...Ballet Business...

Its that time of year... during the season right after fall and into winter, I always get this feeling about ballet. Something about the weather makes me feel peaceful and I absolutely love being inside a warm studio doing what I love most when its cold outside. This year my ballet school is performing Carnival of the Animals. The music and choreography is fabulous! I have noticed that as I get older I have gained more respect from my teachers. Both see me with a brighter potential than as the scrawny elementary kid coming to ballet class because my mom signed me up. Now I am in every dance possible and an understudy for senior solos. That leads to what I want to talk about... being an understudy. Sure every dancer would rather be the actual performer than just an understudy but few dancers see the benefits. It can be hard but try to remind yourself that many professional principle dancers have also been understudies. I have realized that being an understudy has really shaped me into a better dancer. My teacher realizes that I have potential and is pushing me to become better. Never get depressed about being an understudy; instead take full responsibility by....
1. Arriving early before rehearsal time to be fully stretched out.
2. Taking the dancer's corrections and applying them to you. Also look for the compliments the dancer receives. Obviously this is something your teacher likes in the dance. Apply these corrections/compliments to yourself, it really shows improvement.
4. DON'T MARK!!!!! This is extremely important, as an understudy don't mark in the corner. Actually practice full out so you will be ready to perform at any time if necessary.
5. Don't be afraid to ask your teacher what you need to work on in the dance. I have done this many times just asking her what I need to work on to improve the solo.
6. Be positive and don't compare yourself to others :)
7. Realize that being an understudy gives you the benefits of learning new choreography! This helps open new doors and develop you into a better dancer. Even if you are a understudy now doesn't always mean you will be next time.
8. Learning new choreography can help you improve your technique.
9. Being a understudy broadens your horizons and prepare you for more advance ballet classes.
10. Most importantly it shows your teacher that you are dedicated and she can rely on you!

Keep up the good work and don't let yourself get discouraged!!!
Tutu for now!
-*B@LLET*

Has anyones experienced the coming of a new dance studio? Currently the ballet school I go to is transfering to a new studio. I feel somewhat empty because I begun my love for dancing at the old studio! I had it memorized front and back and could easily draw you a map with my eyes closed. However, I love my new studio it is such a step up because it has 2 huge dance studios, a pilates studio, dance/snack shop and a bigger dressing room than our previous one.
Tutu for now!
-*B@LLET*

Welcome to my new blog! This blog is all about ballet and ballerinas. Haha, I am a ballerina too and I LOVE what I do. I would love to dance professionally and then settle down and maybe teach ballet. I hope you enjoy reading this blog and I would love to hear polite comments from any dancer.
Tutu for now!
- *B@LLET*