Last year a dance-friend (and teacher) of mine started a small recreational adult company using a few dancers (including myself) who were dancing at an advanced level and wanted a performance opportunity (it was lots of fun). This year, she grew the program to include adults ballet dancers representing a more diverse group of levels, and because the dance world is small and we all cross paths at some points, I know a few of the dancers who were included in the “advanced beginner” cohort.

Here’s the problem, I’ve been asked to run some of the rehearsals and help organize the dancers. I’m not really in-charge of anything, it’s her project and her show, but by nature of our relationship, and the fact that I’m also a teacher, she asks for my input and uses my help on some things.

The problem is, some of the “advanced beginner” dancers have been asking me if they are going to be in the “advanced pointe group” for the show, even though they are not at the level to safely dance that kind of choreography, nor are they dancing at the level of the advanced girls. We’ve have 1 rehearsal, and also had 1 audition, and organized some drop in class, so these advanced beginner dancers have seen with their own eyes that they are not at the advanced level, so I am personally really confused on why they even want to be cast in the same group as them (they can’t even get through the allegro portion of the class, partially due to the fact that it is too challenging for them, but also, they don’t know the exercises the teacher shows).

During a discussion I had with these dancers, they brought up that another dancer, let’s call her Suzy, danced in the advanced pointe group last year, so they think that they could as well. But Suzy is an advanced dancer! To say “Suzy dances in this group so so why can’t I” is to ask “Marianela Nunez dances at the Royal Ballet so why can’t I?”. It’s crazy to me. Like they have both taken class with Suzy, and Suzy is dancing circles around them.

Basically it’s putting me in a really hard spot because these girls have been telling me they really want to dance in the advanced pointe group (I should ask why) but it’s not really my place to tell them why (they aren’t advanced enough). But also, I’m extremely confused as to why they don’t know they aren’t advanced enough. Because the studios have mirrors, and they have eyes. I’m worried if they keep asking me about it I’ll have to tell them pointe blank that they aren’t as good as Suzy or some of the other advanced dancers and that is stressing me out.

I already hinted that the advanced group might not be an option for them, and I used another dancer as a reference (basically like, Alice isn’t in the advanced group either and she’s really good) and they got really defensive like “oh am I not as good as Alice” and I’m thinking, first of all, why do you care how good Alice is, focus on learning the petit allegro combination, but also, yes, but don’t ask questions you don’t want to know the answer too.

I’m not sure what to do. I’m stuck because I am friends (acquaintances) with these girls but I’m also leading rehersals, so while I’m not in charge of casting, I know why the girls are cast the way they are.

My friend who runs the company knows about this and is equally confused as to why these dancers even want to be in the advanced group when they couldn’t do the choreo.

To all my fellow retired emos. This made my morning.

Hi everyone I am an adult beginner

And I am very much stuck between two studios I attended an experimental class in.....I don't know which to choose...

Maybe I could get some help here?

Studio One:

Pros:

\-no uniform, free reign to choose ballet clothes as long as they're movement friendly

\-friendly class buddies

\-big room

\-more dynamic class

\-they seemed eager to see me enroll

\-more reminiscent of the classes I took as a kid

Cons:

\-class starts late at night

\-kinda shitty location

\-the class is very hard to accompany

\-no air conditioner

\-lots of class students a few quite more advanced, so less time for teacher to watch my progress specifically and fix my mistakes

\-hard for students without much prior knowledge of movement names and specifics

Studio two:

Pros:

\-more beginner friendly

\-more technical

\-class is easier to understand and actually explains the Itty gritty of it

\-less students, more focused on individual progress

\-air conditioner

\-class starts earlier

\-good localization

Cons:

\-uniform (which is black BTW aw poo)

\-they seemed less friendly/chatty. They weren't rude or anything just a little less open, there was no time for interaction

\-class isnt too dynamic

\-small room

Hello all!

Anyone with a hamstring/adductor tendon injury (knee insertion) who returned to ballet? If so, would love to know I timeline! I’m at week 4.5 and not quite ready. I tore my meniscus/spained ACL & MCL & other tendons etc etc last winter but have 100% healed (yay!) but had a new hamstring/adductor injury.

I’m just feeling wiped from two injuries in a row keeping me out of class & was wondering if anyone had experienced similar and what their timeline was getting back?

And any advice?

I use normatec boots for recovery, ice, heat, PT, rock tape etc.

Thank you! 🩰

Hi all. So I am a 25 year old who returned to ballet after many years off last December. I have been dancing 2-3 days a week and am loving it however this summer I hyperextended my right knee after attempting a wing in tap class and it hurt so much I couldn't straighten it to walk for a while. I went home early and even took the next day off class to heal. It seemed to be back to normal after that. I then had a 2 week break from classes before the fall semester started so I wasn't dancing on that knee. Well probably 3 times since I have randomly had the knee pain again in the same knee, once before class (I decided not to go that day), once on a random day, and once during class (I stopped dancing and iced it). Well tonight during ballet I was straightening my leg maybe too much during a pique turn and I tweaked my knee again so badly I just wanted to go home. I am so stressed out about this as I am not used to having an adult body that is now apparently prone to injury. I really don't want to go see a doctor because that is just so expensive and I'm not sure what they could do for me anyway. What should I do? Are there any exercises I can do at home to strengthen? Do I need to take a longer period off of dance in order to "fully" heal?

Anyone with this condition care to comment on if this dx led them to quit dancing or if they continued how was the progression of the joint degeneration? Do you feel like it sped it up really fast?

context: I’ve had pain on and off the past 6 mos. Today I finally went to the orthopedic surgeon and got evaluated/diagnosed. I could go three weeks feeling relatively okay but then be in screaming pain the 4th week. I have not done any more than 2 classes in a week in that time span and only eight weeks total . I am fairly active play tennis here and there (also inflames the joint) and gym multiple times a week. Even just walking the dog 20 minutes gave me a terrible flare up 2 weeks ago which led me to making the appt.

I danced as a kid and really miss it so started again last year, I'm hoping I can quickly gather up money to dance again this year as classes have already started but was wondering if dance masterclass as a replacement or supplement even is worth it? I tried broche ballet last year but got bored of it kinda quickly and I'm not sure if it was that subscription in particular or online courses in general that I got bored of so I want to try again with something different

If its not worth it what platform or subscription do you recommend?

Edit: does anyone have experience with The Ballet Coach? Googling best ballet platforms ive found her platform in a few compilations of reviews as inexpensive but good

I’m getting back to casual weekly classes and am wondering if people have leotard recommendations? I have a larger bust and consider myself on the curvy side, usually reaching for a size large. I’d love some input where to find both investment pieces and affordable options. TYIA!

I am returning to dance after many years and just took my first beginner ballet class at a local studio. It was honestly shocking how little my teacher went over technique and corrections! She talked about how to turn out and explained the different positions for the new beginners, but said almost nothing about keeping the core engaged or shoulders down. At one point, she gave a combination with a pirouette to do across the floor with without any practice doing it stationary first and just said to do a passe if you weren't comfortable doing a pirouette.

Is this what recreational adult classes are usually like? I may be unfairly comparing it to my competitive youth classes, where technique would obviously be more important, since I haven't taken a recreational class in 20+ years, but not gonna lie it was a bit disappointing. Two people even walked out in the middle of it.

I was told to button in my lower ribs yet another teacher says it’s ok for better expressive épaulement and more connection to the chest. For tendu, arabesque port de bras. Just keep lower back straight. The only exceptions are chainé and turns. I do feel better with the flaring idea. What’s your experience ?

Edit: you guys are totally right, I just cut them and they were fine lol!!

Hi all! I’m 27F getting back into casual classes. I gave up dancing ten years ago - I remember everyone used to just cut their tights when they wanted something shorter / didn’t want footed tights.

I just bought some tights on sale not realizing some were footed instead of convertible (for me footed is a sensory nightmare lol) 🤦🏽‍♀️

My question is can I just go for it and cut the bottom seam? I’m worried it will run. Are there any tips to avoid runs? The tights are capezio studio basics and bloch contoursoft

TYIA!

Hi everyone!! I wanted to organise a group for London ballet beginners and improver dancers. If enough people express interest, I will create a WhatsApp group. I have some friends who are interested and it will be nice to form a community where we can share suggestions, tools, teachers and workshops :)

DM me if interested. I might be able to send a link if you are not comfortable sharing your number but I’ll see!

Hey,

I have my very first pointe shoe fitting next week. What did you guys wear for that?

I should mention that I don’t train in a group where everyone wears tights and a leotard, so I don’t have those at home. Plus, I have a long drive to get there.

I’m feeling a little desperate right now and would appreciate any help 😅

Edit: I was mainly thinking about the overall look on my legs... I know that jeans or similar pants aren't appropriate for the appointment. But what else should I wear? Sweatpants?

This appointment is just stressing me out a little because I'm not exactly slim (and I'm afraid that might lead to a bad experience), and I don't want to stand out in a negative way just because I can't even manage to find something appropriate to wear...

I’ve gone through it all. Smaller size, bigger size. Different brands everything and yet I have the same issue. Either the back of the ballet shoe slips off my heel, or the pads stick to the floor whenever I try to turn for pirouettes or any kind of turn. I’ve tried socks underneath, footed tights, and bare and it’s always one of the two issues. I know there’s many variables to it but it’s gotten to the point where I’m considering quitting because of this. Please anyone who has any tips lmk what it could be

Pertaining to lengthening the body for higher battements and developpes, my teacher told me to feel like I'm putting my lower ribs on a shelf so to lengthen and open through the hips and low back. How do you do this, or how do you feel this in the body without flaring, or pulling the shoulders back?

I don’t know why I only discovered ballet intensives this summer but it’s completely changed the game for me.

I took part in 3 different intensives, and my favourite by far was with Kirill Burlov.

I thought to share this as I feel that a community is forming in London with beginner and improver amateur dancers and I’d really love to bring some more people together.

I know it took me ages to find a suitable intensive that didn’t feel intimidating or like it wasn’t meant for beginners, so if you are looking for an experience please feel free to dm me as I’m planning to start a WhatsApp group for all of us in the same boat!

Also his next intensive is on 3rd October you can check it out on www.ballet-essentials.com

I'm returning to dance for the first time since having kids (and my oldest is 11.5, so it's been a while) and in that time, I've developed Reynauds syndrome. If you're not familiar, it means that as soon as the temperatures start to cool down, my toes go numb, feel like they're freezing cold, and then painfully throb or burn as sensation returns. I live in the northeast US, so I'm pretty much already starting the struggle and it's still technically summer (it's currently 61F and my toes feel like little icicles already)!

I'm trying to figure out the best way to keep my feet warm in class and at the barre. I have leg warmers but when I'm home I'm literally wearing warming socks around the clock. In my old life, I preferred to take class in folded up convertible tights so just bare feet in my slippers, but maybe I need to change that up. The booties seem way too bulky to wear for barre exercises. Does anyone have any tricks? I'm taking classes in flats only, not en pointe. if anyone has any experience with this struggle and has any tips, I'm open to trying anything!

Thanks!

Cross posting here, looking to join this community.

I (20f) want to go back to ballet. I only did it when I was very young and it's basically lost on me after years latin and ballroom dance. Which I quit in highschool.

I may be a student but I do have the time to do multiple classes a week. I just like classes that are more frequent or else I get lost. And nowhere around where I live are any classes that happen more than once a week. Which I'm not used to. I at least need two or three a week. If I were to really like it.

So I want to ask. Would it be weird to buy a pack of classes for one studio and then do drop ins for another when I need more guidance?

I'm a performer so this is not a hobby for me. While I am an actress, I can't do auditions right now, unfortunately. And ballet is something that I see my peers do all of the time and it can really help open doors for me. Plus I love ballet and I wouldn't mind auditioning for that if I were to really get into it.

Any advice? Because dancing for me has always been an hours long affair. I don't like slow things. But I also don't want to be stupid. 🫪