Since we've been granted the privilege to write about whatever we would like, I just wanted to talk about how beneficial this class has been to me and why. I originally signed up for this class by the advice of Melanie Bales to get more technique. On the first day I started I realized this was the perfect class for me. Like others of you, I started dancing when I was older and was put into an intermediate class from the beginning, missing out on some of the basic essentials. Having this class, which engages and explains proper alignment and goes through the details and mechanics of steps has been extremely helpful to me. I've learned not just about how to do steps, but what muscles should be working in them, and that's made all the difference.
Another aspect I'm enjoying is being in a class with so many other guys. I haven't really had this opportunity before so having good male dancers to watch during the exercises and see how they fix the same problems I have has been very helpful. Not just the guys, being able to watch an upper class has been helpful to me, and the advice about classes in general has been great. Thanks Sophomores.
Now that we're five weeks in, I'm really glad that I took Melanie's advice on taking this class. I'm learning all kinds of new ways to think about exercises and the muscularity of the body which are already helping me in my other classes. I'm looking forward to the remainder of the quarter and what kind of dancer I'll be by the end.
I am also inspired everyday by others in ballet class! I am extremely happy that a lot of the freshman class took the opportunity to join our classes as sophomores. I know that I love having new faces in class and new "body models" in to be inspired by. I think it is a beautiful thing when such dedicated people take on something they love even if it means beginning to dance later on in life. Keep up the hardwork! You all are inspiring to me.
ReplyDeleteAimee Heslop
I agree with what your saying in a couple ways! Also in the club of late-comers to dancing, I too missed out on a lot of the basic mechanics of certain steps and positions that I feel have really been taught really well this quarter. I also totally understand what you're saying about being able to watch other male dancers. In ballet most guys take class with all women and usually a female teacher thus leaving a lot of gaps where "male technique" comes into play. Male and female bodies are quite different so having other men to watch and learn from has easily improved my technique as much as the amazing teachers here. If you ever get the chance you should really take class from Blake!
ReplyDeleteThat's so interesting that you mentioned how different a class is for male dancers when other male dancers are present. I never would have thought that that would make a difference but I mean, what do I know I'm not a guy! I've loved being in this class too since we are going at a slower, smaller-scale, and in my opinion, more challenging pace. Watching everyone else improve and push themselves harder has made me do the same. I'm glad this class is inspiring you too!
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