Maybe you want to become a professional ballet dancer, or maybe you’re curious to try a few moves. Perhaps your child is begging to take ballet lessons. Ballet is fun no matter how old you are or what goals you wish to accomplish through ballet. Becoming a ballet dancer can be as simple as practicing moves in your bedroom, or as complex as becoming a major dancer in a ballet company. All ballet dancers have one thing in common: a love of the grace, beauty, and discipline of ballet.
Ballet Shoes and Dancewear
Probably the most important part of a ballet dancer’s equipment is ballet shoes. After several years of proper training, some female ballet dancers wear pointe shoes to make them appear lighter and more delicate. Ballet dancers wear tights and leotards to class and rehearsals, as tight, form-fitting clothing is best for dancing. Tutus, or ballet skirts, are usually reserved for performances and recitals.
The Basics of Ballet
The basic positions and techniques of ballet were developed long ago. Over the centuries, choreographers have revised the classical techniques, but the basic positions have remained the same. When you begin learning the steps and poses of ballet, you will realize that most of them have French names. King Louis XIV of France started the first ballet school, the Royal Academy of Dance, in 1661. Most of the French terms have been carried throughout the years.
Ballet Dancing on Your Toes
Ballet dancing is known for its grace and elegance, as ballerinas seem to glide across the stage almost effortlessly. Ballet dancers strive to appear tall and light on their feet. Female dancers raise themselves even higher by going up on their toes with pointe shoes. Pointe shoes make it possible for ballerinas to dance on the tips of their toes.
