F=ma

In the works.

Dirty work.

All in a day's work.

Working out.

Working hard or hardly working?

All work and no play...

Getting worked up.

Working through it.

Work.

What is it about those four letters that allow them to retain such elusive importance in our lives?

Getting up in the morning may be work for one person whereas another might be able to coast through days and weeks without ever having to commit to working even once.

Work is a mental and physical state of reaction and adaptation to challenges that arise in one's life.

I feel like I am stepping into my workplace when I enter the dance studio prior to ballet class.

Every fiber of my being becomes drawn into the work of processing the variables of ballet technique.

I examine the architecture of my skeleton, using the musculature to adjust the axial and appendicular sections of my frame according to the information I am receiving from the exercises.

Everything in a constant state of renewal and reassessment.

The work entailed in ballet class is not simply the type of quantifiable work dealt with in physics equations where force equals mass multiplied by acceleration.

The true nature and beast of ballet requires that you constantly are working on even the most simple of exercises because once those are no longer work for you, you're either, A: Doing it perfectly, or B: not getting any better.

Considering what we know of ballet it is probably the latter and therefore, work in ballet class is the constant challenge of appreciating every exercises' subtly complex demands and being attentive enough to know how to respond.

-B

Defining work for the contemporary ballet student

In ballet the value of hard work does not go unnoticed. The discipline and determination that one must have to fully immerse oneself in the ballet experience can be recognized just by observing the amount of time dedicated to the craft. The ability to surpass normal levels of tolerance for pain and work through physically and mentally strenuous exercises despite the difficulties of what is being asked. The perseverance it takes to come to class day after day and even in class while working the same muscles over and over again is admirable. As my teacher back home used to tell me: "If you miss one class, you notice. If you miss two classes everyone notices". He was commenting on the fact that ballet is a cumulative practice, and one does not progress without studying and tweaking from the basic and then building. It's an ongoing fight between mind and body and a beautiful display once one knows how to apply the technique to ones body.

Working hard in Ballet

I really thought for the past 14 years I was working hard in ballet. I tried to focus on my turnout, arm placemen, and overall strength. I was truly thinking that ballet was getting easier as the years went by. As i found what I thought was my full turnout I stopped really thinking about it. I mostly kept working on my strength and flexibility. When I cama to the Ohio State's wonderful dance programe I got a huge awakening. Apparently I shounldn't have stopped thinking about my turnout because I haven't been using my inner thighs like I should have been. Last year took a lot of hard work and concentration in each of my dance classes to try to correct some of my ballet flukes. Courtney Harris and her classes were a huge contribution to this revelation. the way she explained certain movements made my mistakes very clear to me. Those classes were the start to my real ballet training. The second day of this quarters ballet was another "AH HA" moment when we went through the very basic bar steps slowly. I found out that I really wasn't using all of my muscles at bar. This year has a lot of hard work ahead for me especially for the simple bar combinations.

Blog #1

Work is a hard word to define, itself. Out of desperation, I searched the word on dictionary.com and found this: work is the exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something. Using this definition, what then constitutes "work" in ballet class? In my opinion, it seems necessary that each ballet dancer or pupil in class works to achieve a goal; a personal goal or one given to that pupil from another source. One must strive to excel in the ballet technique or have the desire to exceed boundaries in order to become a more accomplished and knowledgeable ballet dancer. With this work, it seems almost necessary that one experiences challenges that should be met. For example, it may be a goal of one ballet dancer to nail a double pirouette by the end of the quarter. Although this may be challenging to the dancer, they must continue to practice, or work, on the technique necessary to accomplish that double pirouette. For me, personally, "work" in ballet is different than in other dance forms, mostly because my body is not particularly comfortable with the ballet genre. Not only do I hold different goals in the ballet technique than I do in other dance forms, but I also approach those goals, or "work" with those goals, in a different way because I am forced to focus on different body parts or a different technique, in general. My mentality and work ethic change based on how comfortable I feel with the movement. I must "work" harder in ballet class in order to become more familiar with the ballet genre and to achieve what is expected of us in class.

Finding Freedom Amongst Constriction

Personally, work in ballet class centers itself around taking the wide kinesthetic sphere I usually have in a contemporary class and shrinking it until it fits like saran wrap over my body. My awareness in ballet starts from the inside and extends to the surface of my body. I look at where my body naturally sits and I reposition it so that it is better suited for efficient classical movement. This inside to outside approach goes from bones to muscles, and I sense these changes by using my nerves, my proprioceptive self if you will. My familiarity with the steps allows me to focus more of my attention on the placement of my body in relation to my vertical plane. Consequently, the work for me doesn't stop when the class is over. Work becomes an everyday occurrence, constantly making sure that my body remains in this aligned vertical position so that, when I arrive to class, I don't have to spend unnecessary time finding the vertical. For me, the effortless look of ballet stems outward from this place of intense placement and boundedness.

Working in Ballet

First, let me say that I am so excited to have a forum by which to respond and talk about ballet. I love reading other people's responses to the prompts. It brings about new things that I have never thought about and reinforces the concepts that I already know.

The work in ballet is what made me fall in love with this genre of dance. There is never a point when you have it "perfect". The work is never done. Even the best ballet dancers have things that they are constantly working to improve. I like having goals in class. Goals give me something to focus on so that I can work more efficiently and confidently. For instance, I might decided that I am using this class period to focus on my ribs and how they affect my dancing. Another class I might work on making sure I maintain my turn-out through the entire class. Or something as small as remembering to breath while dancing (which I guess isn't a small concept at all).

My word for this school year is "efficient". I want to be a more efficient mover, person, student etc. I think that idea goes hand in hand with the work one does in a ballet class. So often I get bogged down and overwhelmed by things we do in class. But once I remember to breath and calm down, I usually do much better.

The amount of work one does in a ballet class is completely up to them. For example, if I'm not getting a concept or step correct in class, I usually practice the step over and over at home. More often than not, that approach works really well and sometimes it takes a little longer for the body to pick up a concept that the mind already understands.

Ballet=HARDWORK

Ballet is not only a beautiful art form, but it also involves as much strength as a professional sport. It is hard and it provides a solid foundation for many other dance forms. Work in ballet means working on your OWN anatomy and using is as a foundation to improve. Everyone is not born with 180-degree turnout and perfectly arched feet. Learning what your strengths and weakness are provides you with things to work with and skills to develop over time. Whenever I take a ballet class I focus on one thing I need to improve on or a bad habit I need to fix. I set mini goals for myself. Once that goal is met, I set another one. To me, work in Ballet means that you always find something to work towards every class and the constantly keep in mind that no one is perfect and there is always something that needs improvement. This mind state helps you progress at a faster pace.

Work in ballet is very different from work in any other art form. It is extremely technical and demands a great amount of exactness, determination, and focus. Ballet training not only challenges your body, but it challenges your mind as well. There is always something to fix technically, so the work in class never stops. Ballet is difficult because it requires a large amount of repetition, memorization of French terminology, and an enormous amount of mind over body focus and control. Ballet is a beautiful strength.

"Treat each class as if it were your first." -Suzanne Farrell-

It is this concept that I must master to truly begin "working" in ballet. Throughout my years as a dancer, ballet has never been my strong suit and instead of walking into a class with confidence and readiness, I'd hide in the background and obsess over the little things I did wrong in the previous class. I believe that working in ballet involves full focus, an understanding of one's body, an open mind, and the ability to learn from the corrections given by the instructor, the dancers that surround you, and your own observations. In my opinion, ballet is the most difficult art form to master, due to its structure, grace, and beautiful presence. It looks easy, but we all know it is not. This is another important place where true "work" is seen. The easier a dancer makes his or her task look, the harder the dancer is working. If you are able to treat each ballet class as if it is your first, you are able to walk in with a new confidence each time, and allow yourself to move passed discouraging thoughts from your past experiences. It is exciting to find new areas to fix and know that you have a better understanding of your body and the movement that is needed with new combinations. What happened previously doesn't stop you from working, maintaining the focus necessary to obtain the technique you desire.
I believe that work in ballet class, is completely different than work in other styles. Ballet's structure can be associated with perfection; perfect lines, perfect body placement, and perfect grace and performance. I have been told to stop looking like a hip hop dancer doing ballet more than once, and it is because ballet requires a different attitude and the hard work to maintain the perfect qualities mentioned. Ballet is truly beautiful. Time and dedication in each class, as if it were the first time, is required in order to work to your fullest potential in ballet.

It's Time to Work.

How do i answer the question "work" in terms of a ballet class? There is almost as much work thinking about a way to explain that as there is in class. Due to the fact that there are countless things that need to be thought mentally before you even begin to start moving your body. For me Ballet obviously is not my strongest suit. There for I have to be on top of my game more so then I would have to be for say a modern class or a jazz class. I have always had a lot of bad habits that I need to correct and get rid of, after Tuesdays workshop my eyes have been open to a whole new way of thinking about those habits. For example it is one thing to engage your center but it is a whole different thing to engage as well as lift up out of your pelvis and lengthen out. From the moment I step foot into the ballet room i have to mentally and physically prepare myself to "work" from start to finnish of each class. How else am I supposed to improve if I do not do so?

"Work"

I personally feel that the word, "work" can mean many different things to many different people. It's my belief that a person's definition of work depends on how they were raised and under what circumstances. I was raised by a strict, yet loving, family on a horse farm in the Middle of Nowhere, Ohio. Work has been a part of my life from a very young age, therefore to me it is hard and disciplined. It also means being passionate about what one is doing to make oneself want to do well.

When I think of work in terms of ballet class, it's all about multitasking. I find myself concentrating physically and mentally simultaneously. Mentally remembering a combination while physically executing a combination can be trying, especially after a long day's worth of classes, or any time really if one isn't in the right mindset upon arriving to class. Physical and mental work are tiring enough on their own, so when put together, it's twice as challenging; however worth it. Without putting in the necessary work, one cannot achieve the goals one sets for themselves. Goals require practice, practices requires work, work requires dedication, discipline, and the will to succeed. Also, without passion for what one is doing, the work one puts in might as well go to waste. If a person isn't fully invested in what they're doing, they might as well not be there at all, because any work they put in is merely half of what it could be.

Mostly, when I think of working during ballet class, the word that comes immediately to mind is "hard." Ballet is hard; it's something we're all aware of. It's hard to achieve our desired line. It's hard to nail a triple turn. It's hard to look graceful as we're launching ourselves through the air. Ballet is just hard. But it's beautiful, and when done right can feel very freeing, which is why I keep coming back to it. The end result is always worth the work put in, but only if one works hard enough. To work, I feel one must be in the right state of mind. One must be calm, and be temporarily freed of the outside world to have the attention span needed for class. If a person's mind is clear, then all that's left to think about in ballet class is the combination currently presented to oneself. I feel that if that's all I can think about, I'm better prepared to do well in class.

In conclusion, to me work is, as I stated earlier, hard. It's hard to look like what one wants to look like. However, with basic principles like discipline, concentration, passion, dedication, and the desire to do well, the work put in will produce desired results in time.

Ballet+ Work

When I think of work as it pertains to ballet the first thing thing that come to mind is the constant battle between my mind and my body. It takes work, not just any work, but rigorous, and determined work in order to tap into the awareness that is essential to ballet. Last year I was completely flustered with the various concepts that I was being taught in technique. I felt utterly dumbfounded because I had not had consistent ballet training in the past therefore, with my ignorance about the basic terms , positions , etc of ballet I had no clue how to apply the concepts to moves that were seemingly foreign to my body. As the year went on and I started to grasp the basics of the technique and started to understand the true work ethic of ballet. I came to realize that it was not just about trying to do the "move" but how my body is aligned in accordance with that particular move or position. Then from there I became more , and more enlightened about the art of ballet and the work ethic it requires. Not only does it require stamina to perform the physically demanding movement but also the incorporation of alignment and muscular concepts which demand unbelievable intuition with ones body. Not only must we strive to conquer those enormous task but also adhere to the art of the technique , meaning we have to try to incorporate those things with grace and the appearance of ease.... WORK!

When thinking bout working in ballet in comparison to other dance forms I would say there are both differences and similarities. In most other forms there is still a sense of awareness to some sort of alignment and musculature but just in ways that are specific to the form. However , I feel that there is less leeway in ballet in comparison to other forms .

Work in Ballet

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of the verb "work" reads as follows: "To be engaged in a physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose or end result." In relation to the dance world, however, "the purpose or end result" is a rather elusive goal that requires constant improvement and effort from the dancer. I believe that by default, dance both attracts and creates people with a perfectionist nature, because in many ways that mindset is necessary for success. Even in class when I feel that I have successfully completed one goal, there is always an infinite amount of corrections that I have yet to achieve. Similarly, one of the most difficult aspects of ballet for me is the coordination of the brain and the body. Knowing what my body should be doing in my head and actually executing the proper alignment, port de bras and musicality during a combination are two completely different worlds for me. Two specific challenges for me include engaging my core (especially my lower abdominals) and maintaining my pelvic alignment while doing exercises to the back. For me, "work" in ballet means constantly striving to fix these bad tendencies, maintain the rest of my composure, and simultaneously enjoy the movement, because at the end of the day- no matter how my technique classes went - dance is what I love to do. As I previously stated, these challenges will never provide one end result for me. The rest of my career will involve a consistent and diligent effort to evolve and improve upon my own abilities and performance.

Work in Ballet

Work in Ballet is different to me than work in other classes. Since ballet is based on technique it requires different focus compared to modern or jazz. Modern allows for exploration though space and movement while ballet requires that pay attention to detail and be very conscious of my body placement. There is so much to think about that I almost feel that it is better for me to focus on one thing during class than to try and fix everything at once and risking the wrong alignment. I always try to focus on relaxing my shoulders and my upper body because I tend to carry my tension in my shoulders. Work for me is striving to remember and apply my corrections so that my teacher doesn't have to continually remind me to pull up out of my hips, relax my shoulders and have proper turn out from my hips opposed to from the knee. Since I missed the alignment class I don't know how to recognize the feeling of when my body is correctly aligned opposed to seeing the alignment in the mirrors. I am still adjusting to not being able to look at my body in the mirror and fix myself. I think that in time as the year progresses this will benefit me because it will make me learn how to feel the correct alignment.

you bettah work!

Ballet has always been a challenge to me especially when it comes to alignment of the pelvis and hips in addition to turning out using the rotators rather than turning out from the knees. Every class I try and work on maintaning the correct alignment throughout barre in order to be more prepared/stable for center work (I realize that is in fact the whole point). After our placement workshop last Tuesday I've really been able to feel what it's like to properly turn out and what muscles in the back of the legs should be working- and it is a whole lot harder than I've been working before, I'll admit it! I'm starting to think that maybe not having mirrors won't be such an awful thing now that I am better at catching myself when my pelvis is tipped forward and I don't have to rely on what I see in the mirror.
This same type of hard work is something that I don't feel is a rigorous in other dance styles. I feel that in modern, jazz, and hiphop I'm freer to focus harder on the motivation or feeling behind the movement and almost the lack of structure or "rules." I know that there are still specific technical requirements for each of these styles but they seem to come a bit easier to me than the demands of classical ballet technique.

Work in Ballet

The biggest challenge for me in ballet is remembering to focus not only on technique, but also to remember to fully perform the movement. Finding the right balance between these two aspects of ballet is what I would consider to be "work". Being a perfectionist, I am always focusing on keeping my entire body in alignment. I have often heard corrections relating to making sure to do movement with more emotion or expression. Currently, I am working towards trying to find this more in my dancing in class. When I am dancing in a performance, this balance is something that comes naturally to me, so I am working to find this same balance during class. I am trying to focus on finding the ease and adrenaline I feel while performing, and bringing this layer of technique to my in class dancing.

Although finding this balance is a goal I am working on in all styles of dance, I feel that it is especially hard for me to find in ballet because the style is often more specific than other styles, and this often leads me to get more "caught up" in the details of the technique. Although these details are important to technique, I am working on not letting them completely consume my mind while dancing. In general, finding this balance is what I would consider to be my work in ballet at the current time. However, I feel that work constantly changes depending on what is most important in any one class or exercise. Sometimes, one of the aspects would be more important in certain instances, and that would be the "work" in that specific exercise/class. Overall, I feel that work in ballet is finding a goal to work towards and pushing myself to reach that goal.

Work in Ballet

For me, ballet class is all about re-training my body. Starting ballet at a young age, I got into a lot of bad technical habits. During class, I have to constantly remind myself to think of every part of my body. Are my abs pulled up? Are my knees over my toes? Am I using all of my turn out? Fortunately, I can usually pick up ballet combinations pretty quickly, which means I am able to focus on all of the placement issues I have. I have gotten better about fixing them at the barre, however, because the correct placement is not in my muscle memory yet, I usually lose it once I begin doing center work. So for me, work in my ballet classes means me constantly thinking about all of the corrections I have gotten, and trying to fix them through out the class, and permanently correcting all of my bad habits.

Work in Ballet?

Ballet, as well as any other dance form, always requires constant and consistent effort put into each movement. The tricky part in ballet is when to decifer what's too much work, making the movement rigid and stiff, and what's not enough work, making the movement look sloppy. In my own exploration of my body I have found when I try to focus on engaging every body part for a particular exercise I become very tense and lose the lightness in the movement. I have a tendency to grasp concepts easily with my mind but when translating it to my body it all becomes a little fuzzy. In the new classes I have taken and am still taking I've tried correcting my body in a new way. Instead of trying to focus on everything at once creating my stiff movement, I have learned to only focus on one thing at a time. For instance, in a tondue I first focus on my hip placement, and when it's out to the side my tondue follows the line of turn out. Once that has become muscle memory for me I move on to the next thing, working on resisting through the floor. Next I focus on pulling up through my center, using my focus, and so on and so forth. Although I still have a long list of things to work on I have found that working in that manner for me has proven the most effective and I can visually see and physically feel changes in my movement. The work is hard but when you find the balance that fits your body and your needs the work proves all worth while.