So here you are. You're all geared up and ready for class. You walk in the door, excited for a wealth of knowledge and physical release, only to be sent home. Where did you go wrong? What happened? Its obvious, your teacher just has it out for you. That jerk, who does she think she is, telling you to go home?
Hold on, lets take a look at ourselves before we go off blaming the teacher. You're emotionally prepared, right? Ok good. You're mentally prepared, right? Also, good. Wait, what're you wearing again? Oh... Thats why. Well what do you expect the teacher to think when you walked in the door wearing your hair in a pony tail, tan tights, shorts and socks? You may have been prepared in every aspect inwardly, but your outward appearance doesn't show it.
We all know that ballerinas spend years with their hair in a bun, but why? Why not a spunky pony tail? Ooh! Or better yet, pig tails? Well the answer is relatively simple. When you learned how to add, you wrote it down right? You didn't do anything in your head until you where confident on paper. Well when learning how to turn your eyes need to learn how to adjust to spotting. If you have hair getting in your face every time you turn, you're not giving your eyes the proper training they need to spot confidently and always have a direct turn. For some more stylish and perfectly acceptable options, try a french twist, or a french braid (or if you do it inside out a dutch braid). Just make sure you tuck those ends under the braid itself.
So why all the hype on the color of your tights? Well, if tan tights do one thing and do it well, its making your legs look fabulous. It hides all the semi-straight legs and the muscle development so well that most ballet studios shun them entirely. I will agree that tan tights look fabulous on you. I will agree that when you look fabulous, you feel fabulous. I will not agree that you should be wearing them to your ballet class. Why would you want to hide the thing you're paying someone to fix? Ditch the tan tights for some pretty pink ones next time. Seamed is even better so you can focus on your turn out while you check youself in the mirror!
Oh yes... You're wearing shorts too aren't you? Tsk tsk tsk... While I'll admit that sometimes wearing shorts makes it easier to see your alignment at the barre and they generally make you feel a bit more confident around your special time of the month, they really hinder your teachers ability to teach. If you're wearing shorts, you're hiding your entire pelvic region for the teacher's immediate view. This is a crucial part of your development, as your turns come from having a strong center and so do most other basic moves. Don't hide your ballet bread and butter from the teacher!
And last but not least, we come to your socks. As a teacher and a dancer I have a lot of mixed feelings on socks in class. I feel that they give you a better feel of the floor and more control of you person foot development in a tendu. I also know from personal experience that they don't protect your feet from the harsh impact of your grand allegro, or provide a realistic surface for your pirouettes. Remember, class is all about training you to do something great. If you aren't doing everything you can to be great, then why bother? Instead of socks next time, opt for your classic ballet slippers. They are the proper training shoes for all dancers and look darn good on your feet. (And save dancing barefoot for your modern class. It was meant to be danced barefoot, after all.)
Alright, my lovelies, just one more thought on your classroom wardrobe, to feel like a ballerina you need to look like a ballerina. I know it sounds crazy, but it works. Haven't you ever walked in your class, with your hair in a pretty bun, your black leotard and your pretty pink tights and ballet shoes and just thought, "Wow, I look lovely!" Why do you think I call you all my lovelies? When you dress the part and try your best, you are lovely! So stop hiding behind your clothes and get out there and dance!
What would you like to hear about next? Comment or message my facebook! -Ms Ivy
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