http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5AP33ygcKY&feature=related
Yesterday I decided to search Baryshnikov videos on youtube, partially to obsess over how incredible he is as well as to see exactly what he does while dancing and training to make himself into a beautiful dancer. I stumbled upon this video and had my thoughts trail back to class when we were told by Jess to, "dance the best you can, THE FIRST TIME." It is clear that his training was rigorous, but his dedication in and out of rehearsal is what sets him apart from many. In this video he is wearing weights to train his muscles, and he is moving with elegance but uses his strength and power throughout different combinations.
I have learned already this year, that the energy required in ballet class is much greater than any other class. The only way to tackle a combination or a certain concept, is to push the body to work to its fullest potential at all times. This is the only way we can truly create balon, and defy gravity as we move. Baryshnikov's warm up video shows me that training is done for yourself. If you want to achieve great heights in a dance career, the effort you put in parallels the effort that comes out of it.
That is so true Julie!!! Being a dancer is a life style choice. You have to work on your dancing just as hard outside of the dance studio as you do on the inside of the dance studio. Baryshnikov is an amazing example of this. He clearly had a passion for his dance art form and he was dedicated to it 24/7. Go Baryshnikov.
ReplyDeleteI loved that video! Thanks for sharing. Jessica also inspired me to work to my fullest from the very beginning of class to the last second of our final combination. It's easy to let your tired muscles dictate the way that you perform in class, but in order to truly improve you have to have an incredible amount of mind power to push past it. And as many amazing teachers that you may take class from, if you don't have that mental power, then your training is lost!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with your post more!