes for today! I will PM you if that is all right. I don't want to bore everyone.Whatever makes you think we would not be interested in your class Fiz - I have been looking forward to hearing all about it ! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Don't expect too much, anyone. My left shoulder is absolutely caning, as our eldest would say. The local chiropractor doesn't work Wednesday afternoon but my husband has given my shoulders a brief massage and I tried some plies and stretching and I can manage. I feel I must go tonight or I never will again. I hardly went at all last term because of all the packig. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thecatsmother Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Just go and do a little Fiz. It will take a while to settle back in. I always think it is best to go to first classes back and just see it as a warm up to getting back to class. That way you take some of the pressure off yourself. We have all been in this position and totally normal. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Good idea.Thanks, I will. x 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tulip Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Gooduck Fiz hope you enjoy yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 I ended up in the advanced class which made me feel like rubbish but I was told to stay in it and that I really could dance, so I must have done something right! 14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi66 Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 I ended up in the advanced class which made me feel like rubbish but I was told to stay in it and that I really could dance, so I must have done something right! Sounds like a successful first class back, Fiz! Did you wear the yellow leo? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Sadly not. I did wear the black skirted one and felt overdressed! However I probably will next week. Degas leotards make me feel good and confident and I will need that! 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheila Beelam Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Ah Fix that was a lovely complement on your dancing I think you should wear all your leotards with pride and fab that you've been invited to stay! X 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Ah, Sheila, how sweet of you! I felt a real klutz but a friend says they would have slung me out if I wasn't good enough and the teacher said she thought the other class wouldn't stretch me. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thecatsmother Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 I think it takes at least three classes to begin to settle. The first step is that you got there Fiz. Well done???? 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dancer Sugar Plum Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 I ended up in the advanced class which made me feel like rubbish but I was told to stay in it and that I really could dance, so I must have done something right! I agree with Sheila, that's a real compliment on your dancing, Fiz. You obviously really impressed the teacher. I'm so glad it went well tonight. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tulip Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Aw fantastic Fiz, sounds like a good class 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Thank you! To be absolutely honest, I thought I was dreadful but I can't have been or I wouldn't have been told to stay in the class. Still, I remember feeling none too enthusiastic about my first class at my old school. Onwards and upwards! 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petunia Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Dear Fiz, I don’t know you or your dance history (I’m quite new to this board) but I want to add my congratulations! I teach adult ballet and I know the obstacles and fears adult dancers have to overcome - before they start taking class, and then during the class… “Chapeau” to you and your fellow dancers! 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regattah Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Thrilled for you Fiz! I'm looking forward to hearing more about it! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Thrilled for you Fiz! I'm looking forward to hearing more about it! Me too 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terpsichore Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 (edited) Petunia Although I am also very new to this forum I should like to be one of the first to welcome you here. As a very unpromising and somewhat over mature ballet student I am very grateful to my teachers who show bottomless patience. My classes mean a lot to me and I have learned a lot more from them than just pliés and tendus. As I posted on another thread I was at a talk by Dame Antoinette Sibley on Sunday when she expressed her adoration for her own teachers who included Tamara Karsavina and Pamela May. She talked about tradition in ballet and about how every class represents every teacher, choreographer and dancer who has gone before. I am delighted that you are teaching students like me in your country and I wish you and them all the best. Oh and I forgot to add my own congratulations and best wishes to Fiz. Edited February 6, 2014 by terpsichore 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Ah! I just checked the timetable. I thought they only ran three adult classes and the last one on Wednesday was advanced. It isn't, it's intermediate. Maybe I can manage it as my previous school did a Grade 6/Intermediate level for adults. Phew! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petunia Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Thank you Terpsichore. I am happy to hear that there are ballet students who realize that they not only are getting a terrific workout but also feel that they are part of a great tradition. People who take the chance to get right inside into an art form and are willing experience quite an exciting journey. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2dancersmum Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Glad it went well Fiz, even if you thought it was dreadful. Your teacher is only assessing you on a first visit but it has been commented on several times how much a teacher can tell from a new student right from the start and don't forget your teacher does know the level of all her exisiting students when she is looking at which class will suit you. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulieW Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Welcome to the forum Petunia - we look forward to hearing lots more from you Well done Fiz - so glad you're back in class :) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Barre was fine, apart from double frappees. Adage was my downfall! Lots of jetes en tournant, temps de cuisse and sisonne. My balance was terrible. I haven't danced properly since August and it showed. I knew, so I am sure the teacher did. I will preserve with it! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Persevere, auto-flaming-correct! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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