Q&A for How to Do Ballet at Home

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  • Question
    What kind of exercises should I do to warm up?
    Geraldine Grace Johns
    Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
    Geraldine Grace Johns is a Professional Ballerina and the Owner of Grace Ballet in New York and Los Angeles. Geraldine toured through New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea as Jammes in Ken Hill's Original Phantom of the Opera. She has studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in London to become a teacher and taught for the Kudo School of Ballet in Yokohama. Geraldine also ran her own Royal Academy of Dance School in New Zealand before studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Geraldine was a guest coach and Master Class teacher in Toronto for the Canadian Royal Academy of Dance's Dance Challenge in 2018, 2019, and 2020. She was also a guest coach and Master Class teacher for the USA Royal Academy of Dance Challenge in Long Beach, California in 2019 and 2020. Grace Ballet Los Angeles has won recognition as one of 13 Best Ballet Schools in Los Angeles since opening her school. Geraldine is a contract Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies for the Royal Academy of Dance.
    Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
    Expert Answer
    It's really important that you always warm up before you dance. I recommend doing demi plies, to the ground plies, and also warming up your hips. Try a hip swing, which involves standing on one foot and just swinging the other leg forward and back. I recommend really concentrating on warming up your hips.
  • Question
    What is the first thing I should learn in ballet?
    Geraldine Grace Johns
    Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
    Geraldine Grace Johns is a Professional Ballerina and the Owner of Grace Ballet in New York and Los Angeles. Geraldine toured through New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea as Jammes in Ken Hill's Original Phantom of the Opera. She has studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in London to become a teacher and taught for the Kudo School of Ballet in Yokohama. Geraldine also ran her own Royal Academy of Dance School in New Zealand before studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Geraldine was a guest coach and Master Class teacher in Toronto for the Canadian Royal Academy of Dance's Dance Challenge in 2018, 2019, and 2020. She was also a guest coach and Master Class teacher for the USA Royal Academy of Dance Challenge in Long Beach, California in 2019 and 2020. Grace Ballet Los Angeles has won recognition as one of 13 Best Ballet Schools in Los Angeles since opening her school. Geraldine is a contract Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies for the Royal Academy of Dance.
    Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
    Expert Answer
    The first of the five basic positions is called first position. This position involves the dancer standing with their feet together so their heels are touching. When in this position, your arms should be positioned at your waist, approximately at the height of your waistband with your hands apart by about the length of your face.
  • Question
    Can I start ballet if I am 14, I'm not flexible and don't take lessons? How do I get flexible?
    Community Answer
    You can start at any age. Lessons are not vital, but are useful and if, you are able to, you should take them. To become flexible, make sure to stretch every day.
  • Question
    What type of hairstyle do I need?
    Community Answer
    Any style that will keep your hair out of your face while you train will do. A ballet bun is best, however.
  • Question
    Are there certain stretches I should do before I start dancing?
    Community Answer
    There aren't any specific stretches, but it's always a good idea to stretch out the muscles in your lower extremities (legs, hips, back) before doing ballet.
  • Question
    What age is it recommended to start ballet?
    Community Answer
    The younger the better, but anyone can dance ballet. It's like learning a language. When you are younger, it's easier.
  • Question
    Why aren't socks suitable for practicing ballet?
    Community Answer
    If you have a carpet, socks are much better than ballet shoes. However, ballet shoes are recommended on hard floors, as socks are very slippery and will not offer you the right support. For example, if you are trying to balance on one leg and you wobble, you will be more likely to fall.
  • Question
    What is the oldest age someone can start ballet if they want to be a pro? I am 10.
    Community Answer
    It is possible to start at any age, but becoming professional involves extremely hard work and and practice.
  • Question
    Do you have to be skinny?
    Community Answer
    Casual ballet can be done by people of all body shapes. Weight will only have an impact when you're doing pas de deux (dancing with another person) or auditioning for a role in a production.
  • Question
    I don't know how to do the splits, can I still learn ballet?
    ReynaSPQR
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can do ballet without being able to do them, although you should probably work on getting more flexible.
  • Question
    What are the basic positions for ballet?
    Community Answer
    Descriptions and pictures for first, second, third, fourth and fifth position can be found in this article about ballet dancing on wikiHow.
  • Question
    Is it OK to dance on flat carpet?
    Superso
    Community Answer
    It is not a very good idea because it could give you rug burns, and it prevents you from doing some things, such as turns.
  • Question
    I'm scared to go on point. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    If your teacher has put you on pointe, it means she knows that you are ready. If you are ready there is no need to be afraid. She wouldn't have put you on pointe if she thought there was a risk of you injuring yourself. It's ok and normal to be nervous when you start, but just don't try anything too difficult and you will be fine.
  • Question
    I'm 13 and I want to dance, but my mom won't let me because she says I'm too old. I've tried to talk to her several times, and she still won't let me. Should I make her listen or teach myself?
    Community Answer
    Teach yourself. Use YouTube videos and celebrities as influences. There is no age limit to dancing whatsoever, so break the rules!
  • Question
    Can I become a professional if I start at 13?
    Community Answer
    The only way to know is to try and give it your best shot. It is absolutely possible.
  • Question
    Can I start ballet at the age of 18?
    Community Answer
    Sure. You can start at any age.
  • Question
    I've looked for channels that only have dance tutorials, but not many show the beginner moves and teach all the way up to the advanced moves. Any suggestions?
    StellaLoves
    Community Answer
    Try Fitivity's ballet training app. It is very detailed and has all levels. The first few levels are free and then you need to pay, but it is very cheap to unlock all twelve levels.
  • Question
    What should I wear when I do ballet?
    Community Answer
    You should wear a leotard, tights, and ballet shoes. You should also put your hair up in a bun. If you're part of a team or studio group, they should have specific outfit requirements outlined for you.
  • Question
    If i have foot bunion problem, should I do ballet? Would that make my medical problem worse?
    Community Answer
    You should keep off pointe, but most positions should not do you any harm. If you get any sort of pain, cease whatever you're doing. If the pain continues, speak to your doctor about your options.
  • Question
    Can I be a professional ballerina if I start ballet at age 10 and if I do it home?
    Community Answer
    Of course! Practice at home and look up videos and articles to practice and learn all that you can.
  • Question
    Do I have to do workouts?
    Community Answer
    No, but doing them would be a good idea, especially before you begin practicing. If you don't warm up properly, you could hurt yourself.
  • Question
    Where can I get ballet shoes?
    StellaLoves
    Community Answer
    You can get ballet shoes at dance stores, where you can also get a professional fitting. You could also order multiple sizes from online dance stores and return the incorrect size, but going in person is always best.
  • Question
    Can you become a really good ballet dancer just by dancing at home?
    Superso
    Community Answer
    It is best to get good instruction from a professional, but it's possible. Most principle dancers have been professionally and correctly trained.
  • Question
    Can I do ballet even though I'm not flexible?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can definitely begin practicing ballet, but you should work on your flexibility, too.
  • Question
    Do you have to wear a leotard when doing ballet?
    Superso
    Community Answer
    If you are being trained by someone professional, always follow the dress code. It is not a requirement if you are at home; just wear some lightweight clothing.
  • Question
    Will they allow me to buy ballet flats if I'm not in an actual ballet class?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you don't need to have a certain set of qualifications to purchase a pair of ballet shoes.
  • Question
    How do I start the splits?
    Community Answer
    Start by going into a lunge. Every day, hold it for a minute and try to push your legs farther and farther down into the floor.
  • Question
    What if I don't have shoes?
    Community Answer
    Shoes are best, but don't go en pointe till you are properly trained. A class will require shoes, but for general training and practicing at home, you can just be barefoot.
  • Question
    If I dance at home because I can't find a ballet class that I can afford, after a few year can I go on pointe on my own if I feel ready?
    Community Answer
    No, it is not safe. You could seriously injure yourself, either by falling or overdoing it. Going on pointe is not as easy as it looks. Seek a professional to help you learn.
  • Question
    Is it possible to be able to dance pointe without going to any type of ballet classes?
    Community Answer
    No. You should not dance pointe without any ballet training. Make sure when you do go on pointe that you have a trained dance teacher with you. Pointe is very serious and can cause a lot of injuries if not done in the correct way.
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