Ballet terminology
Arabesque: In ballet it is a position of the body, in profile, supported on one leg, which can be straight or demi-plie, with the other leg extended behind and at right angles to it, and the arms held in various positions creating the longest possible line from the fingertips to the toes. The shoulders must be held square to the line of direction.
Barre: The horizontal wooden bar fastened to the walls of the ballet classroom or rehearsal hall, which the dancer holds for support. Every ballet class begins with exercises at the bar.
Echappe: Escaping or slipping movement. An echappe is a level opening of both feet from a closed to an open position.
Jete: Throwing step. A jump from one foot to the other in which the working leg is brushed into the air and appears to have been thrown.
Plie: A bending of the knee or knees. This is an exercise to render the joints and muscles soft and pliable and the tendons flexible and elastic, and to develop a sense of balance. There are two principal plies: grand plie or full bending of the knees (the knees should be bent until the thighs are horizontal) and demi-plie or half-bending of the knees.
Rond de jambe: Round of the leg, that is, a circular movement of the leg.
Turn-out: The ability of the dancer to turn his or her feet and legs out from the hip joints to a 90-degree position. This turn-out, or en-dehors, is one of the essential principles of the classical dance, giving the dancer freedom of movement in every direction.
Source: the American Ballet Theatre
Kjirsten Frank is the first to admit that returning to the ballet barre — after years without a releve or plie — took her a bit out of her comfort zone.
“It can be a bit daunting, but it’s worth it,” Frank said. “I think one of the biggest challenges was looking at myself – realizing I’m not 12 or 15 any more — and adjusting my expectations accordingly.”
The 37-year-old Dayton woman long ago ditched her childhood tutus and tights but she is still a dancer, taking adult ballet classes at the Pontecorvo Ballet Studios in Springboro. Frank took ballet for a decade but stopped, as many young dancers do, when she went to college. Close to two decades later, she is back at the barre and couldn’t be happier.
“I loved yoga, pilates and kickboxing, they were all great and fun. But I missed the artistry of dance,” she said. “And coming back to it as an adult, there’s not all that pressure. It’s more enjoyable, more social and less competitive.”
While many a young girl dreams of becoming a ballerina – gracefully gliding across the stage – few dance professionally, much less climb the ranks of the elite. But adults of all ages and abilities can practice ballet well into their golden years and enjoy the health benefits that dance provides.
Ballet basics
Whether you haven’t put on a pair of ballet shoes in decades or you have never heard of a degage, there is an adult ballet class for you.
“We have adults in our beginner classes who haven’t danced since they were a child and others who don’t have any dance experience at all,” said Carol Jean Heller, school administrator of the Dayton Ballet School.
Students have to learn terminology and positions to master but it’s all done in moderation. And, as is the case with most ballet classes, it all begins at the barre. Then there is stretching and centre work.
“We warm up the same way professional dancers do,” said Barbara Pontecorvo, owner of the Springboro studio.
And Pontecorvo, who will turn 60 in May, would know as she danced professionally for 20 years, including a stint with the Dayton Ballet.
“I’m a firm believer that the minute you stop moving, it’s all over,” she said.
While dance schools don’t require students to wear a leotard and tights, it is preferable as it enables instructors to help students with their form and positions.
“It doesn’t matter how much experience you have or what you look like in your leotard, you just feel better when you start dancing,” Heller said.
Ballet benefits
“Ballet class gives me an intense workout physically while mentally helping me leave all the troubles of the day behind,” Frank said. “I am more flexible and stronger as a result.”
Students in adult classes generally range in age from their 20s to their 60s.
“We have a lady in class who is in her 60s and she is one of our most awesome students,” Heller said.
From increased balance and flexibility to improved muscle tone, endurance and posture, the physical benefits are wide reaching.
“You work on every muscle in the body,” Heller said. “But you do it in such a way that you reduce your chance of injury.”
“And even if you don’t attain what you would consider significant visual improvement, you will carry yourself differently,” Pontecorvo said. “Plus, you’re able to move more easily.”
But the benefits are more than purely physical.
“Ballet combines strength and flexibility but it also allows you to enjoy the movement because the music is so beautiful,” Pontecorvo said. “And even if you don’t think you’re the most lovely to watch, you will have a lot of fun,” she said, smiling.
The camaraderie is evident as dancers share stories and laughs, before, during and after class.
“There’s not the pressure that there is when you’re younger – who can lift their leg higher or do the combination the best – it’s much more enjoyable,” Frank said.
It’s well worth slipping on the leotard for Frank.
“I feel so much better on days when I’ve danced,” she said. “I hope I’m one of those people who is still doing it when I’m in my 80s.”
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