Meet Me @ the Barre!

[€uroMeinke]

Disneyphile - You Rock! Keep on Dancing!

[Deebs]

Originally Posted by ToriBear

I was Bella Swan at only one dance, and I think you can guess which one.

Polka, mein liebchen!


But actually, I dig this one more.

Originally Posted by Disneyphile

There were times when I wanted to throw in the towel... learning the limitations and impact that being fat can have on my body, while watching everyone around me not have the same struggles (like being able to stretch their legs high because they don't have large stomachs in the way). There were times that I would stress and cry because I thought I would never make it.

I really understand what you mean about struggling against your own body. When I think of all the time I wasted not dancing because of self consciousness about not having the perfect dancing body! There are very few people naturally gifted with all the assets for dance. I remember when I first talked to NA about dance and complained that I was too short for ballet. But she shared that she had always felt too tall! I could hardly fathom it; I thought all dancers were tall. You mention your stomach being in the way -- my chest was my obstacle. Boobs and ballet do not a great mix make. If we let it, something will always stop us.

And, I stuck it out, even with my limited range of motion. And, my instructor congratulated me last night, and even noted how I've developed some excellent technique and have come a very long way since the first day.

So, yeah.... FAT CHICK PREVAILED!!!

Go you! Congrats for not letting anything stop you.

Originally Posted by €uroMeinke

Disneyphile - You Rock! Keep on Dancing!

Indeed! And thank you for participating in the thread. I know you are an admirer of the art form. I'm always so glad to read you in here.

[ToriBear]

Originally Posted by Deebs

Polka, mein liebchen!

Well, picture it 100 times faster then that, and a partner that keeps pulling you into the dance, even if you weren't even near him.

Btw, that happened to me three times on the same day at class.

[alphabassettgrrl]

DP- you're awesome!

Tori- hope you're having fun with the class!

[Disneyphile]

Hellooooooooo dancers! Time to wake up and revive this thread into a new routine once again.

I've started two dance classes for this semester that fit in best with my schedule. So, I'm taking Modern Dance and Jazz Dance, alternating on Mondays through Thursdays for 90 minutes a day in the late mornings. I am SO going to be svelte by the holidays!

Anyway, I finally updated my dance blog, if you'd like to read it. Enjoy!

[Deebs]

Excellent, DP! Thanks for the update of dance classes for the new semester. You're fabulous.

I wish I had something to share in here, but I have not been dancing. I haven't been sedentary, just haven't been dancing. I've been hard at work in an extremely overgrown backyard. Yard work, ew. I have not enjoyed it a bit. I'd much rather have been at the barre!

Please-please keep up posting here, DP -- my internet access is still iffy and I doubt I will get a chance to make it to your blog.

[Deebs]

Referencing T's experience in jazz class, I am emotional thinking about it and might rant a little here. Let's talk about dance class etiquette.

Dancing across the floor in groups is one of the most fun parts of class, to me. Generally the combinations are just polishing your basic skills and are so familiar it's like second nature. And dancing with fun people in class is pure joy. The synchronization feels great and it's just so much fun feeling that camaraderie with other dancers.

No matter who is teaching there is a certain ritual and familiarity in class that I find so comforting. Dancing across the floor with a fun group of dancers is like reading a good book. It's like cozying up under my favorite blanket with a cup of tea. There is such joy in the group moving as one unit. I'd find it very upsetting to dance in a class in which people were not open to dancing with any person in the whole group.

Class etiquette dictates ... what? What are some of the things you think are important and what are some of the requirements in studios where you have danced?

A couple I can think of -- dancers should be courteous to one another. No talking when the instructor is speaking. Crossing the floor, when your group is finished it is a matter of safety to move outta the way so the next group can complete the combination.

Does anyone have a preferred spot in regular class? I once danced with a girl who could be a bit of a diva but I liked her so much anyway. She always had to have the first spot at the barre and dance in the right corner, front row, during center work. I didn't mind, but there were others who got pissed about it. She was a beautiful dancer, I didn't mind having her in that spot.

[Disneyphile]

There's not much etiquette in my class, but the instructor tries.

As for favorite spots, mine is usually front row, off to the far right. I can see the instruction, yet not get in anyone's way if I move slower (and sometimes I do). I figure if any of the girls crashed into me, it'd be comparable to a Smart Car hitting a moose. It could be catastrophic.

But, seriously, I love my front corner because I can see what's going on, and if I need to sit something out, I can do so without getting in anyone's way.

[Deebs]

Originally Posted by Disneyphile

There's not much etiquette in my class, but the instructor tries.

What varying degrees of differences have you found between studios/classes and instructors? What kind of vibe do you prefer in the class?

I've danced in really relaxed classes, where people talked a lot, wore any old thing, and could wear shoes or not. When I last danced I was subbing at that kind of studio. Just suuuuper laid back. Also have danced in very strict environments. I think I like something in between. I like there to be a feeling of respect for the art of dance in the room, but I don't want it to be so serious that it sucks all the individuality out of the dancers and drains the energy in the room because everyone is so intimidated by the instructor.

[Deebs]

Train for years, dance for minutes, live for seconds