September Champers!

[missvjc420]

Well, mine's no great shakes, but here goes: I made it to the first two classes in a month. Two out of three of my teachers are picking on me in a good way, mostly about my shoulders and arms. Due to yoga and Pilates training this summer, I am strong enough to hold my turnout, which is almost 180 degrees. My third teacher took class with me on Friday, and was really excited to start the next term. I'm super sore but happy!

[luceroblanco]

I went to class yesterday! I have been to about 1 class since June until yesterday due to work, injury and travelling, and also that I just didn't feel like doing ballet anymore. I enjoyed the class. It was an open class so a relatively short barre and lots of combinations. I found that I did not work too hard (I was worried after such a long break).

[gimpydancer]

Didn't get to advance with the youth ballet + pointe class I took last year. Somewhat understandable as I AM 35 years older than most of them and have absolutely no natural gift for ballet

 

But through the wonderful help of our director I am taking a what was to be private pointe class after my Saturday class at one of the studio's satellite locations. A friend of mine that has taken class with me all last year and with a strong dance background (and 19 years younger than me) has joined me to make it a semi-private and even more fun!

[Sharon B]

Started learning a new variation from Paquita ( grand pas section), can't wait to work on it more. Getting stronger on pointe, had 3 really awesome classes this weekend. Combined with the great weather it has been the best weekend in a while ( well with the exception of last weekend which was pretty great - I started the variation last weekend)

[Balletlove]

I managed to do a pirouettes on the left en pointe and then did it twice more!!!

I was so chuffed with myself, this has been a REAL fear for me of actually turning en pointe... strange, I have never really thought about it when doing poses or petit tours or petit pas de basque turns.

 

Two of our girls have been preparing for their advanced II exam (we have one class which is combined for advanced I and advanced II) and generally we do an equal amount of work from each syllabus; although the advanced I's just do most of the advanced II pointe exercises at the barre.

The actual exercise is pirouettes from a 5th... preparation, single turn, single turn, double turn... We are encouraged to if nothing else just do preparations four times closing the last one back so you are ready to start on the other side. It took three preparations before I was ready to brave the turn, but I did it! I was not brave enough to try it on the right hand side as my right pointe shoe is quite a bit softer than the left... time for my new shoes.

[kr12]

Took a class that was the "next level up" to see if I could handle it. I was able to keep up with the class! (Few missteps, 1st time with pirouttes). I tried and I dont think I looked too stupid

[Tarthulhu]

Congratulations to everyone making class, working on new parts, and trying new steps!

 

I've been very consistent with taking 6 to 7 classes a week for the past two months, and the day on which two classes are back to back is getting easier... I no longer feel like dying 20 minutes into the second class, now it takes 60 minutes It's good to feel the physical changes even when technique lags behind.

 

OTOH, I've gotten used to taking two Aleve before class but didn't realize I'd run out. Was not aware of how much it helps until class tonight, ouch! Now spending quality time with ice packs.

 

Looking forward to Nutcracker craziness.

[Balletlove]

I've been very consistent with taking 6 to 7 classes a week for the past two months, and the day on which two classes are back to back is getting easier... I no longer feel like dying 20 minutes into the second class, now it takes 60 minutes It's good to feel the physical changes even when technique lags behind.

 

6-7 classes a week! wow I wish and dream of things like that.

Great going on increasing your stamina like that too!

[Tarthulhu]

Thanks. I was lucky enough to find a work-study position to defray costs, otherwise wouldn't be able to stick with that schedule.

[WendyMichelle]

I've been having a lot of back issues, but I MAKE myself go to two classes a week. Class always works out whatever is going on with my back. Did pirouettes last night and was almost making doubles on both sides. I'm still carrying around some extra baby weight but I've decided that I don't care and go anyways. As much as I'm sweating and with the conditioning we're doing I feel like I should get back down to pre-baby weight pretty quickly. Also learned about 30 seconds of choreography for a jazz/hip hop number we'll be doing.

 

Soooooooo glad to be back in classes! Being pregnant last year and unable to dance due to difficulties with the pregnancy just about killed me. So I am one happy camper right now.

[ami1436]

Sigh. A new person in class just asked me where I perform. I'm now a mess thinking about how much I miss it.

[Tarthulhu]

Very excited about Nut. My character part's being expanded to include more dancing (yikes)

[Marjolein]

I can finally cambré properly again after I strained my back this summer. I even think my cambré is better now because of all the hard work I put in to regain my strength and flexibility.