What should I know for a first ballet class?

Question:I'm having my first ballet class tomorrow. I'm 15, and starting out in a beginner class with other people my age. I just wanted to know if there is anything I should know. I've had 2 years of school dancing, and I know the positions and the basic moves of ballet, but should I know anything else? I'm good with my uniform and shoes, but any little pointers that can help me even more? I'm a little nervous :).

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm having my first ballet class tomorrow. I'm 15, and starting out in a beginner class with other people my age. I just wanted to know if there is anything I should know. I've had 2 years of school dancing, and I know the positions and the basic moves of ballet, but should I know anything else? I'm good with my uniform and shoes, but any little pointers that can help me even more? I'm a little nervous :).

keep your mouth shut and your eyes open. Especially for your first couple of classes.

each teacher and each studio have their own set of rules and customs (both written and unwritten). Pay attention and try to figure out the way the class is structured socially and what kinds of rules customs and etiquette seem to be adhered to.

Basic ballet class manners are:

Don't talk unless it is to ask a question or clarify an instruction. even when asking questions, keep talking to a minimum. Some teachers are more lenient about this than others

Stand up straight, avoid poses that look bored or snobby. I.e. leaning against the barre or the wall, hands on hips, staring into space.

Don't chew gum

Stay out of the way of the other dancers and the teacher

Be patient and wait your turn

This all might sound very scary, but don't worry. If you are taking a beginning class, people will expect you to know nothing.

Relax!

I've found out that strict ballet teachers find it insulting when you:

1. Lean against the bar, or not standing up right
2. Yawn.
3. Eat pizza in your tutus

Just know if your mom's check will clear.

normally underwear goes inside the pants, but in ballet, underwear goes on the outside...
You don't wanna look like you don't know what your doing, so remember, underwear on the outside...

don't be afraid to ask questions. have fun! oh, n dont forget to smile, and ignore the answer above mine, he's trying to get u in trouble.

1.if you MUST yawn cover your mouth
2. ALWAYS stand up straight (even if your not dancing)
3.when your at the barre .. always turn inward to change sides
4. When the teacher is showing a combo. give her space and stand back
5. common courtesy

GOOD LUCK

dont chew gum in class. dance teachers hate that

do not talk and dont act crazy, always listen and watch carefully the teacher will not mind if you are paying attention and you are trying.
and remember always have fun!!
good luck !!

Yeah, definitely ignore the "underwear on the outside" comment.

I'd say for your first ballet class, just be prepared to be a little confused at times. :) And if there are other people in the class that have taken ballet before, they'll pick up on things quicker than you might... at first. Just know that it's okay to be confused in your first ballet class!

Yes, there are also the obvious "stand up straight" and "don't yawn"....?? Don't yawn? I don't think that's just for ballet class, I think pretty much any teacher will be insulted if you yawn in their class! But also pay attention to what you're supposed to keep your knees straight on, and what they're supposed to be bent on. That's one of my frustrations as a dance teacher is how to get students to remember to keep their knees straight. At the barre, unless they're executing a specific step, are supposed to be straight. So just keep an eye out for your teachers knees! :)

Good luck, hope you have fun!

Oh, and don't be nervous.... but just remember that it's okay to be nervous! And if you're not the only one who's taking ballet for the first time, keep in mind that they're probably just as nervous as you!

well i guess it really all depends on where you are taking the class, but for my ballet and pointe classes the teacher asks that we wear darker colored leatards and light colored or tan colored tights no black... pull your hair away from your face and neck so that the instuctor will be able to see you head and neck movements, and other than just enjoy yourself ballet is one of the best types of dacning it makes you feel so graceful and pretty.. lol...have fun.

This might not answer your question, but I just want to tell you that if you do your class and feel embarrassed because you couldn't keep up, don't quit

I have danced for a LONG time, and I have seen girl after girl walk out after one lesson because they feel embarrassed.

It doesn't matter, dancing takes time, once you get it, you're going to feel so great. Dancing is absolutely joyous. Keep at it!

Also, don't look down too much, act confident, not cocky. If you act too shy, the teacher will never notice you and won't help you, if you're too cocky, they won't help you either. Make sure you present yourself well. That's the most important thing!

Good Luck!