Tips for Basic Ballet Barre Work

1. Six Basic Positions

1st Position - turn both feet outwards, heels touching.

Second Position: Same as first position but feet are a foot apart.

Third Position: Same as first position but your heels will overlap.

4th Position - as 3rd position but with a gap between them of 6-12 inches.

Fifth - similar to fourth position but with the big toe of one foot touching the heel of the other.

Sixth Position: Both feet are parallel and side by side.

2. Do Plies exercise. Beginner level will do plies in the first two positions (first, second). Intermediate and advanced will do plies in every position except the third and sixth.

3. Tendu steps begin in 5th position. Extend the foot forward, push to the side, and then back before completing the step where you started in fifth.

4. Stand either facing the barre or with your left hand on it - beginners will usually face it and more advanced ballet dancers will rest their left hand on it.

Barre Leg Exercises:

1. Place your feet in 5th position and stand up straight either facing the barre or standing at a right angle to the barre with your left hand upon it.

2. Lift one leg forward or to the side, keep your leg straight and as elevated as you can. Point your foot when it leaves the floor. Both knees have to be straight. Never lift your buttocks or hips to get your leg elevated. Always turn out, do not turn your leg in.

3. Keeping your leg in place, let go of the barre. This exercise will increase your strength. Remember to stand straight.

4. Keep correct posture and technique by standing in the position you started the leg exercises with.

Tips for Ballet Dancers

1. Do not give up, it will take you years to perfect the art of ballet dance.

2. Buy your ballet shoes either from your ballet school, or a store that specializes in dance clothing.

3. Remember to show energy in your dance by making flowing movements with fingers and toes. When other parts of the body are meant to be straight and poised, your fingers and toes can reach out to the audience and draw them into your dance.

4. If you cannot afford a brand new costume, secondhand costumes can be found in consignment stores for a reasonable price. If you do not have someone in your family that cannot sew, you can find a seamstress to make tutus and other costumes. If you do go to a seamstress, you have to book your services in advance.

5. When you reach the stage when you need to wear pointe shoes, two factors come into play. First factor, your body strength has to support your body weight. This is from years of practice and maintaining your strengthening exercises. The second factor is you have to have great technique. This also takes years of training. If you are not ready for pointe shoes, do not worry, you can wear flat shoes and participate in jazz ballet, modern ballet or another form of dance. Ballet will give you flexibility that you will keep for the rest of your life.