Choosing A Good Ballet Teacher/Good Posture

oosing a good ballet teacher pay careful attentioncorrect what the student is doing, as opposed to
to the postures you see in the students youcommenting on what the student innately has (or
observe. While the teacher is not responsible foris stuck with, as the less ideally formed usually
posture acquired before a student begins trainingthink). Although from an instructional viewpoint, a
with her or him, she/he is responsible forteacher could point out to a student who has
establishing correct posture at the beginning ofvery wide shoulders, that a high 5th position of
every exercise in the class.the arms (5th en haut) could be elongated, to
The spine has a natural curve. The back shoulddetract from the wideness of the shoulders.
not be swayed with relaxed abdominal muscles,After all, this is about theater, and the arts of
nor should it pulled into a straight line with theillusion. (In the advanced classes when the body is
pelvis tucked under and the abdominal musclesstrong.)
bunched. The correct support of a natural curveStarting every exercise in the correct posture of
in the spine will develop the whole body correctly.the spine is essential to developing strength and
Abdominal muscles should be pulled UP andgrace, and preventing sprain, strain, and unnatural
flattened. The diaphram should be firm but notmannerisms.
pulled in and down. The sides of the ribs shouldIt is also wise to have your skeletal alignment
expand for breathing. This way the chest will liftchecked with a chiropractor periodically, especially
to breathe, but not noticeably. If the chest is heldif you experience joint pain or severe muscle
properly, the shoulders can relax. Shoulders shouldspasms. Muscle spasms can also be due to
never be pressed downward, or a fluid use of thedehydration and exhaustion of your electrolytes,
arms will not be achieved.or a calcium/magnesium deficiency. Please don't
The head floats. It is a feeling of one's visionreach for a popular sports drink. You need full
reaching for the horizon, not a chin lift. This allowsmineral salts as in from 'all 12' cell salts, a
for free and natural head movement even thoughhomeopathic tablet, good sea salt on your food,
the body is working hard below.and cayenne pepper is great for replenishing
The arms move easily from the shoulder joints,minerals. But all that really is another article.
the fingers are placed in an easy manner, notIt's always best to check out a beginning level and
tense and spikey looking. The thumbs relax parallela more advanced level class in any given studio,
to the index finger, not clenched against it, orto watch and listen to how a teacher instructs,
sticking out away from the hand.and to see how persistent she or he is in
Each individual has imperfections, or saydemanding good basic technique.
differences, of physique and posture compared toAll the best.
the ballet ideal. A good teacher will take care to