All About Ballet

[Serendipity]

i3mum:

As a parent, how should we help them?

If you can afford the time and energy, I say take up some adult ballet classes yourself! Nothing better than experiencing first hand what it's like to be in a ballet class!

I had no dance background, but after taking up some classes, I find that I know a lot more about what to look out for in a dance class and about the exercises they do in a typical class. But of course, it's useful prob only for the beginning levels. Once they're on to higher levels, they'll prob know more than we do!

Alternatively, I find it helpful to refer to online resources. Here're a few links you might find useful:

Glossary of ballet terms from American Ballet Theatre
http://www.abt.org/education/dictionary/index.html

Royal Academy of Dance for info on the RAD exams and syllabi
http://www.rad.org.uk/

Btw, I recently heard that they're updating the RAD syllabi, so your DD might be doing the new syllabus in the near future.

[Serendipity]

i3mum:

The teacher who is teaching my DD is a pleasant lady, but those staff at the counter really have \"attitude\" and they are slow & queue is long. It took me an hour to sort out everything (registration, payment & attire fitting) :rant:

Oh dear, sorry to hear that you had a terrible time starting out. I'm sure it'll be all worth it in the end when you see your DD enjoying her classes!

[twilight]

i3mum:

Hehe 2 more questions:


1) I saw some resources for RAD: books & DVD, is it recommended to get them and let DD watch? Anyone know where to get?

2) Does your DD practise at home? As a parent, how should we help them?

I've never gotten the dvd nor books. I find that attending classes once a week in lower levels were enough for me. Of course, nearing exams, classes will be twice a week, and with capable teachers, I don't think it's necessary to get them. I don't think any stores sell them here though, so probably the only way is to order from RAD website if you really want to get them.

My teacher has always discouraged practising the exercises at home because it may lead to development of incorrect technique. What I always do at home is stretching and strengthening. Dedicating time for stretching and strengthening when I was in lower levels has brought me a long way now. Make sure that she warms up though. It is also advisable to ask the teacher the correct technique for stretching. I pulled my muscles due to not warming up before stretching.

[i3mum]

:rahrah: I m so happy for you! How much are the fees?

Serendipity:

Decided on Dance Station. She finally started to join in at her last trial lesson. Yay! :rahrah: Hopefully she'll continue to grow more comfortable with the class. :xedfingers:

[i3mum]

thanks for the link! I guess I won't have time to take up lessons.

Serendipity:

If you can afford the time and energy, I say take up some adult ballet classes yourself! Nothing better than experiencing first hand what it's like to be in a ballet class!

I had no dance background, but after taking up some classes, I find that I know a lot more about what to look out for in a dance class and about the exercises they do in a typical class. But of course, it's useful prob only for the beginning levels. Once they're on to higher levels, they'll prob know more than we do!

Alternatively, I find it helpful to refer to online resources. Here're a few links you might find useful:

Glossary of ballet terms from American Ballet Theatre
http://www.abt.org/education/dictionary/index.html

Royal Academy of Dance for info on the RAD exams and syllabi
http://www.rad.org.uk/

Btw, I recently heard that they're updating the RAD syllabi, so your DD might be doing the new syllabus in the near future.

[i3mum]

Thanks twilight, may I know how long have you taken up ballet? I always envy those who could take up ballet/ piano lessons .


Good that you highlight to me that the teacher discouraged practicing exercises at home.

I noticed that SBA also conducts 2 lessons a week from grade 3 onwards. Is it a must for grade 3 to go twice a week?

twilight:

I've never gotten the dvd nor books. I find that attending classes once a week in lower levels were enough for me. Of course, nearing exams, classes will be twice a week, and with capable teachers, I don't think it's necessary to get them. I don't think any stores sell them here though, so probably the only way is to order from RAD website if you really want to get them.

My teacher has always discouraged practising the exercises at home because it may lead to development of incorrect technique. What I always do at home is stretching and strengthening. Dedicating time for stretching and strengthening when I was in lower levels has brought me a long way now. Make sure that she warms up though. It is also advisable to ask the teacher the correct technique for stretching. I pulled my muscles due to not warming up before stretching.

[SAHM2KIDS]

My DD’s teacher also advised not to practice any exercise technique at home. My DD only practice stretching and strengthening with using exercise band for dancer.

[Serendipity]

i3mum:

:rahrah: I m so happy for you! How much are the fees?

Thanks i3mum! Have PMed you.

Hmm... with one DD and one pair of twins, figure it might be tough for you to take time out for lessons too. :salute:

[i3mum]

:thankyou: for telling me!

SAHM2KIDS:

My DD's teacher also advised not to practice any exercise technique at home. My DD only practice stretching and strengthening with using exercise band for dancer.

[i3mum]

yup have saw your pm. Hehe it's really tough plus they have other enrichment classes to attend too!

Serendipity:

Hmm... with one DD and one pair of twins, figure it might be tough for you to take time out for lessons too. :salute: