You have probably heard that ballet is one of the most important dance classes to take! This is true because ballet is the foundation of all technical dance forms. Ballet shows up in every style of dance. The more a student studies ballet, the more that student progresses, excels, and flourishes in every other style of dance. For example, if a dancer wants to be the best jazz dancer, they must also take group ballet.
History of Ballet
Ballet is the foundation, it is a form of classic academic dancing based on the 17th century; originally descended from court dances. Movement in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and modern derive from the five positions of the feet created in ballet. To master those positions and movement one must take group ballet to be able to apply it to the other styles of dance.
Ballet Creates A Solid Foundation
Ballet is also the most demanding, most disciplined of all styles of dance; but also the most rewarding. With a solid foundation, classically trained dancers can transfer their skills into jazz, contemporary dance, or any other dance form they might decide to pursue. Accomplishing that solid foundation is crucial to becoming a great dancer in any dance style. This alone proves that a study of ballet is necessary for any dancer who wants to succeed in any style of dance.
Ballet is like a House
Let’s pretend that becoming a professional dancer is like building a house from the ground up. You can’t start by adding the roof and interior decorations; rather, you must start by creating a solid foundation to support the structure and make it last. Similarly, a dancer must establish that foundation in technique before adding all the “tricks” and performance quality. And that foundation, according to many dance teachers and professionals in the field, is ballet.
Skills Gained through Ballet
Ballet creates a dancer or performer who is centered, balanced, lengthened and physically graceful. Ballet also imparts skills like attention to detail, mastery, perseverance, form, harmony, precision, discipline, social grace and awareness of the group.
If you are interested in learning more about the group ballet classes offered at the Omaha School of Music and Dance please visit our website or call us at 402-515-9639. We would love to help you attain your dance goals. You can also by the studio and see one of our ballet classes in action!
