Ballet Moves

Ballet is one of the most graceful and elegant styles of dance one can perform. Whilst it may look dainty and effortless, projecting that facade is both physically demanding, and requires great discipline.

There are many, many different ballet moves, each requiring time, effort, and discipline to master. But mastery of the many ballet moves isn't just about learning the moves, but also perfecting the execution of each move. Poise and grace are valued above all in ballet, so be aware that you won't be simply judged on your technical ability, but also your ability to flow whilst performing some of the most difficult ballet moves.

According to wikipedia, Ballet originated in France in the 16th and 17th centuries. As such, many of the terms used in ballet are of French origin, which can also make it difficult when you want to memorise the different types of ballet moves.

During practice, in a teaching studio, you will either spend your time at the barre, or in the center floor. Many of the training exercises revolve around repetition of the moves with proper form, with your teacher correcting you as you repeat each move and position, flexibility exercises to help you execute your moves more effectively, and conditioning exercises.

Quite often you'll find ballerina's are deceptively strong, given their slight frames, and this is due to the extensive training they do, especially to be able to perform en pointe (which just means on your tippy-toes).

So if you're wishing to learn more about the different ballet moves, keep an eye on this hub as I update it with lessons and articles from around the web.

Also feel free to share your own experiences in the comment section below. I'd love feedback, especially if you have a specific request for an article I could help improve your knowledge with.

Fantastic as a lower body workout (try doing it for an hour and you'll know what I mean), and helping you increase your skill as a ballet dancer, is the Demi-Plie (pronounced Demi-PLEE-Ay). Mastery of this, and other ballet moves, will have you well on your way to becoming the next Prima Ballerina of your dance school.

Demi-Plie, translated, means "little bend", and is one of the more elegant ballet moves. If you're interested in boosting your ballet skills, then understanding and utilizing this move is a must.

Remember that ballet is a graceful and seamless discipline, so try to be as fluid as possible when performing this move.

First, stand with your back to the ballet barre, and place one arm on the barre.

Now, with your heels together, you will need to turn your feet out. The further you can turn your feet out the better, but if you're just starting out, making a V with your feet will suffice for now (you'll want to work on getting your feet to turn out to make a straight line eventually - it can take a little time to reach this point, so don't worry if you're not there yet).

So at this point, your back is to the barre, with one arm on the barre, and your feet are turned out as far as comfortably possible for you.

Now it's time to perform the more elegant of the ballet moves: the demi-plie.

To do this from the position you are already in, you just simply bend your knees to lower your body, making sure that your knees stay in line with your feet (think of it like you're elegantly squatting but with your knees and feet pointed out to your sides)

Remember that it's not necessary to go all the way down, but you always want to make sure that your heels are together the whole time.

Now, as you lower your body, delicately raise your free arm in an upwards motion, giving the illusion that you're floating, and then extend your arm away from your body until it is at shoulder height. It is not necessary to stiffen your arm, just keep it slightly bent and soft so that it looks as though it is floating in the air; you're not trying to "do the robot" here.

Lowering your raised arm, and standing back up, you have just performed your first of many demi-plie's: congratulations!

It may not be so effortless at first, but after a little practice you'll find it much easier. And if you practice this move for a little more than a week, you'll find yourself performing the demi-plie to perfection every time, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a master of all ballet moves in no time.