Does not taking very many classes not benefit you?

[Guest Luv2DancePointe]

I know my title/question is phrased weird, but, I only dance 2 1/2 hours a week: 1 hour of Pointe on Monday's and 1 1/2 hours of Ballet on Wednesday's. I would really like to improve alot more significantly than I have been in the past couple of years, but there are no other classes offerred at my level at the studio I go to. I am in the highest Ballet class, and the only Pointe class. (there's only pre-pointe and the pointe class I'm in) So, what should I do? pick up more classes at other studio's? Or just deal with it? I've basically decided that I can't become professional - I just don't dance enough! and I'm 17 and this is my 7th year of dancing ballet and 2nd year of pointe. I really don't think I have enough experience to try to get into a company.

But I would like to continue dancing for as long as I can, just for fun, even if I don't ever dance full time.

Any comments would be appreciated!!

[Mel Johnson]

Take more classes, even if you have to go to another school to do it! It sounds to me as though you're unhappy with the amount of time you get for class, and you're certainly correct. Not taking enough classes will not benefit you. (Boy, wotta great example of a properly-used double negative!;) ) I feel this is true even if you're dancing for fun. In fact, with so little time spent in a technique class, pointe can be very hazardous. More classes are definitely the way to go!

[Guest Angel2Be]

I was in a kind of similar situation to you: 16 and too old to really consider a ballet career, but with a definite passion! Anyway, I'm just wondering if you go to a studio that has jazz, tap, etc... in addition to ballet. (That's what it sounds like.) Because I found the entire experience of a pre-professional ballet school to be very, very different. In a good way.

[Guest Luv2DancePointe]

Yes, I go to a studio with Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, childrens classes, and they just added Hip Hop this year.

I know it's no where near professional! But it's still fun.

 

P.S. I also now have added another 1 hour technique class.

[Guest BBNButterscotch]

When I started out i was in an adult ballet class, even though I was only 17. When I decided i really liked it, and wanted to become serious, I started taking 2 ballet classes a week. Once I went on pointe, I moved it up to 3. I've noticed that (duh) the more classes I take, the more quickly I improve. Even though I will never be a professional dancer, I'm just proud to have gotten to level i have, and to have been accepted into my dance school's performing troupe. I'm not taking those classes to get ahead, I'm doing it because I love to dance, I feel good when I dance, and I'm proud of how much I've achieved. You should do the same thing. Don't worry about what you'll do with it later... just enjoy it and become the best dancer you can be.