Pointe Variations

[balletgirl29]

I am a young dancer looking to do a pointe variation in an upcoming show. I am not sure what variations I might be able to do. I am working towards my Advanced Foundation in RAD exams. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Victoria Leigh]

balletgirl29, we cannot make suggestions without knowing your abilities. What variations have you already learned?

[balletgirl29]

I have not done any variations yet. This will be my first. I have learned Sernade but have not preformed it. But I am not a beginner on pointe. This is my fourth year.

Edited December 1, 2010 by Victoria Leigh

[Victoria Leigh]

Have you studied DVD's of ballets with lots of variations, or looked at them on youtube? You need to find something that you think would be well suited for you. Your teacher is the person to go to for that. She/He would know. Then you will need to get a recording of the music, at the correct tempo. Your teacher will also need to help you with that. If you have never learned any variations in class, and you are an Advanced student, I'm afraid that I would have to question the training in your school. By the fourth year on pointe one should have learned some variations. How many classes a week do you have in technique and pointe? How long are the classes? Do you do performances, and if so, what are the ballets you have done?

[balletgirl29]

I take ballet class every day 6 days a week for 1 and a half hours. It is not that my school does not teach variations it is just that we focus on other things. This is the first year I have been in the correct level to begin learining variations. Many other girls and boys have learnt multiple already.

[Victoria Leigh]

I still suggest that you talk to your teacher about a variation. She knows your strengths and should be able to help you find a variation that you can do.

[balletgirl29]

I will. Thank you