Yes, I'm talking to you! Classical dance is one of the most interesting – and artistic – high intensity interval training routines around. High exertion in short spurts – rest – another high exertion in a short spurt – rest...

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The Ballet Dance Lesson

There is a routine that dance classes adults included, does not change much from system to system. By that I mean the Cecchetti, R.A.D., (Royal Academy of Dancing) and Vaganova methods. The details of each ballet movement may change a little, but you are learning a universal language of traditional European/Russian/English/American dancing.

The half and deep knee bend, the plie, (plier, to bend) is a version of the deep squat. Using your natural posture - holding the spine straight except for its natural curves, you will do some knee bends as deep as you can go keeping the heels on the floor. This small bend will pleasantly stretch the back of your calves. It will also engage the thigh or quadriceps muscles, as well as the core muscles that hold your pelvic area in alignment.

What's that pelvic alignment you say? Basically, the pelvis should not tilt forward (means you are clenching your butt muscles too much) or tilt back (your lower abs are not holding, or you need stretches hip flexors and quads). The pelvis should not get pulled either way as you execute your ballet moves.

The deep squat or full plie, challenges the hip, back and thigh muscles even more. When you get good at these, you have truly accomplished a feat that gym machines will never give you.

Ballet Foot Positions

I know sometimes people wince a little as they look at these. Fifth position! Who on earth can do that!! Well, you don't have to. Many dance teachers don't force the use of this position – third position of the feet requires the front leg to cross over only until its heel touches the arch of the back foot. The heel-to-toe position may come later, or not.

Will I Ever Get Really Flexible?

Maybe you will, if you are already really flexible, but don't know it. When you start learning ballet, you get an idea of where you are in relation to achieving higher leg extensions, high arabesques, and whether you will ever do the splits or not.

Yet, does it really matter. A good ballet class gives you a heightened experience! The music! The teacher calling out encouraging you all! Is it not a wonderment that you are there at all? You overcame your needless self-doubt or some other kind of shyness and you decided to start learning ballet!

Is there a medal due? I think so. Don't give up mentally before you even try to learn about simple ballet steps. Enjoy!