The Balanchine Method is a ballet technique developed by choreographer George Balanchine, a graduate of Vaganova Ballet Academy and initially used at the New York City Ballet. It requires extreme speed, very deep plie, unconventional arms and hands, and emphasis on lines, especially in decale....
The Bournonville method is a ballet technique and training system devised by the Danish ballet master August Bournonville. August Bournonville trained with his father Antoine Bournonville and other notable French ballet masters. He was heavily influenced by the early French school of ballet, which he...
The Cecchetti method is a ballet training method devised by the Italian ballet master Enrico Cecchetti (1850-1928). The method is a strict training system with special concern for anatomy within the confines of classical ballet technique, and seeks to develop the essential characteristics of dance...
Exercises that lengthen leg muscles may help ballet dancers counteract fatigue, preventing injury and allowing for a more perfected jump technique, as research from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association suggests. The researchers sought to assess fatigue and resulting movement patterns to shed light on how athletic trainers...
The "École Française", is characterized by an emphasis on precision, elegance, and sobriety. Ballet quickly spread from Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th and 16th centuries the French court of Catherine de' Medici where it was developed further. In the 17th century at the time of Louis XIV, ballet was codified,...
While it's not hard to imagine our favorite ballerinas on stage for our favorite ballets, it can be a true challenge to imagine yourself in that situation. To add insult to the injury of our insecurities during class, this new virtual class era allows you...
Ballet’s major training systems all use Beauchamps’s original five positions of the feet and, for the most part, the same French terminology. On the most fundamental aspects of technique there is no disagreement. However, the schools do diverge on, among other things, which arm positions are...
There is an unhealthy link between dance and perfectionism. Once seen as a positive trait, researchers are now finding perfectionism to be dangerous and linked to a long list of mental health issues. Thomas Curran and Andrew Hill’s recent study, which compares perfectionism across generations,...
If you've ever tried a grand-plie without out holding on to the barre, you've probably recognized the (vital!) importance of stability training. Building strength is key to your progress in ballet but developing stability is just as important to make movement fluid, safe, and gracious....
Ballet is a total body workout. Regardless of age or ability, every student experiences a degree of fatigue or discomfort as a result of their training. If you’ve developed a chronic problem spot, or maybe class just have you wiped, consider four alternative therapies to...