Nerves, need advice

[WendyMichelle]

Tomorrow and Tuesday, March 6 + 7, we are having a master class taught by Kevin Martin from the Nutmeg Conservatory at our studio. The AD and AAD have invited me to take the class with the girls simply for my own benefit and the experience of it I suppose. However, these classes are also serving as auditions for the girls to the Nutmeg summer program and residency program.

 

Firstly, I am 29, so I already feel a little out of place due to my age.......although I really would like to partake in the classes because not many schools would allow their adult students to attend something like this. Secondly, I don't want to detract anything from the younger girls (like if I'm the glaring eye-sore in the studio and he gives me a lot of corrections that's great for me......but wouldn't the younger girls who are actually auditioning be better served if I weren't there and those corrections focused more on them?). Thirdly, I am just coming back (one class under my belt is all) after toe surgery. I've already voiced my concern that I won't be able to do everything in the class and was told that was fine, I could do what I could and what my toe can't handle I can sit off to the side and watch. Lastly, no one told me anything about attire, but I am assuming it is the standard pink tights and black leotard. I've put on a few pounds while being laid up with my toe surgery and feel quite self-consience at this point about wearing that. I was told at the beginning that this is the standard attire, but since I am adult I'm not required to wear this. Right now I feel more comfortable wearing a pair of yoga pants and a close fitting t-shirt until I'm whipped back into shape.

 

As already stated, I would love to attend these classes and have this experience. What is everyone's advice on this? Should I forgoe the opportunity and let the younger girls have their moment? If I do go, what should I wear? Standard attire with a skirt or what I'm comfortable in right now?

 

Thanks for the input!

WM

[vrsfanatic]

Congratulations on this great learning opportunity for you. Since you have been extended an invitation by the AD and AAD, take full advantage of this opportunity. Go into the class with confidence, pride and enjoy yourself.

[WendyMichelle]

Ok, what about attire? =\

[Victoria Leigh]

I would think that you might add a skirt to the standard attire, but I would not recommend any other form of cover up. If I were teaching a guest class somewhere I would not appreciate seeing anyone, no matter the age, in anything other than proper ballet class attire.

[Garyecht]

Hummmm, sounds to me as if your insecurities are showing.

 

If you were asked to join the class, clearly those who asked you to attend believe you will fit in just fine. Otherwise they wouldn’t have asked you.

 

You won’t be detracting from the younger folk I am sure. If the classes are really auditions for the younger folk, that is where the attention will likely be directed.

 

I would just show up as if it were a regular class and enjoy the opportunity and all the good folks in the class. I’m sure after the first class you’ll be quite pleased that you took the class.

[Small Slipper]

I do not post here often, but I wanted to respond to you.

 

My daughter has done several Master classes with Mr Martin (she is actually younger than the auditioning girls and boys and was invited to attend), and he is so wonderful... he has a great sense of humor and my daughter loved this opportunity, she said they "danced hard and laughed alot". When I thanked him for letting her attend, he was very warm and welcoming. I personally think you should do it! What a wonderful opportunity, and so very nice to be invited by your AD. I would however wear the black Leotard and tights and maybe a black skirt if you want a bit more coverage. Have a great class!

[WendyMichelle]

Gary........yes, I'm nervous, to say the least. I missed the majority of Feb. due to my toe surgery and have only been at this new school since the beginning of January. So I was just starting to learn them and how things are done, expectations, etc. before I was laid up. I was even supposed to have a part in their production of A Midsummer Night's Dream before the surgery. But as it is now I have been cleared to return to classes but cannot return to pointe until the end of March at the earliest (I have no idea about the show now and frankly, it is the least of my concerns.....I just need my toe to heal properly even if it means missing a show). The toe did not like the jumping or turning in my one class back at all and let me know about it immediately. The funny thing was I was so concerned about banging my toe off the floor that my placement felt wonderful. The AD even pointed me out to the other girls as an example of how to do a front attitude.......and I was just fooling around practicing what she was saying and in my own little world and had no idea she was watching me!

 

Ms. Leigh.........the normal attire with a skirt is what I wore before the surgery. I figured that would be the way to go. Thank you for the input.

[Dance_Scholar_London]

Firstly, I am 29, so I already feel a little out of place due to my age.......although I really would like to partake in the classes because not many schools would allow their adult students to attend something like this. Secondly, I don't want to detract anything from the younger girls

 

I sympathize with you, I have related though different issues in the past... As part of my doctoral research, I am taking part in daily ballet classes with conservatoire ballet students. In the first couple of weeks, I felt completely out of place as I am about 10-15 years older than the average student. Not to mention my lack of technique in comparison with these students. However, I learnt that there is no need for worries, once the ice was broken (and students actually started talking to me) I was fully integrated in class - even if I could not follow every exercise. Enjoy your class and have fun

[olddude]

... I am assuming it is the standard pink tights and black leotard. I've put on a few pounds while being laid up with my toe surgery and feel quite self-consience at this point about wearing that. I was told at the beginning that this is the standard attire, but since I am adult I'm not required to wear this. Right now I feel more comfortable wearing a pair of yoga pants and a close fitting t-shirt until I'm whipped back into shape. ...

 

My two cents - get over it! (The smiley means I am kidding, trying to make a funny, on your side - really!) This is a Master Class, right? So it should be even more seriously about dance than usual. And the purpose of standard attire is so that the instructor can see exactly what you are doing. So, don't make it hard for him!

 

OK, easy enough for me to say - I admit I am not completely devoid of self-consciousness myself. I'm twice your age, and started only a couple years ago - i.e. not until I realized that life is short, & there's no point in wasting opportunities for reasons of vanity. I don't know if I could have worn tights at 29 - or 39 - or 49 - but now I sure wish I could have.

 

Funny story - one of the women in my class is gettng married, and I was invited to the shower yesterday (the only guy). When I arrived, another classmate greeted me with "Paul! You're wearing clothes!" Cracked everybody up .

[ami1436]

WM, go for it! That's all I have to say. Why not? Your instructors have given you the A-OK, and it's really the chance of a lifetime.... Remember, you are there because you love to dance.

[Guest pink tights]

Don't worry about how you look--everyone else will be too busy worrying about how they look and since the younger girls will be doing the audition, they will be extra nervous. Just concentrate on yourself. Breathe. Let us know how the toe hold up.

[Redbookish]

I always think that the formal start of class - the start of the plié music - is a moment when you just have to breathe, get into the moment, and do each thing as you're asked, moment by moment. A great leveller. I'm green with envy. Please report back and tell us how wonderful it was and what you learnt!

[thekboose]

WendyMichelle - Where in VA are you?

[WendyMichelle]

*waves*

 

Hey everybody! Just got in from night one. Mr. Martin is FANTASTIC! He is very funny, class (I thought) was actually a little easier than what our regular teachers throw at us, and he really paid attention to everyone and gave everyone corrections. He really took the time to explain epaulement, turn-out, correct the girls on their arm placements, etc. I thought at the beginning it was going to be horrendous and he was going to be all over us, but he wasn't at all.

 

As for my toe........there's good and bad. It actually drained very little and I was really surprised by that. However, doing releves on my left foot, jumping, and turning on my left foot are still not good. I made it through the barre, but everything that included a releve on the left foot I stayed flat. When they went to the center and started jumping and turning like crazy I had to sit out and watch till the end.

 

I was so happy, though, that he noticed this little 12 year old that's become my buddy. She tries SO hard and sometimes I wish my teachers would spend a little more time with her because she has so much potential. Mr. Martin noticed her and really took the time to point her out when she was doing things well and to give her corrections when she needed them. After class was over and we all shook his hand he spent an extra moment with her and told her that she had worked really hard and had done really well. I thought that was so wonderful of him and I was thrilled for her. I told her as I was heading out that she had done a good job too and to keep at it; she is going to be great.

 

So I'm heading back for night two tomorrow. I think they may do some pointe work tomorrow, but I'll be in flats. Oh my gosh, you could really tell the girls were nervous though. I know how nervous I was and I wasn't auditioning for a spot so I can only imagine what they were feeling. My little buddy had a great attitude though. Before class she said, "I've only auditioned for one other thing and I didn't make it. I figured out then that if I make it, great, and if not, it's not the end of the world."

 

I'll check back in tomorrow night and give an update. Maybe some of the girls will know if they got in or not too.

[Fiz]

You sound delirious! It sounds wonderful. I hope your 'little friend' does well too, she sounds a great kid, bless her! Fiz. xxx