Just took my first class

[Jared XD]

Ok, so I just got home from my first ballet class, It was really fun. My teacher was great and very helpful.

 

The only thing that made me nervous was that I was the only guy in the class. That, and the giant window that looked out on to the very busy street.

 

I'm so glad I invested in tights and a dance belt, otherwise It would be torture to do position 5.

 

All in all, I'm so glad I decided to take this class, I can't wait till next Monday!!!

 

--Jared

[Mel Johnson]

Good news, keep up the good work!

[olddude]

...

The only thing that made me nervous was that I was the only guy in the class. That, and the giant window that looked out on to the very busy street....

You'll get used to it Just remember, if you don't feel stupid, clumsy, and out of place, you should probably look for a more challenging class...

[dancesmith]

Welcome to the club! It only gets better

[jimpickles]

"That, and the giant window that looked out on to the very busy street...."

 

That's to make everyone on the outside feel jealous.

 

Jim.

[BarreTalk]

I'm so glad I invested in tights and a dance belt, otherwise It would be torture to do position 5.

--Jared

 

What school allows a first time never-ever-before student to attempt to work in 5th position? 3rd is much more body friendly.

[olddude]

What school allows a first time never-ever-before student to attempt to work in 5th position? 3rd is much more body friendly.

I took classes for 3 years, at several studios, before a teacher in another town - I just grabbed a class while traveling - pointed that out to me. I was 60 at the time - another factor that makes it hard work in fifth. I've never gone back, and it's been a big help. (For anybody in the San Francisco area, that was Kathy Mata.)

 

Nobody else ever taught me anything but the "Vaganova fifth", but nobody has ever corrected or commented on my use of third - or indeed, anything in between fifth and third. I always figured I had other alignment problems that were more important, on which I do get corrections!

[silvergreydancer]

What school allows a first time never-ever-before student to attempt to work in 5th position? 3rd is much more body friendly.

I took classes for 3 years, at several studios, before a teacher in another town - I just grabbed a class while traveling - pointed that out to me. I was 60 at the time - another factor that makes it hard work in fifth. I've never gone back, and it's been a big help. (For anybody in the San Francisco area, that was Kathy Mata.)

 

Nobody else ever taught me anything but the "Vaganova fifth", but nobody has ever corrected or commented on my use of third - or indeed, anything in between fifth and third. I always figured I had other alignment problems that were more important, on which I do get corrections!

 

Very interesting! I've always had to work in fifth. (4 years now!) It just doesn't look tight. I always get a comment about making it tighter (more rotation) for a few classes and then they realize I just don't have the turnout and say do the best you can, but I still want fifth and to see the little space between your ankles. LOL i hit pretty good positions most of the time. It's just not 180 degree turnout. looking from the side looks bad but from the front it looks fine. Yes Third is more body friendly. Go with what your body can do.