Thecatsmother

Sometimes this process is complicated as whilst concerns can be expressed that an adult has selected a class that is too advanced these are not always heard. I do think regardless of what has been said on the forum in the past it can only help an adult learner to ask if they are in a class that will enhance their learning. Sometimes the basic technique is there enough to do certain classes which push an adult beyond their current level but on other occasions when the foundations are not there it in my opinion does more harm than good. It almost seems counterproductive for an adult starting ballet to do multiple classes at an advanced level until basic technique is mastered to the best of the adult's ability. I do not mean to sound like I am taking the fun out of adult ballet just that my heart often sinks when I am faced with someone in an advanced class who I am actually thinking 'you know you would progress much faster if you actually went to more basic technique classes for a couple more terms and then tried this class'. I appreciate this is difficult out of major cities where classes are limited but it is far easier to teach an adult beginner from scratch than to unpick the technical problems displayed in many who have tried to progress too fast. It can also be dangerous in terms of risk of injury. I know I am at risk of being shot down by some who may disagree with my approach but I can only say this comes from experience of teaching adult ballet for many years to a range of levels. Having said that it is usually the case that adults need to be encouraged to move to the next level but all adult ballet students will benefit from a good basic technique class no matter what level as part of their training. This is often why you might see dancers attending classes which look too easy for them. They may be working harder than you think in terms of wanting simple exercises so they can concentrate upon using the right muscle groups etc. Many adults are increasingly drawn to workshops teaching repertoire as I have seen discussed on this forum. It is lovely to see the enjoyment this brings but basic technique classes will enhance the experience as correct placement, use of arms, feet etc will make performing choreography far easier and more satisfying.

Sending you wishes for at the very least a reduction in pain and the enjoyment of culinary delights over the next few days. ????here's an ice cream for you.

Interesting. How is excellence defined in terms of attending adult ballet classes? I guess it is a subjective term.

Thinking of you Anjuli and hoping you are getting treatment. I am waiting for news next week but am going to try out my floor barre DVD after work. Interested to see what this one is like.

You will certainly be well travelled Michelle????

I thought this might be of interest. http://bead109.com/2012/09/29/sharing-ballet-what-makes-a-ballet-teacher-good/ My own thoughts. I thank all my teachers for what they have taught me. From each I have taken some form of gem or snapshot that has become part of me. Sadly, I have had first hand experience of being taught by a teacher who set out to destroy as opposed to nurture but I take learning from this as to how not to teach. There is many a time when whilst teaching a class, the words or memories of an old teacher come to mind. They have helped me not just in my dance career but in passing knowledge down the generations. For me. A good teacher should explain, inspire, guide, challenge, keep you safe, create an environment where the student feels comfortable to learn and focus on artistry in addition to just doing steps. It has to be said that in my opinion each teacher has to navigate many challenges throughout their career and will never be liked by everyone. I also believe it is important that every dance teacher is aware of how their own dance history has the potential to impact upon their teaching career. It is not appropriate to go down the road of 'I suffered so you must suffer too.' Sadly in some cases this still happens. For me, I always try to ask myself the question "what am I doing and why am I doing it?". If I can be honest about my motives and hold on to these when perhaps I have to say something which I fear may not be received too well then I still believe I am acting with integrity. An example of this might be that as a teacher I feel that a certain pupil is not yet ready to start pointe work but her peers are. I would be doing the student a disservice by allowing her to begin pointe work when I felt she risked injury or was not ready but if I can give a clear explanation to the student in an encouraging way and in addition give her things to help her reach her goal such as strengthening exercises then these types of challenges can be navigated in a sensitive manner. I personally love to watch students grow not just in terms of their dance abilities but also in confidence. A teacher is in a role of power and there is also the potential for this to be abused. It has been heartbreaking at times to see talented students who I have almost had to start to unpick the psychological damage that has been inflicted upon them. Sometimes I can go some way to doing this and other times it seems I have for them too late. No two students are the same so part of the challenge is really getting to know how each student learns and holding in mind that they might need different things at different times. On top of all the points raised. A good teacher is not a good teacher unless they teach the mind, body and spirit of each student they encounter.

I hope this is of some use in terms of defining turns. http://www.theballetbag.com/2009/10/31/bag-of-steps-turns/ The reason you might notice a difference in the initial step is that in clip posted they are on pointe and the dancer is stepping onto demi pointe out of the turn. It is best to step onto a flat foot when not on pointe but ensure that the turning leg is absolutely underneath you at the point of commencing turn otherwise your balance will be off and you will turn at an angle. As with all turns co-ordination is important to produce a fluid turn. Travelling turns en manège (around room) have a different way of spotting but there are a few different schools of thought on this. It is an advanced step which in my opinion is not something that is useful to attempt until basic turning technique is refined and solid. Hope this helps.

Wishing you all the best and relief from suffering in whatever form it takes. Hope tomorrow goes quickly????

Builders and scaffolders who seem to have suffered such hearing loss that they only communicate via shouting. Hearing always seems to be worst first thing in the morning. Call centres where it is impossible to speak to a 'real' person. People who seem to have no spatial awareness and choose to sit right next to you in an empty restaurant or cafe. Shops which pretend that Christmas starts in Sept/October. People in shops who ask how you without ever wanting to know the answer. Sometimes I feel like giving a lengthy response about my whole day and my emotional/physical well-being. Spam- the food and email variety.

No watering required Spanner☺️

Hello Thank you for asking. I know what you mean about the comment people deciding what to do with me. On the plus side I did manage to do 1 minute of 3 pointe solos mainly sitting down yesterday and it was good to be amongst such focused and committed students. They also made me laugh which is an added bonus. The day was v long and so am a little weary. It was about 20 mins of scans in morning after the injection and then had to go back 3 hours later when they did a full bone scan, a repeat of the scans from the morning plus another long 30 minute scan on my foot only. I could see most of the scans and once I worked out the green line on the bottom of the screen meant how far through each scan they were it helped. I am lucky that my surgeon should get results by the end of tomorrow I reckon due to his connections in the hospital as it usually takes 4-5 days. I have to say my heart sank when one of the staff asked me to show them where exactly I felt the pain just as I was leaving. How can something be so wrong and yet be a nightmare to capture on a scan. I am running out of scans to have now. I do hope you get a plan soon Anjuli and your pain can be reduced in some way. I am drinking loads and eating broccoli to try and limit effects of radiation. Apparently you are not supposed to come too closely into contact with pregnant women or babies for 24 hours post injection. I have kept the radioactive glow to myself by having a night in????

????????????????????????here are the flowers ????

I hope they can do something for the pain. Being in pain is horrible and exhausting. All the best ????

I saw this last night. I would be really interested to know what percentage of usable stage was taken up by the set in Act 1. It seemed to have a knock on effect of moving the dancers in corps more towards centre stage and then leaving little space for solos. The other thing I noticed was that I could see what it looked like on film as they were rehearsing the camera work for live stage. I thought it actually looked better on camera and wondered if this was because it cut out some of the surroundings.

I am sorry to hear that Anjuli. Is it lower back? When are you having scan. Mine is Monday:(

I think all experiences are good to hear

Thanks. That's the problem. I don't like feeling like I can't move. Will have to try playing I spy whilst they try playing hide and seek with the bone in my foot????

I know I have to be injected with low doses of radiation and come back several hours later for a longer scan but not much else. The letter says the second scan takes an hour to an hour and a half which made me ask the question. Anyway hopefully this might give some answers as I am running out of scans to have!

Has anyone had a nuclear SPECT CT bone scan? Just wondered how long they took. Will be very easy now my subconscious has shared all it's fears about the process last night. I thanked it for sharing them but said to limit it to just one night of screening

Ah ok. Maybe I misunderstood what you meant by black swan analogy. It was merely an observation which may be misplaced if I misunderstood. As an objective observer I cannot see anything on this thread that has been discouraging or disrespectful in relation to your posts. Let's try and keep this about adult ballet as opposed to personalities and I am sure it will move in a more positive and inspiring direction.

I wonder if this is an image which you are creating for yourself as opposed to one created by others?

Given the talk of people starting ballet as an adult I would be really interested to hear their experiences of the first ever ballet class. What they thought, what they enjoyed, what they feared and what made them come back for a second. It might encourage others who are thinking about it to dip their toe (pointed of course) into the adult ballet pond. Just don't scare them off as we can do that later!! ????

I just looked up all about pull buoys and there use post injury. Maybe I am behind with the times but I had not heard of this before. Be good for inner thighs as well http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0011904X2

I am glad the discussion is helping others ????

This is very impressive as to learn to partner in pas de deux is no easy process with or without years of dance experience. Keep up the good work and enjoy the fruits of your labours.