Ballet, Dance, and my “Pointe” of View on the Ideal Dancer

          Many young girls view ballet dance in a romantic way. They envision
tiaras and tutus with dancers on  “Pointe” (on their toes). They often earn the
opportunity to perform roles like “Clara” in the Nutcracker or “princess Aurora”
in Sleeping Beauty but that is a long way from where they begin.

          Most young girls start ballet classes once a week but those who love to dance--who have the passion and drive--are the ones who eventually dance on “Pointe.” These determined young girls usually make a deliberate commitment to dance. They step up their training to several classroom hours per week. During this time they strengthen their stance, legs, ankles, feet, develop core strength and acquire an in depth understanding of how to use their turn out. They become proficient in dance vocabulary, learning most terms in French. They study music and learn the associated musical terms necessary to understand and potentially become quite accomplished. While men and boys do not usually dance on their toes, they undergo similar strengthening that produces an athletic “training effect.”

          Many dancers learn and develop an interest in dance history, costuming, theatrical arts and in multiple styles of dance. Some undertake the training essential to become classroom and rehearsal assistants cultivating long term friendships and leadership skills.

          I teach ballet from a “wellness” point of view. My ideal dancer is much more than a gifted artist who performs. What I envision for them is the opportunity to learn all of this while becoming healthy athletes who are meticulous about developing good habits. 

          According to Aristotle,  “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Developing good eating habits, good sleeping habits, and exceptional memory skills are just some of the benefits of dancing strong. We need these habits to be excellent dancers for any length of time and I have been around long enough to know.

          When I founded Dance Theatre Northwest, I not only envisioned a corps of healthy intelligent dancers who were free from the drama of the frequently taught  “no pain no gain” philosophy but I also dreamed of these precious lessons and their benefits overflowing to their family members, friends and eventually affecting the entire community in a positive way.

          At age five I dreamed of being princess Aurora too. By age ten I also wanted to be a choreographer. By age fifteen I saw that it would require discipline and hard work to become a professional dancer and at twenty I also imagined one day becoming a great teacher but it was not until I was almost thirty that I started to see what dance had really done for me.

          Ballet Master and co-founder of the San Francisco Ballet, Harold Christensen, used to say that one dance lesson was better than none, that ten was better than one, a hundred better than ten and so forth. He also used to romanticize the movements giving examples of situations that would make the discipline so appealing that it was irresistible. I was only thirteen when I began training with him but it has always been my belief that he was sincere and spot-on. His enthusiasm for expression and line was my delight.

          Many other great teachers contributed and through my passion for ballet I acquired discipline. I learned it would take a healthy strong body and mind to realize any and all of those dreams but through all of it, I also received many gifts that I hadn’t foreseen. Good health, the opportunity to create and the opportunity to serve while having more fun than I ever dreamed are just some of them. Being inspired while inspiring others, being able to appreciate and to share in being part of something bigger than yourself, and being part of many others lives and their dreams make it more. The mind body connection is infallible. Being happy starts with being well. Being well is key to being free. Being able to avoid health obstacles fosters spiritual development and supports mental clarity and focus.

          Dance is a gift that never stops giving. With these strengths every day is better than the day before. I actively and openly encourage everyone to try dance. I advocate it not just for its beauty and grace or to reach the goal of getting on “Pointe” but for its ability to touch lives, to create joy and to build a healthier lifestyle. Anyone can become a strong healthy dancer and there are many alternatives to ballet but the choice to support it, experience it, enjoy it, take part and learn from it begins with you.