| If you want to learn to dance ballet, start with finding a | | | | pack is fabric covered, be careful not to put it on bare |
| reputable dance studio. Many dance academies will | | | | skin. |
| allow you watch a class if you like. | | | | There are specific exercise routines with many of the |
| Whether you are only interested in classical ballet, or | | | | finer details of technique, which will move you toward |
| other forms of dance like hip hop, modern and | | | | dancing in pointe shoes safely. Understanding your foot |
| ballroom (there are many more!) it is best to learn | | | | type, what the intrinsic foot muscles are, and finding out |
| some classical ballet technique. | | | | about the flexibility of your ankle and foot joints is |
| The correct use of your posture, turn out and learning | | | | important. |
| correct placement will help you to build strength and | | | | Also realize that any ballet move you do that is a little |
| avoid injuries. | | | | awkward will seem much more so on pointe, and must |
| Even football players learn ballet to prevent sports | | | | be corrected before you start pointe. |
| injuries! | | | | If you have time to study a little anatomy and |
| Simple ballet wear is preferred by teachers because | | | | movement mechanics you'll understand why some |
| they can see how you use your muscles (or not), and | | | | things are easier for you than others. You'll see the |
| they can easily see how your joints are aligned. The | | | | reasoning in many technical rules, the do's and don't's. It |
| visual result is important in ballet, but the proper | | | | is designed for safety and step by step progress. |
| technique is also related to preventing injuries. | | | | Safe stretching is another area you need to learn |
| The freer forms of dance depend on good technique | | | | about. All dancers need flexibility, although all dance |
| as much or more than ballet, because dancers are | | | | forms do not require that you have to do the splits, or |
| asked to do more innovative and untested | | | | close to the splits, to dance at a performance level. |
| movements, repeatedly, in modern choreography. The | | | | If you want to learn to dance ballet, start where you |
| risk of strain and sprain are less predictable. | | | | are. Start early or start late. To get the most |
| Of you are an older student and a have a late start on | | | | enjoyment out of your ballet or other style of dancing, |
| ballet, have a couple of soft ice packs in the freezer! | | | | be patient learning the basics. It may seem like a slow |
| You will feel soreness and stiffness the day after your | | | | start, but all the elegance and beauty of ballet is |
| ballet class. Ice is soothing to your muscles, a drug free | | | | present in the first steps, too. |
| solution to the results of your exertion. Unless the ice | | | | |