26 replies to this topic

[rshevin]

Today was my first day back in class after nearly 1 year. I was interviewing for jobs, moving, starting a new job, living with my parents, buying a condo, moving again, and all sorts of insane things during that time. So anyway, today was the first day of a new class in a "new" city. I was immensely glad not to see anyone I knew from when I was a kid, class went well overall, but I won't linger on this.

Class started out with something the teacher called "therapudic barre." Um, excuse me? I know I haven't danced in THAT many places (3 studios, but probably a dozen teachers over the years) and this is news to me! It's basically a track or two off the ballet CD where everyone stands at the bar and does whatever they want, kind of. There are a few movements everyone does together and then they drift off here, there, where ever, whatever. Am I missing something here? Anyone ever done/seen this?

[Victoria Leigh]

There is a pre-barre warm up called Therapeutic Barre, which was created in the '60s by JoAnna Kneeland. It was taught at Harkness in NY, and many people who later taught, including some who are still teaching, use it. It is a very exact and very good sequence which runs about 7 minutes. It is absolutely NOT random and does not, if taught properly, ever allow students to "drift off here, there, wherever, whatever." I don't know what this teacher you had was doing, but it was not the Therapeutic Barre that I know.

[rshevin]

I don't know what it was either! I'm guessing he used the word for what would best be described as 'warm-up to music.' It was very awkward for the new girl in class.

[rshevin]

Wow, guess it is unusual since only one person has even an inkling. It's the only class I've found in town though, but it seems to be great other than this one thing. It's a hair above my level, which I find perfect because it'll bring on improvement and hard work but not discouragement. In a 1.5 hour class, as the newbie, there was only 1 combination I had to sit out because I just didn't pick it up fast enough to follow the group. It was fun. I'll go back next week.

[Victoria Leigh]

I would suggest that you ask the teacher to actually teach the Therapeutic Barre, and, if it is the "real" one, I think you will find it very helpful. But not knowing it, and not having anyone teach it to you could be very confusing indeed.

[Victoria Leigh]

Actually, it is pretty unusual, pinktights, as it is only taught by those who were trained at Harkness, or with JoAnna Kneeland or Ruth Petrinovic. Of course some of us trained by them may now have students out there who are also teaching it!

[rshevin]

Is this conceptually similar to the Luigi exercises used in jazz at all?

[Victoria Leigh]

The exercises are not all unique to JoAnna, and some are quite standard things that you might find in lots of places. It's more about the sequence or the organization of them, and of doing all them in order to warm up all of the joints and muscles. It is designed to get all of the parts of the body moving, stretched, ready to go. IF it is done correctly, it is great. If it is allowed to get sloppy or people change it, then it is not the same thing, and I have seen a great deal of that.

It is not intended to be done in full by beginning levels. Certain parts are eliminated at first, and added in later as the students reach an Intermediate level. It needs to be done with alignment and placement, but with no strain or force. You will see some dancers whacking the backs of their heads, for instance, in the leg swings to the back, but that is not the intention at all. It is not to be contorted or forced in any way.

I don't know if any of the exercises came specifically from Horton, Luigi, or anyone else, but it is certainly possible that some of the work is also used in modern classes. Maybe jazz, but I would think modern dance would be more likely.

[jimpickles]

Is there any way the rest of us can learn about the Therapeutic Barre? Is it described in a book, or on a DVD anywhere?

Jim.

[Victoria Leigh]

No, Jim, it is not. You really need to learn it from someone who knows it.

[WendyMichelle]

Hmmmm........it sounds very interesting and like something I may still be able to do. I had a layover in Atlanta in February. I should have looked you up and taken a class! (Ok, it was only an hour and a half layover......but I was still there!)

[rshevin]

I guess you didn't understand the question but it's likely a moot point now. The second class went straight into plie and we have a new teacher for summer.

[Victoria Leigh]

Which question did we not understand, reshevin? I answered your last question, or at least addressed it, in the post following that question.