Preparing to learn ballet...

[Drensik]

Hello! I found my way to this site because I'm very interested in dance. I have taken dance lessons before, for high school musicals. Those lessons were mostly just simple steps for the choreography, aside from learning the basics of tap last summer(which we didn't even end up using, but I enjoyed learning nonetheless!). I've always liked learning the dances for the musicals, and that made me intersted in taking more formal lessons. Now that I'll be heading in to college, I would like to begin taking ballet lessons, but first, I need to prepare my body for it. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for excercises to make myself more flexible, and any other suggestions that may be helpful.
Thank you!

[waltzgirl]

Welcome to Df, Drensik! Thes forum is focused on partner dances, but many people also do ballet, so I hope they will come along and help you.

You might also want to check out previous conversations on this topic by searching (see the toolbar above) for terms like "ballet" and "flexibility."

[latingal]

welcome to DF Drensik! Yep, I happen to be one of the partner dancers that also takes ballet.

College is a great place to take ballet lessons if your college has a good dance department. As for preparations, you should stretch (and you can google for stretching exercises and instructions) and you may wish to start developing your core strength with pilates or something in that vein now.

Also, start being aware of your core and your posture now. When you are simply sitting, walking, whatever - start noticing what your body is doing. Are you slumping? Is your stomach out? Is your head "lifted" or leaning forward? Body awareness is important in ballet, you can get a head start by straightening out your posture and becoming aware of how you are holding your body!

[latingal]

Oh also forgot, you may also want to start articulating and strengthening your feet. For now, just sitting down with both feet out in front of you, start with your feet flexed, "roll through your feet" by first pointing your ankle with the balls of your feet and toes flexed, and finally finish the roll through by pointing your toes....and then reverse the process.

Good foot articulation and strength is another key to ballet.

[mikex1337]

Go to a local taekwondo gym and ask them to focus on your flexibility. These guys know what they're doing when it comes to stretching out your muscles.

[meow]

Many people who are in Dancesport have done some ballet. I understand it is great for posture, finding your 'center', muscle strength and control. Good luck and enjoy.

[queenbee]

Leg stretches are good. I usually do the simple stretches, like v-sit.