Tag: Ballet

A Complete Guide to the Best Ballet Music for Kids

Posted on by admin

Having the appropriate music is crucial whether you’re instructing a children’s ballet class or helping your child learn at home.

The fact that not just any classical CD will do may surprise you! Children’s ballet music can serve as a helpful prompt for young ballerinas to remember which movements to practice. Even while some of the best ballet music for kids includes upbeat melodies, older kids will particularly benefit from classical ballet music for barre work.

We have you covered if you’re unsure about which ballet music is best for your kid. The best ballet music for kids is listed here.

What Makes Ballet Music for Kids Good?

Even if you can easily locate all kinds of classical ballet music online, it might not be suitable for your child’s complete class. Many CDs contain tunes that aren’t appropriate for a child’s ballet lesson because they were created with teen or adult dancers in mind.

Simple, well-known songs can inspire your child to begin moving freely. When movement is less regimented, fun nursery rhymes or Disney tunes are excellent for warm-ups and cool-downs. When your class is warming up by playing freeze dance or dancing with scarves, switching between fast and slow tracks can be a great idea.

A portion of dance class might be appropriate for the dancers’ favorite tunes as long as they have a delicate character.

The majority of music is classical and frequently consists of brief pieces when being practiced at the barre. It’s common to find a list of the proper exercises next to each piece of classical music on ballet CDs that you may purchase. You might find yourself skipping songs frequently depending on the level of experience in your class, so it might be wise to limit the music you download to your phone to those you actually intend to utilize.

Imaginative arrangements from well-known ballets like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker are ideal for practicing poses, going across the floor, or adagio for floor training after barre. Additionally useful for rehearsing quick routines that kids develop week after week are these longer songs.

How to Choose Music for Ballet Class

It’s crucial to consider how your class will run before you begin creating your playlist. If you’re Before you start making your playlist, it’s important to think about how your class will function. If you’re a parent who is teaching your kid to dance at home, you might want to look at some of the lesson plans for dancing classes.

During warm-up, dancers can need assistance shifting their focus. Undoubtedly jittery and excited to see their friends, they have the wiggles. Laugh-out-loud music in a variety of tempos is ideal for stretching during this time.

Consider including some nursery rhyme songs in this stage to help your dancers in remembering their stretches. As part of your warm-up, it may be sufficient to conduct stretches in a small circle while soft music plays in the background.

Then, barre exercises can be carried out while listening to classical ballet music. Focus on music created for young children’s plies, releves, tendus, and rande jambe. Despite the short length of these songs, you might need to repeat them a few times in order to master the moves. It is advantageous to have two or three options for each step.

As you proceed to center work, longer, more classical ballet compositions can inspire your young dancers to embody more grace in their movements. This is particularly helpful if you need to move from one side of the floor to the other since you need a song that is long enough to encompass several rows of two or three dancers. If your child is dancing at home, a song that is longer can encourage further practice in this area.

Your cool-down music could be upbeat tunes from Disney or other musicians. This is great for tumbling, spontaneous dancing, or goodbye songs. We suggest ending the class with a quick bow or curtsy routine to a soft, classical piece.

How Distinctive Dance Etc. Can Assist

Distinctive Dance Etc., a facility offering a stimulating atmosphere for kids of all ages that allows them to explore and grow while having fun, is situated in Greenwood Proper in Warwick. Each child’s requirements are met by a variety of programs at DDE, which also provides a wide range of learning opportunities. Miss Stacy takes great delight in imparting her knowledge and skills in dance and gymnastics while also giving her students ongoing support and direction. To know more, get in touch with us!

5 Great Ballet Books for Kids

Posted on by admin

Parents adore dance lessons because they assist in teaching kids so many important life skills!

Together with self-expression, ballet teaches perseverance, discipline, and grace. Ballet is a great method for kids to burn off some steam while making new friends, so they frequently look forward to it.

It’s simple to recreate the excitement of ballet class at home by reading aloud. These ballet books are a fantastic option for your child to continue their love of dancing outside of the classroom if they are a dance enthusiast. Additionally, these entertaining dance books can help students remember the crucial principles they cover in class each week.

The top 5 ballet books for kids are listed below. Let’s get moving!

  1. The Silver Slippers by Elizabeth Koda-Callan

The ideal present for any little dancer is this book about a ballerina. The well-known children’s book on ballet by Elizabeth Koda-Callan is the ideal motivator to get your child ready for their dancing recital. This book addresses issues that young dancers experience universally, such as stage anxiety and self-doubt.

We adore this book because it promotes tenacity. In this tale, the adage “practice makes perfect” dominates, inspiring the young girl to give an amazing performance. Additionally, this lovely book comes with a silver slippers charm necklace that will serve as a constant reminder to your little dancer that she is good enough.

  1. My First Dance – Ballet Board Book

This practical board book is a terrific method to start teaching your child ballet vocabulary if you have a tiny wiggler who is just starting courses. This book is a favorite among toddlers since it displays images of young, different dancers who resemble them on each page!

Think of this book as your first introduction to ballet. This board book is a fantastic method to review the procedures covered in beginner lessons or get your child ready for their first day of school. Reading this book to your baby might assist her to remember each move and show what she has learned for you if she is keen to practice her moves at home.

  1. I’m A Ballerina By Sue Fliess

This book is for your little dancer if dance class makes her feel scary. The perfect book to help your ballerina get ready for class each week is I’m a Ballerina. Your young dancer feels ready to move since the main character boldly guides her through her class and recital.

Young, shy dancers will recognize themselves in this book and discover that ballet is fun. Any baby ballerina’s bookshelf must include This Little Golden Book.

  1. Boys Dance! by John Robert Allman

It can be nerve-wracking for your little man to be the only boy in class. This book is a must if you have a boy who loves dance more than his sisters do. In order to demonstrate that guys can dance, too, this charming book was produced in collaboration with the men of American Ballet Theater. Representation in the dance world is crucial.

The real photos and interviews from the ABT ballerinos in the back of this book can be especially motivating for your boy. This book is vital to share the love of dance with your son.

  1. Bunheads by Misty Copeland

While fictional stories are entertaining, encouraging tales from well-known dancers may be exactly the thing to inspire your young dancer. One of the most well-known ballerinas of all time, Misty Copeland’s lovely autobiographical children’s book is a touching role model for every little dancer.

This heartwarming tale demonstrates the importance of teamwork, bravery, and dedication in ballet for ballerinas who are just beginning to find their own passion for dance. This book will be the ideal present to fuel the passion of your little dancer if she lives and breathes ballet.

Simple Ballet Positions Your Child Can Practice at Home

Posted on by admin

Your child adores ballet and enjoys dancing in general. Sadly, the COVID-19 outbreak has forced studio closures worldwide. There is no place to practice, and lessons are postponed. Even so, they are still capable of dancing.

No special area is required for aspiring ballerinas to start moving. We can satisfy your child’s need for ballet if they have one. Continue reading for some basic ballet positions and movements that may be practiced at home.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Ballet fundamentals don’t require expensive equipment to master. But the correct equipment can replicate the studio environment in your house. You will need the following to equip your tiny ballerina.

Slippers

Every dancer, regardless of age, needs a good pair of ballet shoes. Pointe shoes are not required for novices. Young dancers should instead begin wearing slippers. Choose shoes with a full sole and a rounded toe.

Order a half size bigger than you normally wear for shoes. It is simple to measure if you want to be certain of the correct size. You can find all the necessary information in our helpful guide.

Leotard

For exercising, sweatpants and a t-shirt are cozy. However, a leotard that fits tightly enables dancers to perceive the lines that their arms and legs form. Both long and short sleeves are available for leotards. Some of them come with a skirt.

Tutus are typically worn on stages. However, there are none at home. Why not choose a tutu or maybe a ballerina dress just for fun?

Tights

Add some footed tights to complete the look. Don’t forget to style your long hair in a traditional ballerina bun.

Ballet Positions: Fancy Feet

It’s time to start dancing now that your little dancer is prepared. The five fundamental ballet positions will be our first focus. Every school has a different set of related hand positions. So just focus on the feet for the time being. Dancers should get comfortable holding each pose and switching between them.

First Position

  • Stand with heels together, with toes pointed outward.
  • Feet ought to resemble a wide “V”
  • Hold arms in front, nearly touching the thighs.
  • Curve wrists inward.

Second Position

  • Start with feet and arms in first position.
  • Spread feet slightly, about shoulder-width apart.
  • Raise your arms out to the side, almost in a “T” form.

Third Position

  • Slide the right foot up to the inside of the left foot starting in the second position.
  • Move arms into first position.
  • The left arm remains in the first position.
  • Lift the right arm just enough so that the fingertips are parallel to the hips.

Fourth Position

  • Step the right foot forward from third position.
  • Put your right arm in the second position by lifting it.

Fifth Position

  • Turn out the right foot.
  • Turn the other way and place the left foot behind the right.
  • Toes and heels should touch.
  • In a circular shape, lift arms above the head.
  • Keep a space between the hands.

Ballet Positions: It’s All in the Arms

It’s time to practice arm positions now that your child has a handle on footwork. They are known as the port de bras in ballet.

En Avant: Arms Forward

  • In front of the torso, hold arms.
  • Slightly round them, as if hugging an imaginary tree.

En Haut: High up

  • Hold arms above the head.
  • Shoulders remain flat.

En Bas: Below

  • Bring arms down to the sides.
  • Palms point forward, toward the legs.

The Gateway

The resting ballet stance in between positions is known as The Gateway. Although it initially seems simple, it’s crucial to practice maintaining this position in precise alignment.

  • In en avant position, hold the arms.
  • Don’t lower the shoulders; only the arms. Shoulders should be somewhat above the elbows.
  • Curve each hand, slightly cupped. Face palms inward.
  • Align fingertips with the bottom of the breastbone.
  • Keep hands slightly apart.

Put It All Together

These basic ballet stances can be taught without prior dance experience. Even young children can learn them because they are so simple.

Short sessions are beneficial for toddlers. Consider focusing on one or two movements at once, and take frequent rests. Older dancers might concentrate on perfecting their techniques.

All children require a lot of practice to become proficient in a skill. Of course, that doesn’t exclude you from having fun. Dance classes can and should be enjoyable.

How To Clean Ballet Shoes?

Posted on by admin

Whenever it’s time to get a new pair of shoes as your old one is in poor condition, make sure to pick the right pair of shoes for ballet lessons.

Before buying a new pair of shoes for ballet lessons each time, knowing how to clean them is extremely important for all. Because it helps to save your expenses by reducing the number of pairs you need to purchase each season.

Continue reading to learn more about how to care for different types of ballet shoes.

 

What Are The Procedure To Clean Your Ballet Shoes?

There are various sorts of ballet shoes available in the market and each pair of shoes requires a unique cleaning procedure according to its material. That includes –

Canvas Ballet Shoes

Ballet shoes made of canvas are easier to maintain and clean compared to other types. To wash your pair of shoes in a machine, you only need to apply a gentle detergent for that. Your ballet shoes made of canvas will also require running a cold and gentle cycle.

Once you’ve completed its cleaning steps, you need a clean towel for drying them. Also, keep them far from direct sunlight, which is never recommended for drying ballet shoes. Never use a pair of wet shoes for ballet lessons.

 

Satin Ballet Shoes

Ballet shoes made of satin are extra sensitive, so only need washing by hand. You can either use a gentle or mild detergent for the cleaning of satin ballet shoes. A few drops of detergent mixed with cold water can produce suds to clean your satin shoes for ballet lessons. After that, you need to properly clean your shoes in clear water. Never twist or ring your satin ballet shoes for cleaning.

 

Leather Ballet Shoes

Leather ballet shoes are equally sensitive as satin shoes and require similar washing to get a proper cleaning. You might be able to remove light stains and scuffs with a damp rag on your own because leather is less porous than satin and canvas. You could wish to squirt some detergent into the water you’re using to dip your rag for a deeper clean.

 

Major Tips To Remember Between Washes

Ballet shoes can last longer with the odd deep clean, but too much rigorous cleaning might weaken and split the materials. So, having regular spot cleaning can keep your ballet shoes looking brand new while reducing the number of times you need to do a deep clean of them.

If you want to decrease the odor of your ballet shoes, baking soda is extremely helpful to clean your shoes as well as remove bad odours from them. And so, you need to put a teaspoon of baking soda into each shoe after practice to keep them fresh for longer. This will also assist in absorbing any moisture and getting rid of the smell-causing particles.

Now that you are eager to take ballet dance lessons from highly-experienced instructors, look no further than Distinctive Dance Etc to get enrollment in the next sessions. Helping aspirants of all ages to explore new skills, we are proud to stimulate an environment for kids to have fun. From dancing to gymnastic sessions, we’ve got you all covered with a range of programs as per your interest to acquire extra-curriculum activities.

For more convenience, you can simply visit us at www.distinctivedanceetc.com and join us right now!

 

A Comprehensive Guide To The Best Ballet Music For Kids

Posted on by admin

It’s significant to choose the right music whether you are instructing a children’s ballet lesson or helping your child learn at home. Ballet music for kids can serve as a supportive prompt to remind your child which movements to practice. Most of the best ballet music for kids includes upbeat melodies, so older kids will particularly benefit from classical ballet music for barre practice.

Here we’ve got you covered if you are confused about which ballet music is best for your kid. So, keep on reading with us –

 

What Defines Good Ballet Music For Kids?

If you are conducting a quick search of classical ballet music, you may not get the right music for your child’s entire class. Because some of the CDs contain tunes that aren’t appropriate for kid’s ballet lessons because they were created with teen or adult dancers in mind. Popular ballet tunes can inspire your child to start moving independently. Choosing between slow and energetic songs is a great option when your class is warming up by playing freeze dance or dancing with scarves.

The majority of music is classical and short pieces when it concerns practicing at the barre. When buying CDs for kid’s ballet lessons, you need to select each piece carefully and make sure to download the best ballet tunes.

Some famous ballet tunes, like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker are just ideal for practicing poses, going across the floor, or adagio for floor training after barre. Also, these longer songs are useful for rehearsing short routines that help kids to develop day-by-day.

 

What Music To Play In Ballet Classes?

It’s vital to consider how your ballet class will run ahead of creating your playlist. If you are a responsible parent who is helping your child dance at home, you might want to start by looking at dance class lesson ideas. Ballet dancers might require assistance to shift their attention during warm-up. So, funny tracks with different tempos are perfect for stretching at the time of practice.

To help your dancers remember their stretches during this stage, consider incorporating some nursery rhyme songs. It can be sufficient to play some soothing music in the background while leading stretches in a small circle as part of your warm-up.

Next, barre exercises can be performed to traditional ballet music. Concentrate on music designed for plies, tendus, releves, and rande jambe for young children. Even though these songs won’t be long, you might need to repeat them a few times to get the moves down. For each phase, having two or three options is beneficial.

Longer, more classical ballet compositions can encourage your young dancers to capture more grace in their movements as you progress to centre work. This one is especially useful if you need to dance across the floor since you need a song that is lengthy enough to encompass several rows of two or three dancers. A lengthier song can promote more practice in this area if your child is dancing at home.

You might choose peppy songs from Disney or other artists as your cool-down music. This is excellent for songs of farewell or free movement or for tumbling. We advise concluding each lesson with a little bow or curtsy to a piece of soothing classical music.

 

Choose The Right Ballet Dance Class For Your Kids

In addition to choosing the right ballet tune for kids, there are many other things to consider when getting ready for a ballet lesson for kids. That’s helpful if your children are properly attired for ballet lessons.

Need to take ballet lessons from highly-trained dancers? Distinctive Dance Etc. is an ideal place to stimulate an environment for kids of all ages and enable them to explore new skills. We have arranged a range of programs to match each child’s needs, which you can get enrollment as per your area of interest.

So, feel delighted to dial us at 4019965222 for the details of our admission procedure. Call today!

Top 5 Benefits of Ballet

Posted on by admin

After reaching adulthood, you will possibly enjoy performing enormous activities rather than doing bass-heavy dance tracks. Although dancing is just a perfect physical activity, which offers relaxation and lots of fun to the body. There are even much more ways to stay active, seek relaxation, and maintain your physical aptness, without any embarrassment.

Ballet, this dancing style is a great way to jump-start your classes compared to other dance forms. You might get surprised to learn that your body is working hard while you are sweating in the dance studio. Your body will also perform plenty of workouts if you combine aerobic sessions with muscle toning exercises, without putting it under excessive stress. So, here we are going to underline the best 5 benefits of ballet that also make a great workout routine –

  1. Improve Body Posture

Because we’ve all witnessed the grace and excellent poise of trained ballet dancers, this dance form helps to hold the fitness of the body. Ballet emphasizes to maintain a straight neck, chin up, and shoulders back fit. Being conscious of your position and movements of the body in ballet helps you to overcome that hunch you have been trying to work on.

  1. Muscle Toning And Lengthening

This famous dance style intends upon a significant number of muscle groups in the body. Ballet isn’t just all about legs and feet. But, you will also be working on your arms, abs, and back as you focus on poise and positioning, along with performing several repetitions to properly activate those muscles.

  1. Improves Flexibility of The Body

It takes practice to be flexible throughout the ballet tracks. Your muscles will become accustomed to all these new movements through constant stretching and practice, and they will also be able to apply more force than ever before. Therefore, this dancing style helps to improve the overall flexibility of the body.

  1. Boost Your Attention Power

It’s difficult to lose attention while performing any style of dancing. So, Ballet demands your complete attention since you must pay attention to the movements, what is coming next, and stay active while performing with other students or taking dance lessons from teachers. You can eventually notice an improvement in your attention span as you exercise your mind while concentrating on your physical body. Dancing further helps to eliminate the risk of dementia according to some research reports.

  1. Get Social

At the beginning of ballet lessons, you might sense pretty uncomfortable although it’s quite overwhelming to take ballet lessons from highly-trained dance teachers. Several beginner’s ballet lessons are available to offer everyone an opportunity to sign-up in a relaxed environment and immediately started learning. Taking Ballet lessons has lots of fun to do with your companions as well as with everyone riding in the same boat. To become social and grow your network, it’s a perfect physical activity to sign-up and stay active as always. Once you’re prepared to spend some enjoyable hours in the dancing class with other students, you need to put on your socks and leggings to begin.

Now, looking for the top-ranked institute to take Ballet lessons? Then, Distinctive Dance Etc is your ideal match providing a stimulating environment for students of all ages to explore and acquire skills while having fun. Located in Greenwood Proper in Warwick, DDE has a range of programs to match each child’s needs to take dance lessons. Feel delighted to get in touch with our certified institutors and visit us at www.distinctivedanceetc.com right now!

 

Top 6 Questions to Ask a Ballet Instructor Before Your Very First Lesson

Posted on by admin

Tens of thousands of girls who have been studying ballet for years decide each year not to pursue a career as a professional dancer in favor of moving on with their lives. They could choose to do this for a variety of reasons. One of them is failing to find the right ballet instructor. Even while it might not appear as critical in the beginning, those initial impressions of ballet, as seen through the eyes of a skilled instructor, are really vital.

Before enrolling in a ballet class for the first time, read on to learn what inquiries you have to make.

  1. Is ballet your speciality?

Because a depth of knowledge and experience is not necessary at this early stage, some dance instructors provide beginner lessons in a range of genres. You might want to find out what your dancing instructor will bring to the table before joining.

As their studies continue, some pupils don’t mind working with changing teachers. However, when students advance from beginner lessons to intermediate classes, some find it far more comfortable to work with a known, dependable ballet teacher. It is doubtful that the teacher will continue to work with the ballerinas as they grow if they don’t specialize in ballet.

  1. What steps do you take to ensure your students’ safety?

The advantages of ballet are numerous. However, dancers frequently get hip, ankle, and foot ailments. Ballet is physically demanding, and improperly executed routines can put dancers in danger.

A skilled instructor, however, is aware of how to avoid these accidents. Before putting their routines into practice, they make their students warm up. Additionally, they meticulously watch each dancer rectify any errors that can result in stress injuries.

You are probably in excellent hands if a ballet instructor can provide a thoughtful response to this query. You might want to keep looking, though, if it seems as though they’ve never given safety considerations any thought.

  1. How much at-home practice do you encourage?

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. A ballet teacher should be expected to demand that her students practice at home. However, you might want to find out how much time a teacher expects her students to spend practicing at home.

Verify that you have adequate free time to fulfill the instructor’s expectations. For instance, if the school frequently competes, the instructor would likely anticipate that ballet is a top priority for all of her pupils. There may be fewer options for competition for people who don’t have time to train at home.

It’s crucial that you are honest with yourself when you ask this question. Are you only interested in ballet as a pastime, or do you want to take it more seriously? Finding the ideal ballet instructor for your requirements is easier once you know the answer.

  1. How do you measure progress?

It’s likely that your goal in taking ballet classes is to improve over time. As a result, you will require feedback and the opportunity to practice skills and techniques that aren’t coming easily to you.

A certified syllabus is frequently used by ballet instructors to organize their courses. This is a great technique to employ since it allows ballet instructors a chance to establish a standard and gauge each dancer’s development. Individual, constructive feedback and, based on the dancer’s preferences, private sessions should be part of this.

Ballet teachers that just focus on routine instruction rather than the various skills that make up routines may not be progress-oriented. Once more, if ballet is your interest, this might not be a problem. However, you should look for a progress-oriented instructor if you intend to continue ballet through high school and beyond.

  1. What is your cancellation policy?

Many dance studios have a clear cancellation policy that enables students to discontinue their sessions at any time without incurring any fees. Before beginning a new semester of studies, it’s critical to be aware of this alternative. You learn whether or not ballet is a good fit for you as well as whether or not the ballet instructor is the correct fit.

It’s not that the cancellation policy is only designed to protect dancers who change their minds. Sometimes studios run out of money or their key instructors relocate, which can lead to the closure of the entire operation.

You want to be sure that you’ll get a refund for whatever you’ve already paid for in the unlikely event that this occurs.

  1. How much do your classes cost?

Let’s assume that you have responses to your satisfaction for each of the queries we’ve already covered. The last decisive factor is the cost concern.

You must be aware of both your own budget and the kinds of classes you intend to enroll in. Do you wish to enroll in both individual and group lessons? Find out if both are included in the payment schedule or if the cost of individual courses will be much more than you anticipated.

In the end, you want to be sure that everything you desire is within your means. You don’t want to end up paying for stuff you don’t want, though, at the same time.