Ballet huh?

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So according to my husband I have 28 years of experience in life and I should share that wisdom.

The first topic I have is Ballet:

Lets start with the different types of methods you get here in South Africa.

1. Cecchetti: this method is the one I have trained in since I was about 8. I find it to be the most demanding, beautiful and appealing to the eye. It was created by an Italian master Enrico Cecchetti with the help of Hilton's law of anatomy.

2. RAD (Royal Academy of Dance): this method I feel focuses on the dancers strength through simplicity and basics. The method is created in London England with a group of dancers around the dinner table.

3. DASA (Dance Academy of South Africa): this method is a more diverse syllabi as the main focus is technique, there after comes the style knowledge and application. The method was created by Mary-Jane Ford.

Some tips for your first day.

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• Don't expect too much: It's your first day see if you like the teacher before worrying about anything else.

• It's not about the money: Don't focus on buying all the fancy shoes and tights right now, wait until you know ballet is for you.

• You need to want it: I cannot stress the importance of wanting to dance, there is nothing worse than a child's sprit being broken by being made to do something that is not essential to their individual happiness. Ballet is not for everyone.

• Take water: Though ballet can be a lot of fun, it has a fair amount of pain. Taking a bottle of water allows you to keep hydrated and lets you catch your breath before stating another set of Sautés.

• Have Fun: Ballet though structured and demanding will provide an escape and a freedom of movement few can understand. Listen, learn and take what you are given and use it.

To be one step a head, here are the feet positions for every dancer.

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