Preparations and In-Betweens

Preparations and In-Betweens

A dancer’s success in mastering ballet technique often comes down to being aware of this overlooked area:  the preparations (sometimes called the “in-between steps”).  I am referring to the steps that precede the steps that tend to take all the effort and focus:  turns, jumps, poses, etc.  For all those steps it is the preparation that makes them or breaks them.

Most of the time, an effective preparation involves the correct use of the plié, (see previous posts on pliés), but sometimes simply encouraging a dancer to develop a greater awareness of the movements and steps that occur before the turn, or the jump, etc., makes a big impact.  To achieve this goal, I have my students take a moment to mark through a combination, focusing exclusively on the in-between steps. 

Today’s secret works in other areas of life, too – not just in dance training!

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Secret #7d:

“Success lies in the correct preparation.”  

 

                Link of the Day:
It's all in the preparation...

http://imgur.com/gallery/EOV7f2A

 

 

Quote of the Day:

“It’s not what you know; it’s what you can think of in time.”

-          The Wizard

 

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