Active and passive stretching

Beginners are very excited about Ballet lessons but it is certainly not easy for them. So it is extremely important to use tried and tested methods to teach children; to give them all the basics to prepare them for dance but at the same time make the lesson as attractive as possible for the pupils. The ability to stimulate and maintain interest and the knowledge of how to encourage a child to work hard but with enjoyment and desire are occasions when good communication between teacher and pupil is critical. In view of this, the key goal of the first six months tuition is to concentrate the pupils’ attention on their teacher. The children’s faith in their teacher, without reservation, and their respect for their teacher are what will guarantee success for both, the pupils and the teacher.
The next important task is to appreciate how a dancer’s body works. In order to avoid injuries of any kind both teacher and pupil must understand each other and develop the body patiently by beginning with small loads and gradually increasing to much bigger ones. Gradual movement is paramount because of the complication of the combined use of various muscle groups simultaneously. This gradual movement will lead to the body being in the best shape, making the body beautiful and graceful. But during a ballet lesson different muscles are working: muscles of the legs, back, arms, neck… All muscles are worked according to the special program and in special combinations. So the child should feel a little pain but the quantity of this pain must be right and correspond to the aims of the lesson and the health of the child. And don’t worry – the pupil is in the caring and reliable hands of the professionals you’ve chosen!
The first part of the lesson (see “The warm up”) begins with stepping, running and small jumps which should be easy, clearly defined and correct. The teacher uses them to warm up the entire body and to concentrate attention on the task. Cheerful well known children’s music helps to do this in the best way!
The second part of our lesson (see “Working on the floor with mats”) is potentially the most dangerous for those pupils who are not prepared to commit themselves fully to the effort required to become beautiful and think of nothing else but ballet – but I know YOU are not such a person because YOU are reading this article! Usually the teacher puts pupils in pairs designed to help each of them reach their full potential (stretching achieved with a pro-active yet supportive partner). For example, in some exercises pupils will team up with friend: “frog” or “fold” (one sits in the appropriate position and the other stretches him\her). So pupils can control each other. Sharing tasks helps a pupil’s understanding and assists the teacher with class discipline!
When all your muscles are in a good shape, warm and fully functioning, the third part of lesson – the final part can begin. Now you are ready for any difficult exercises and you should accomplish them without problems! Because you’ve already completed the appropriate preparatory work! The last part of the lesson – as usual in pairs and with jumps – helps your muscles feel their power and tenses them for the final jumps. With the complexity of such exercises YOU feel the strength of your body and YOU are in a perfect frame of mind!
And remember that your teacher is very proud of his/her diligent pupils and will come with the greatest of pleasure to the next lesson to see YOU again!