Beginning Pointe Class: What to Expect

Although every teacher is different, the goals of the introductory pointe class are similar no matter where you dance. These goals include strengthening the feet and ankles, breaking in the pointe shoes, and learning proper execution of skills while wearing pointe shoes.

To strengthen the feet, your teacher may instruct in a variety of methods including demi-pointe work, exercises for the feet and ankles, and basic releves at the barre. Instruction may also be given for additional work that can be done outside of class to help you gain strength and skill.

Breaking in pointe shoes is simply the wording used to describe taking the shoe from its initial factory condition to where it is conformed to the shape of your foot. This may include some work with your shoe in hand softening hard spots and bending the shank. I highly suggest waiting for a teachers instruction before bending, softening, or attempting to break in the shoes. Doing so on your own may permanently damage or improperly break in the shoes.

In addition to manually softening the shoes, your feet will serve as your greatest break in tool. Simply doing releves will do much to help the shoes mould to your feet. Again, be careful about doing too much outside of your teachers watchful eye. Doing steps incorrectly in pointe shoes may cause the shoes to break in improperly or lead to an injury.

Lastly, a basic pointe class will include barre work and eventually center work doing the steps you already know. Plies, releves, tendus, jetes, and other basic technical steps will help you learn placement, understand positioning, and gain strength as you develop your pointe skills.

In an introductory pointe class, you may find yourself spending only a few minutes actually dancing in the shoes. Do not be alarmed. It takes dedication and time over the course of many months and years to develop a strong pointe technique. You will gain strength, increase grace, and expand your dancing horizons as you begin pointe. There will be blisters, frustration, and pain, but the beauty of the dance will always make it worthwhile!

Jenny Pemberton is a dance teacher and owner of Dance to You, Inc. an online dancewear discount retail shop. She has a passion for the arts and enjoys passing along her love of dance to future generations.

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Learn to Dance - An Exciting New Era of Learn to Dance at Home is Evolving

An Exciting new series of Learn to Dance instructional videos which has encouraged learn to dance and fitness is rapidly being recognized. In an era poorly populated with "well being and healthy culture" dancing is an exciting innovation to lifestyle. It provides fitness with friendship and a new outlook in life.

Cha cha is a dance of the Latin American vogue of ballroom dancing where it is has become known as Cha Cha. In general Cha cha is a charismatic dance and a joy to watch. Inspired by television programs like Dancing with the Stars the ChaCha and other forms of dancing are now being learn in the home.

Rumba is another of the dances. American style rumba is characterized by the hip movement arising from the bending and straightening of the knee. Rumba is a sensual Latin dance, It is considered erotic for its hip movement and relatively slow rhythm. It is a slower dance and perhaps that is what adds sensuality.

Tango. The complex figures of this style became the basis for the style of Tango seen in the touring stage shows. The dance was simplified and adapted to the preferences of conventional ballroom dancers. Most Dance Instructors recognize that lessons needed to be easy to learn and the new methods have captured the true spirit of the dance.

Salsa. The dance steps currently being danced to salsa music come from the "Son" but were influenced by many other Cuban dances such as Mambo. Solo salsa steps are called "Shines." Salsa can be an improvised dance, taking any form the interpreter wishes. The free flowing pattens of salsa add a sexy feel to this ever popular dance.

The waltz has been danced for centuries in many forms. It has evolved to be a dance of grace and elegance. The Waltz is recognized as smooth and graceful dance and it is characterized primarily by its rise & fall action. The Waltz has a unique freedom of expression, including the ability to showcase character and theatrical presentation.

Samba. The festive mood and style of the dance fits most of today's popular music. Samba is a fun dance that has kept popular to this day. The dance can go from average to a very fast pace. The dancer simply follows the beat of the music whilst an Instructor adds easy moves and technique depending on the mood of the music.

Foxtrot is a universal and social dance and may be danced to wide range of music. Unlike slow Foxtrot, it is easy to learn and can be danced on a crowded dance floor. It is seen as one of the great social dances and can be danced to medium and fast music tempo's. The ease of learning is wonderfully expressed by any would be dancer.

Jive was introduced to competitions in 1968 as the fifth dance in the latin section. Jive is characterized by its upbeat tempo. It is an energetic dance with dance steps taking in the triple step, one set forward and the other set back. The introduction of unique step-by-step learning has made this vibrant dance an easy dance to learn.

In conclusion, Dance Schools and Professional Dance Coaches have provided innovative and complimentary new methods to the art of learning to dance. New techniques are available for people to learn to dance at home. There is hours of fun that will combine cardiac and physical fitness with the joy of dance.

Subscribe for Free Video Clips of eight new Learn to Dance at home DvD lessons and Learn to Dance with Louis Van Amstel of Dancing with the Stars Fame.

Alan (AL) Smith is an Australian dancer and is working to distribute the collection worldwide from his website LearnToDanceDvD.blogspot.com

AL believes that learning in the home is a pleasant way to surprise friends with a new found talent.

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