Trying to remember exercises

[glitterslippers]

hello,

At my ballet school we never really seem to have just one set of exercises that we do each class. I've only ever been to ballet at this school (since I was 7 years old) and therefore I'm not sure what is the norm, my school also teaches the traditional vaganova russian style so maybe this has something to do with it? I really like my teachers and class but the constant change of exercises means that it's pretty difficult to remember exercises. Does anyone have tips on how to remember exercises? thanks! - Anjelica

[vrsfanatic]

glitterslippers you are correct, there are only a few "set exercises" in Vaganova schooling. Depending upon your level/age, by this time you should know various forms of temps lie. Does that sound familiar? You can memorize these forms for your life in ballet, as long as you are taking class from someone who is teaching according to the Vaganova method.

 

There is generally a logical pattern to exercises. Generally speaking movements at the barre are repeated in each direction, they are done in 3 directions and the 4th is different or front and back are the same and side is different. Have you noticed any of these patterns? There are certain exercises that could be a combination of movements, such as battement tendu and jete can be combined with demi plie, pour le pied, battement soutenus. Rond de jambe par terre is often combined with rond de jambes at 45 degrees, battement jete passe at 45 and 90 degrees and grand rond jete. Does any of this sound familiar?

 

How often do you take class and for how many years have you been taking class? Sometimes it is a matter of practice, practice practice. Have you asked your teacher to help you with learning exercises? Sometimes this can help.

[glitterslippers]

Oh yes that does sound familiar! I just didn't put 2 and 2 together! I've been doing ballet for 7/8 years now so I just have to practise the formations now I know them. thanks so much for your help!