Madcap Monday Statute

Madcap Monday Statute

Here we go, starting the work week off with yet another Ballet Statute.  This one involves barre work.  It reads as follows:  “When changing to the other side at the barre, always turn toward the barre.”

This statute applies when the combination of steps is finished, and the dancer is turning to do the other side – the other foot.  If the turn is during the middle of a combination at the barre, the dancer can, and often will, turn away from the barre.  This is because the working leg determines the direction of the turn during a series of steps.  That is, if the foot is being drawn to sous-sus derrière, the dancer will turn away from the barre, and if the foot is coming to devant the turn will go in the opposite direction. (Try doing this the other way around and you’ll see why the rules exist as they do!)

So, remember at the end of one side of a barre exercise that Ballet Statute #24 states that you must turn toward the barre.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Ballet Statute #24:  

“When changing to the other side at the barre, always turn toward the barre.”

                Link of the Day:

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

Quote of the Day:

“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.”

-          Lao Tzu

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