As many of you probably know, at the end of this year I will have been dancing for ten years. And as I'm sure many of you know too, I have only been en pointe for nearly three years.
I had to do seven years of ballet before I could go anywhere near a pointe shoe.
Why? Well, your feet need the strength before you can put all your weight on them. Plus, you rely a lot on them for your balance.
To make your feet strong for pointe, there are some exercises you can do to help strengthen your feet. I know you would have all heard me say this before, but you have to do lots of releves.
A lot of the work you do at the bar, especially the demi pointe work, is set to help prepare you for your pointe.
It's there to strengthen your feet and ankles so that by the time you reach a grade where you need to dance with pointe shoes, you will be well prepared.
Some other thing you can do to help strengthen your feet for pointe is to do ankle circles every day. Twenty-five on both feet in each direction.
Rolling your arch with a tennis ball also helps. Do it 35 times on each foot. Once with your foot parallel and then with your foot turned out.
If you are wanting to get stronger feet, I hope this post has helped you. If you have any questions or perhaps any other ideas on how to strengthen your feet for pointe, be sure to leave a comment.
Thanks everyone.
Showing posts with label practicing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label practicing. Show all posts
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Keeping Fit During The Holidays
Holidays, ahhhhh how ballerinas look forward to them! A well deserved rest from a hard term's work of dance. It also gives your feet a chance to rest from those stiff pointe shoes.
But don't you worry that you'll get all 'out of shape,' for those few weeks you aren't dancing? Well, here's a plan.
Yes, you obviously deserve that rest. Your body need it, too. It gives you something to look forward to, and a chance for your body to recover. However, you don't want to get all unfit.
For the first week of these holidays, I let myself just sit back and relax. Then it was time to get into action. I strapped my pointe shoes on every day this week, and practiced for about twenty minutes to half an hour.
Now, that's not long or anything, but it keeps your feet in shape, so you don't go downhill during your few weeks off.
Also, I've done a bit of stretching. No more than five or so minutes a day, but it keeps those tendons working, so I can still do whatever I need to when I get back to class next week.
Thanks for reading/commenting, everyone!
P.S:
On the right hand side of my blog, just below this post, I recently created a poll. It is the first of a series of poll. I am wanting to know what you think of my blog (that's what this poll's about), what you want more of on my blog, and so on. Please vote!
So far, only five people have voted. Come on! Please, if you havne't, I encourage you to. This blog is for your benifit, so I want to know what you want more of.
You don't have to have a Google Account to vote, either. It's as easy as just clicking a button.
Thanks again.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Sort Of On Holidays : )
Hi Followers,
I guess that since last Thursday I have sort of been on holidays from ballet. Well, I danced through the holidays, but I've got until Saturday off!
However, I'm going to be very temped to strap my pointe shoes on and do a bit of pointe this afternoon.
I think that I'll also do about an hour of stretching today. You know how you sometimes just get that feeling that you really need to stretch? Well that's how I feel right now!
You know how last time I posted, I said that there was a girl who was dancing with me, just for the holidays? Well, it turns out that she now lives in Alice Springs and is dancing with a company up there!
I felt really privileged to be in a class with somebody dancing at that higher standard, even if it was only for four lessons.
My ballet teacher is really great, too. I know that I have already said this, but she really is. She danced with the Australian Ballet for a few years, then came here and started teaching.
One thing that my teacher said that I really had to work on was, strangely enough, my arms. It's true that when you are doing a hard exercises that your arms/fingers will show it.
My teacher said that when I am working really hard, my thumbs stick up! Then after thirty seconds or so, my arms start to droop, especially in second position.
So, you may thing, well, just change it and do it properly. That's when I've been trying to do, but it's SOOOO hard. You will not believe how hard it is. Like ..... seriously!
I have been working on them in the last four lessons I have had with her, but still, my arms droop all the time!
My teacher said that it's just practice, practice, practice. She game me some pieces of paper to hold between my thumb and palm. That helped, but I'm still working on it. My goal is that by the end of the year to have perfect hands!
Thanks for reading/commenting, everyone! I will be back to post again, soon - I promise!
I guess that since last Thursday I have sort of been on holidays from ballet. Well, I danced through the holidays, but I've got until Saturday off!
However, I'm going to be very temped to strap my pointe shoes on and do a bit of pointe this afternoon.
I think that I'll also do about an hour of stretching today. You know how you sometimes just get that feeling that you really need to stretch? Well that's how I feel right now!
You know how last time I posted, I said that there was a girl who was dancing with me, just for the holidays? Well, it turns out that she now lives in Alice Springs and is dancing with a company up there!
I felt really privileged to be in a class with somebody dancing at that higher standard, even if it was only for four lessons.
My ballet teacher is really great, too. I know that I have already said this, but she really is. She danced with the Australian Ballet for a few years, then came here and started teaching.
One thing that my teacher said that I really had to work on was, strangely enough, my arms. It's true that when you are doing a hard exercises that your arms/fingers will show it.
My teacher said that when I am working really hard, my thumbs stick up! Then after thirty seconds or so, my arms start to droop, especially in second position.
So, you may thing, well, just change it and do it properly. That's when I've been trying to do, but it's SOOOO hard. You will not believe how hard it is. Like ..... seriously!
I have been working on them in the last four lessons I have had with her, but still, my arms droop all the time!
My teacher said that it's just practice, practice, practice. She game me some pieces of paper to hold between my thumb and palm. That helped, but I'm still working on it. My goal is that by the end of the year to have perfect hands!
Thanks for reading/commenting, everyone! I will be back to post again, soon - I promise!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Quick Update
Hey Everyone!
I don't have much time now, but I just want to give everyone a quick update. Well ...... I have a friend who has been doing Tai Chi for the last month, once a week.
This evening, she went to a class. When she came home, I asked her if she could show me some, so she did. It's sort of a cross between martial arts and some sort of dancing. However, it's pretty cool.
She taught me one move, and then something called a "block," or something. Hang on, let me just ask her, she's at my place right now, actually......
Yeah, it's called a "block." - (or a fend.)
Sorry, this is just so random, but I though that, since it is sort of dance related, I ought to share it with you.
Tai chi looks really easy, but when you try it, it is sort of hard. You have to resist, and it takes a lot of strength. *
(At this point, my friend just came into the room and showed me her routine. She's really awesome at it. I think she should video herself doing it, and put it on You Tube.)
Okay, I think I am going to go and practice my new tai chi move. It's awesome.
Thanks all!
I don't have much time now, but I just want to give everyone a quick update. Well ...... I have a friend who has been doing Tai Chi for the last month, once a week.
This evening, she went to a class. When she came home, I asked her if she could show me some, so she did. It's sort of a cross between martial arts and some sort of dancing. However, it's pretty cool.
She taught me one move, and then something called a "block," or something. Hang on, let me just ask her, she's at my place right now, actually......
Yeah, it's called a "block." - (or a fend.)
Sorry, this is just so random, but I though that, since it is sort of dance related, I ought to share it with you.
Tai chi looks really easy, but when you try it, it is sort of hard. You have to resist, and it takes a lot of strength. *
(At this point, my friend just came into the room and showed me her routine. She's really awesome at it. I think she should video herself doing it, and put it on You Tube.)
Okay, I think I am going to go and practice my new tai chi move. It's awesome.
Thanks all!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Last Post For 2010!
HELLO!
Okay ...... Yes, I have been practicing hard for the splits every day for the last 8 days. (I haven't practiced today yet, but right after this I have set some time to.)
I am SO close to doing the splits, it's unbelievable.
I mean, only 8 days ago I decided that I wanted to do the splits, and started practicing.
The other day I went on the internet and looked up "stretches to help you do the splits." I found a website that said "the splits in 6 weeks." I looked harder, six weeks? That's forever. I could do the splits in 1/3 of that time.
So admittedly I can't actually do them, but I wouldn't be surprised if I can do them by tomorrow or the next day! I would be the best Christmas present to myself ever.
I have decided to do "more than the splits."
If you know what I mean.
You don't - do you ..... well, that's understandable, because I am not being very clear. What I am trying to say is, you know how you can look at pictures of people doing the splits, and think to yourself, "Wow, that must hurt," then you look at another picture of somebody else doing the splits and you think, "Wow, that looks so easy."
What makes you think that?
Well, I know!!!!!
If you think "Wow, that must hurt," it is probably because the person in the picture is pushing them self to their very limit to do the splits. So yes, it is hurting them.
If you look at a picture of somebody else doing the splits and think, "Wow, that looks easy, just hang on, I should be able to do them, let me try," it is probably because it is really easy for them to be able to do the splits.
So, how do you make people think, "Wow, that looks so easy," when they look at your picture? Well, you obviously need to not be hurting when you do the splits, and look relaxed and calm, as if nothing is hurting.
"Um, how do you do that?" you may ask. Good question. You have to be able to do more than the splits. That means, perhaps putting a step under one foot, whilst you are doing the splits, to make you stretch even further. Yup, it will hurt, heaps. (Well, I imagine so, I have obviously never done it before.)
Sorry, I am getting really confusing now. Anyway, it basically means that if you want to look good in a picture of you doing the splits, you need to not be straining and looking like you are hurting heaps. So if you can do, "more than the splits," that means when you sit in the splits, it should be really easy and 'hurt free.' If you know what I mean.
If you do not get what I am saying, it is not you, it's me. I'm on holiday at the moment, so my writing skills and decreasing dramatically. Sorry.
Now, what I really need to tell you is that I am not going to be able to update my cute little blog until the very end of January. I know, it's SO sad, but it's SO true.
So, sweet blog, I haven't abandoned you, it's just that I am going to be unable to update you, okay! Poor thing, don't worry, I promise that I will come back.
Okay, I really need to go now, everybody. Thanks so much for all your support this year since I started my blog. I mean, a blog wouldn't be a blog without followers, would it?
I hope everybody has a very
I will be back again at the end of January! Thanks again, everybody, and Merry Christmas!
Okay ...... Yes, I have been practicing hard for the splits every day for the last 8 days. (I haven't practiced today yet, but right after this I have set some time to.)
I am SO close to doing the splits, it's unbelievable.
I mean, only 8 days ago I decided that I wanted to do the splits, and started practicing.
The other day I went on the internet and looked up "stretches to help you do the splits." I found a website that said "the splits in 6 weeks." I looked harder, six weeks? That's forever. I could do the splits in 1/3 of that time.
So admittedly I can't actually do them, but I wouldn't be surprised if I can do them by tomorrow or the next day! I would be the best Christmas present to myself ever.
I have decided to do "more than the splits."
If you know what I mean.
You don't - do you ..... well, that's understandable, because I am not being very clear. What I am trying to say is, you know how you can look at pictures of people doing the splits, and think to yourself, "Wow, that must hurt," then you look at another picture of somebody else doing the splits and you think, "Wow, that looks so easy."
What makes you think that?
Well, I know!!!!!
If you think "Wow, that must hurt," it is probably because the person in the picture is pushing them self to their very limit to do the splits. So yes, it is hurting them.
If you look at a picture of somebody else doing the splits and think, "Wow, that looks easy, just hang on, I should be able to do them, let me try," it is probably because it is really easy for them to be able to do the splits.
So, how do you make people think, "Wow, that looks so easy," when they look at your picture? Well, you obviously need to not be hurting when you do the splits, and look relaxed and calm, as if nothing is hurting.
"Um, how do you do that?" you may ask. Good question. You have to be able to do more than the splits. That means, perhaps putting a step under one foot, whilst you are doing the splits, to make you stretch even further. Yup, it will hurt, heaps. (Well, I imagine so, I have obviously never done it before.)
Sorry, I am getting really confusing now. Anyway, it basically means that if you want to look good in a picture of you doing the splits, you need to not be straining and looking like you are hurting heaps. So if you can do, "more than the splits," that means when you sit in the splits, it should be really easy and 'hurt free.' If you know what I mean.
If you do not get what I am saying, it is not you, it's me. I'm on holiday at the moment, so my writing skills and decreasing dramatically. Sorry.
Now, what I really need to tell you is that I am not going to be able to update my cute little blog until the very end of January. I know, it's SO sad, but it's SO true.
So, sweet blog, I haven't abandoned you, it's just that I am going to be unable to update you, okay! Poor thing, don't worry, I promise that I will come back.
Okay, I really need to go now, everybody. Thanks so much for all your support this year since I started my blog. I mean, a blog wouldn't be a blog without followers, would it?
I hope everybody has a very
MERRY
CHRISTMAS
AND
A
HAPPY
NEW
YEAR!
I will be back again at the end of January! Thanks again, everybody, and Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Knowing When To "STOP" Moving Forward
As we all know, Julia Gillard is trying to get everybody to "Move Forward." As a proud Australian, I want to do what our Prime Minister says. Unfortunately, that can't always be the case.
For example, with the splits. So you see, the other day, I decided that I wanted to be able to do the splits by next week. I practiced, practiced and practiced.
Not just doing the splits, but doing many other exercises that will help be get there faster. In the last 4 days I have practiced for at least one hour per day - Just exercises to do the splits.
Last night, I noticed that my legs were starting to hurt - just a tiny bit, hardly noticeable at all. Before I went to bed, I rubbed Voltare all over my legs and lower back.
I decided that a good night's sleep and Voltare rubbed all over my self would do the trick.
This morning when I got up, I noticed that the slight bit of pain had completely disappeared. ha ha - Well I though it had.
Anyway, we went out to watch my bro play cricket this morning, so I spent about 3 hours just sitting. This was GREAT - it gave my muscles a chance to relax even more.
However, when we got home, I though it a good idea to go and practice, after all - the pain was all gone, wasn't it? I practiced for about 15 minutes, then went and had lunch. After lunch, I came back and practiced, practiced, practiced.
By the end of it, my legs were actually very sore. I went and had a break, then came back and did more, more, more! Yes ..... you guessed it, I came out with my legs shaking, and feeling like all the muscles in them had been ripped to pieces.
So, what I am trying to say is, whatever you are doing, whether it is practicing for the splits, or anything else, we all need to know when to "STOP." You see, I could decided to go and do another two hours practice, and by the end of it, I probably would be VERY near to my goal.
However, in the process, I could end up really injuring my self.
So my advice to anybody who had got a goal is ..... Yes, practice, practice, practice, but you must remember that there is a time when we all have to stop moving forward (not for long, just until our bodies have rested), rub some voltaren on yourself and have a good rest.
Thanks for reading/commenting guys!
For example, with the splits. So you see, the other day, I decided that I wanted to be able to do the splits by next week. I practiced, practiced and practiced.
Not just doing the splits, but doing many other exercises that will help be get there faster. In the last 4 days I have practiced for at least one hour per day - Just exercises to do the splits.
Last night, I noticed that my legs were starting to hurt - just a tiny bit, hardly noticeable at all. Before I went to bed, I rubbed Voltare all over my legs and lower back.
I decided that a good night's sleep and Voltare rubbed all over my self would do the trick.
This morning when I got up, I noticed that the slight bit of pain had completely disappeared. ha ha - Well I though it had.
Anyway, we went out to watch my bro play cricket this morning, so I spent about 3 hours just sitting. This was GREAT - it gave my muscles a chance to relax even more.
However, when we got home, I though it a good idea to go and practice, after all - the pain was all gone, wasn't it? I practiced for about 15 minutes, then went and had lunch. After lunch, I came back and practiced, practiced, practiced.
By the end of it, my legs were actually very sore. I went and had a break, then came back and did more, more, more! Yes ..... you guessed it, I came out with my legs shaking, and feeling like all the muscles in them had been ripped to pieces.
So, what I am trying to say is, whatever you are doing, whether it is practicing for the splits, or anything else, we all need to know when to "STOP." You see, I could decided to go and do another two hours practice, and by the end of it, I probably would be VERY near to my goal.
However, in the process, I could end up really injuring my self.
So my advice to anybody who had got a goal is ..... Yes, practice, practice, practice, but you must remember that there is a time when we all have to stop moving forward (not for long, just until our bodies have rested), rub some voltaren on yourself and have a good rest.
Thanks for reading/commenting guys!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
100 mph!
Well ...... it has been busy lately, so that's the reason I haven't been able to update my blog for quite a while.
Let me think .... when was the last time I updated. I think it was the, hang on, perhaps the the Wednesday after last. Well, heaps has happened since then.
I had a one hour class with the grade 3's last Monday, then my own one hour class.
On Tuesday I we had extra lessons, so I was helping teaching for 40 Mins (20- Mins primary and 20 Mins grade 2), and then I had a lesson with the grade 3's again for 20 minutes.
Wednesday was normal classes. Did I mention that since Monday last week we have been at the venue for the concert? We have been able to practice on stage heaps. Even though it isn't a massive stage, it is still a good enough to fit everyone on comfortably enough.
I had to miss Friday's ballet class, but I was back Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Right now I am supposed to be in the middle of a class, but, due to a sore throat and headaches, I decided to miss it.
My Mom said that it would be better to rest than go to ballet, because I don't want to be sick on the day of the concert. I mean .... Wow - would just suck!!!
Anyway, because of all this dancing I have been doing (a lot of it on pointe), my feet are pretty sore and blistered. I guess that's just what happens when you stand on your toes for hours on end. Ooh well ......
The good thing is, though. Because I have been doing all this pointe work for the concert, I have noticed that my pointe in just usual classes has really improved.
Practicing more really does work.
One thing my Mom told me to put on my blisters was ...... Vitamin E oil. It is really thick and smells disgusting, but it works! Just apply it twice a day and your blisters will disappear.
I had one blister that just would not go away.
When I started using Vitamin E oil, it almost disappeared immediately. Try it ..... if you have blisters.
Okay, I think that I had better go and cut my toe nails. They are really long and need snipping off before the concert. Only 3 Days and 22 hours away! YAY
Thanks for reading/commenting
P.S: My teacher gave me my costume to take home the other day. Sorry, I have been really slack and haven't taken a picture yet. I will ..... I promise, and put it onto my blog.
Let me think .... when was the last time I updated. I think it was the, hang on, perhaps the the Wednesday after last. Well, heaps has happened since then.
I had a one hour class with the grade 3's last Monday, then my own one hour class.
On Tuesday I we had extra lessons, so I was helping teaching for 40 Mins (20- Mins primary and 20 Mins grade 2), and then I had a lesson with the grade 3's again for 20 minutes.
Wednesday was normal classes. Did I mention that since Monday last week we have been at the venue for the concert? We have been able to practice on stage heaps. Even though it isn't a massive stage, it is still a good enough to fit everyone on comfortably enough.
I had to miss Friday's ballet class, but I was back Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Right now I am supposed to be in the middle of a class, but, due to a sore throat and headaches, I decided to miss it.
My Mom said that it would be better to rest than go to ballet, because I don't want to be sick on the day of the concert. I mean .... Wow - would just suck!!!
Anyway, because of all this dancing I have been doing (a lot of it on pointe), my feet are pretty sore and blistered. I guess that's just what happens when you stand on your toes for hours on end. Ooh well ......
The good thing is, though. Because I have been doing all this pointe work for the concert, I have noticed that my pointe in just usual classes has really improved.
Practicing more really does work.
One thing my Mom told me to put on my blisters was ...... Vitamin E oil. It is really thick and smells disgusting, but it works! Just apply it twice a day and your blisters will disappear.
I had one blister that just would not go away.
When I started using Vitamin E oil, it almost disappeared immediately. Try it ..... if you have blisters.
Okay, I think that I had better go and cut my toe nails. They are really long and need snipping off before the concert. Only 3 Days and 22 hours away! YAY
Thanks for reading/commenting
P.S: My teacher gave me my costume to take home the other day. Sorry, I have been really slack and haven't taken a picture yet. I will ..... I promise, and put it onto my blog.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
This Week, Pointe Shoes, And Books!
Hi everyone!
In the last 3 days, I have picked up 2 NEW FOLLOWERS! I am SO excited, now I have 7 followers - I feel so popular. ha ha. I know it's not a lot compared to most blogs, but it's still really exciting each time I get a new follower.
I just got home from two hours of ballet. First up I was teaching half of the primary class their "pig," dance.
Although they can be really disruptive and naughty at times, they are also really cute and fun to hang out with.
My teacher has split the primary class up into two groups, so I am taking one.
My teacher also split the grade 2 class up into two groups. I am taking the "cats." They are also really good fun to hang out with, despite their occasionally misbehaviour.
I really enjoy hanging out with all of the students.
My dance as "Peter," is going okay. I am SO thankful for the new pointes. I would NEVER have been able to do the kind of stuff I am doing at the moment if I didn't have them.
The pointes that I had before (the bad ones) were the "BLOCH," brand name. As much as I love BLOCH, I wouldn't suggest their pointe shoes.
However, my new pointes (the amazing ones) are the "European Balance," ones. I highly recommend them if you are going to get a new set of pointes. They are so comfortable and easy to pointe and balance in - just AMAZING!
Anyway, at ballet today I really felt like I was improving.
I haven't felt like that in the last few months, but finally I felt like I was actually keeping my balance, pointing my toes hard, and getting right off the ground in the Allegro.
Perhaps all the practice has started to catch up ......... ?
Guess what ...... because it was my birthday on Monday (finally I turned 14), my teacher gave me the book "Mao's last dancer." It was really nice of her to give me a present for my birthday.
"Mao's last dancer," is a great book! I had talked to my teacher about it in class one day, she said she had read it and really enjoyed it.
I started the book last night and was hooked from the first page. I can't wait until tonight, when I can read, read, read, read read!
Okay, I think I need to go and get out of my leotard and give it a wash. I haven't washed it for about two week, and with all the sweating I do ..... it's starting to stink!
Have a great week!
In the last 3 days, I have picked up 2 NEW FOLLOWERS! I am SO excited, now I have 7 followers - I feel so popular. ha ha. I know it's not a lot compared to most blogs, but it's still really exciting each time I get a new follower.
I just got home from two hours of ballet. First up I was teaching half of the primary class their "pig," dance.
Although they can be really disruptive and naughty at times, they are also really cute and fun to hang out with.
My teacher has split the primary class up into two groups, so I am taking one.
My teacher also split the grade 2 class up into two groups. I am taking the "cats." They are also really good fun to hang out with, despite their occasionally misbehaviour.
I really enjoy hanging out with all of the students.
My dance as "Peter," is going okay. I am SO thankful for the new pointes. I would NEVER have been able to do the kind of stuff I am doing at the moment if I didn't have them.
The pointes that I had before (the bad ones) were the "BLOCH," brand name. As much as I love BLOCH, I wouldn't suggest their pointe shoes.
However, my new pointes (the amazing ones) are the "European Balance," ones. I highly recommend them if you are going to get a new set of pointes. They are so comfortable and easy to pointe and balance in - just AMAZING!
Anyway, at ballet today I really felt like I was improving.
I haven't felt like that in the last few months, but finally I felt like I was actually keeping my balance, pointing my toes hard, and getting right off the ground in the Allegro.
Perhaps all the practice has started to catch up ......... ?
Guess what ...... because it was my birthday on Monday (finally I turned 14), my teacher gave me the book "Mao's last dancer." It was really nice of her to give me a present for my birthday.
"Mao's last dancer," is a great book! I had talked to my teacher about it in class one day, she said she had read it and really enjoyed it.
I started the book last night and was hooked from the first page. I can't wait until tonight, when I can read, read, read, read read!
Okay, I think I need to go and get out of my leotard and give it a wash. I haven't washed it for about two week, and with all the sweating I do ..... it's starting to stink!
Have a great week!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Cute Costumes
At Ballet classes this week we have actually hardly done any practice for the concert.
My teacher asked me to come half and hour earlier to ballet this Monday, so I could practice my dancing with the grade 3's.
I (obviously) did. We practiced the dances for the concert then, but haven't done anymore work for it so far.
However, my teacher gave me a photocopy of the steps for the dance, so I can practice at home by myself.
I did that today, but got confused with one bit. In the end I worked it out - I think.
Yesterday, whilst helping my teacher out with the grade 2's, I took the two boys and got started on their dance with them. (They are lions)
That gave my teacher some time to go over some dancers with the girls.
I also got my first sight of the "bee" and "pig" consumes yesterday. We have divided the primary girls up into two groups (in fact, we have also divided the grade two girls up into two groups as well), one group being bees and the other pigs.
The costumes are SO cute. I almost wish I could fit into them.
Although, I guess, my costume (well, the part that we have of it - we've only got the skirt. ha ha) is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!
I can't wait for the rehearsals to start so I can wear it! I will have to take a picture of it an "blog it" so everyone can see!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Intermediate Foundation Ballet
Hi again! Sorry I haven't updated for a while.
I have got being upset and angry with myself about my exam marks, but I haven't changed my mind to practice at home.
Unfortunately I have only practiced once in the last week. ha ha - I feel really bad about that.
Straight after this I am going to go and practice.
What I have managed to do it ride 66 km on the exercise bike in three days and walk up and down our drive about a million times (it's quite long, too).
Yesterday I was practicing my arabesque with my leg up on the window-sill and up on demi pointe. I think it set my back off, because now it is really sore and in spasm. Sigh!
It won't stop me practicing right after this, though!
(As I sit here writing this, my brother is watching me - irrrrr. He wants me to write about him. When I asked him what he wanted me to say about him, he just said "Just say that I am a very talented ballet dancer." ha ha)
You know what, I just noticed that since I started intermediate, I haven't really written about it at all.
However, it is going well. The new pointes are AMAZING! I fell like I can do anything on them. I just with that I could have had them before the exam.
Most of the exercises on demi pointe are really hard, but, as I have said before, It is good to be able to do something new!
I have got being upset and angry with myself about my exam marks, but I haven't changed my mind to practice at home.
Unfortunately I have only practiced once in the last week. ha ha - I feel really bad about that.
Straight after this I am going to go and practice.
What I have managed to do it ride 66 km on the exercise bike in three days and walk up and down our drive about a million times (it's quite long, too).
Yesterday I was practicing my arabesque with my leg up on the window-sill and up on demi pointe. I think it set my back off, because now it is really sore and in spasm. Sigh!
It won't stop me practicing right after this, though!
(As I sit here writing this, my brother is watching me - irrrrr. He wants me to write about him. When I asked him what he wanted me to say about him, he just said "Just say that I am a very talented ballet dancer." ha ha)
You know what, I just noticed that since I started intermediate, I haven't really written about it at all.
However, it is going well. The new pointes are AMAZING! I fell like I can do anything on them. I just with that I could have had them before the exam.
Most of the exercises on demi pointe are really hard, but, as I have said before, It is good to be able to do something new!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
By The End Of The Month, I Will Have Done My Exam!!!
Because I missed ballet on Wednesday, I decided to practice today.
I went into our study, got into pants that I could actually move in (I had jeans on at the time), put my ballet shoes on, and started.
I did all the barr and was really impressed to see that I could do demi grands ronds de jambe without my leg clunking half way through. Once I realised this, I couldn't stop doing it.
One thing I REALLY need to work on is the splits. I can't do them. Once when I was in grade 2 I could almost get down there, but now that I have stopped practicing, I obviously can't do it.
I put on the music to the adage and stretched and stretched and stretched. By the end of it I felt like I had had a very good workout.
Tomorow it is ballet. I have decided that no matter what state I am in, I will go. It is too close to the exam not to.
When I just then wrote "too close to the exam" I just realised that by the end of the month, my exam well be finished.....IT IS AUGUST, I WILL HAVE DONE MY EXAM BY THE END OF THE MONTH!
I went into our study, got into pants that I could actually move in (I had jeans on at the time), put my ballet shoes on, and started.
I did all the barr and was really impressed to see that I could do demi grands ronds de jambe without my leg clunking half way through. Once I realised this, I couldn't stop doing it.
One thing I REALLY need to work on is the splits. I can't do them. Once when I was in grade 2 I could almost get down there, but now that I have stopped practicing, I obviously can't do it.
I put on the music to the adage and stretched and stretched and stretched. By the end of it I felt like I had had a very good workout.
Tomorow it is ballet. I have decided that no matter what state I am in, I will go. It is too close to the exam not to.
When I just then wrote "too close to the exam" I just realised that by the end of the month, my exam well be finished.....IT IS AUGUST, I WILL HAVE DONE MY EXAM BY THE END OF THE MONTH!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
This Is Not An Excuse.......
This probably sounds like an excuse for not practicing, but it's not.
Yesterday, while I was playing our piano, my back started to spasm really badly. I managed to get up and go sit on a proper chair, until the spasm had finished.
It went on for a while and then the stopped. However, it left my back REALLY sore.
I made myself a hot water bottle and a glass of fizzy apple juice, then lay down with the hottie on my back and watched 'the gods must be crazy.'
When I went to bed, by back was starting to feel quite good, but when I woke up this morning, it was another story.
It was so stiff I could hardly move. I hobbled to the bathroom and had a very hot shower. Then my mom rubbed voltaren on it and gave me some neurofen. I ate breakfast then lay next to our dog by the fire with a hot water bottle on my back.
I finally managed to get up an come to the computer to explain why I couldn't practice to all of my readers. Hopefully my back will be better by ballet on Monday.
Yesterday, while I was playing our piano, my back started to spasm really badly. I managed to get up and go sit on a proper chair, until the spasm had finished.
It went on for a while and then the stopped. However, it left my back REALLY sore.
I made myself a hot water bottle and a glass of fizzy apple juice, then lay down with the hottie on my back and watched 'the gods must be crazy.'
When I went to bed, by back was starting to feel quite good, but when I woke up this morning, it was another story.
It was so stiff I could hardly move. I hobbled to the bathroom and had a very hot shower. Then my mom rubbed voltaren on it and gave me some neurofen. I ate breakfast then lay next to our dog by the fire with a hot water bottle on my back.
I finally managed to get up an come to the computer to explain why I couldn't practice to all of my readers. Hopefully my back will be better by ballet on Monday.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Smelly Hands!
I am very puffed and tired out because I have just finished practicing. I didn't injure myself at all today, now that's an inprovement!
The reason I decided to practice my ballet today, was because my hands smelt of chook poo -yep, chook poo!
You see, I had taken a little kid that we were looking after for walk to our chicken shed to collect eggs. He bent down and pick up some lovley fresh poo. (If I hadn't stopped him, I think he would have put it in his mouth - he's still very young)
I had to wash all the poo off his hands while he riggeled and cried. I, of course got the poo all over my own ones, too.
No matter how much I washed my hands with soap, lemon, hand cream, perfume and more soap, they still stunk. To take my mind off the terrible smell, I did my ballet. It worked, my hands don't smell anymore, (the stink must have just oozed in) and I got a good workout.
It seems almost GOOD that I got chook poo on my hands!
The reason I decided to practice my ballet today, was because my hands smelt of chook poo -yep, chook poo!
You see, I had taken a little kid that we were looking after for walk to our chicken shed to collect eggs. He bent down and pick up some lovley fresh poo. (If I hadn't stopped him, I think he would have put it in his mouth - he's still very young)
I had to wash all the poo off his hands while he riggeled and cried. I, of course got the poo all over my own ones, too.
No matter how much I washed my hands with soap, lemon, hand cream, perfume and more soap, they still stunk. To take my mind off the terrible smell, I did my ballet. It worked, my hands don't smell anymore, (the stink must have just oozed in) and I got a good workout.
It seems almost GOOD that I got chook poo on my hands!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
First Open Day as a Helper!
Hi everyone!
At ballet yesterday, it was open day for the classes that I help out with. I have only been helping for a term, so this was my first open day as a helper - Yes, I was pretty nervous.
It wasn't too bad, actually, after I realised that I didn't have to look at all the moms and dads, but just concentrait on the students. After all, if was only for fifteen minutes at the end of each class (two classes in total)!
By the end of the second class, I had almost forgotten that anyone was watching me.
In my own class, we did some of the intermediate (the grade above). It wasn't too hard, but from other intermediate excerscises I have done this term - I know it gets harder!
However, my pointe work (excerscises from the grade I am in at the moment) was really great, at least I thought it was.
I didn't realise until the end of class, that my Dad had actualy come in and was sitting, watching me doing pointe from the corner.
I was really happy about this, too, because he can then see that my pointe work isn't always as bad as it was on open day - even though he says he cant' tell the difference.
It is now holidays, so my teacher has lent me a DVD so I can have excerscises to do. I have decided to do them twice a week - that is, if i remember........
At ballet yesterday, it was open day for the classes that I help out with. I have only been helping for a term, so this was my first open day as a helper - Yes, I was pretty nervous.
It wasn't too bad, actually, after I realised that I didn't have to look at all the moms and dads, but just concentrait on the students. After all, if was only for fifteen minutes at the end of each class (two classes in total)!
By the end of the second class, I had almost forgotten that anyone was watching me.
In my own class, we did some of the intermediate (the grade above). It wasn't too hard, but from other intermediate excerscises I have done this term - I know it gets harder!
However, my pointe work (excerscises from the grade I am in at the moment) was really great, at least I thought it was.
I didn't realise until the end of class, that my Dad had actualy come in and was sitting, watching me doing pointe from the corner.
I was really happy about this, too, because he can then see that my pointe work isn't always as bad as it was on open day - even though he says he cant' tell the difference.
It is now holidays, so my teacher has lent me a DVD so I can have excerscises to do. I have decided to do them twice a week - that is, if i remember........
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