Saturday, October 19, 2013

Beach Ballet


Beach Ballet

Here in Florida we have the advantage of good weather and close proximity to a beach.  And ballet on the beach provides many advantages.  For one thing it is a great place to learn to do a split, since the sand supports the body and the legs and allows a split sooner than one achieved on dry land. It is also a nice, warm place to stretch (never stretch a cold muscle!).

But it is the patterns of movement shown in the sand that provide the greatest benefit.  These visual paths are useful for understand things like the “under curve” nature of tendus.  The sand reveals the path of the tendu and shows the under curve beautifully.  These sand patterns are evident in lots of steps:  the half circle of rond de jambe, the even weight distribution in fifth position, etc. 

So try ballet in the sand on your next vacation or restful weekend.  (It is of course best to choose a time and place when the beach is not crowded!)

 

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Secret #7b:  

“Ballet on the beach illustrates correct movement patterns in the sand.”

 

                Link of the Day:

                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsYAXPqVnYM

Quote of the Day:

“There is nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shore line, no matter how many times it is sent away.”

-          Sarah Kay

 

                Help expand the knowledge base!

 Leave a comment about any instructions, ideas, or images that worked best for you!

 

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