In a time when young dancers are influenced greatly by the dance and dancers which they see on T.V. and at competition, it is only natural that they will want to emulate it and consider it the epitome of excellence. The overload of tricks, overstretching and hyperextension, unattractive foot and leg positions, etc. all have the potential to instill bad habits and poor technique if we as teachers do not hold the standard of proper ballet technique essential to one’s training. So how do you answer the question, “Why is ballet still important?”
Classic ballet technique is and will always be fundamental to any other dance form. While genres like hip-hop and African may not directly associate with the elements of ballet, the bottom line is ballet is THE genre which will help a dancer’s body of any genre become strong. It is where dancers will understand placement, alignment, breath, control, poise, posture, balance, gracefulness, agility, strength, flexibility and stamina.
It is where a dancer begins to learn vocabulary and discipline. It’s where they learn phrasing and musicality. It’s where they learn to stretch and work their feet. It is where they become self-aware to self-correct. It is where they learn to spot and turn. To leap. To partner. To move small and briskly. To move fluidly and slowly. To story tell. To recognize the difference between a correct position and an incorrect position. To train their bodies to be as equally strong as they are flexible.
What we must understand is that while many young dancers may not enjoy ballet, we must remember anything worth having takes time, perseverance and patience to progress. Ballet is challenging and in a world now where everything is about instant gratification, helping your dancers understand that ballet is a journey, not a destination will take some excellent teaching skills. Other genres may be seen as more, “fun,” but ballet is an art form which can be just as fun and rewarding. The bottom line- dancers need it. Any free pass given to dancers to avoid ballet is doing them a huge disservice. We, as teachers need to be the ones to harp on how important ballet is for their growing bodies, minds and artistry. Not everyone is lucky enough to be offered the gift of ballet. While it may be the class, they are wishing to get over with so they can get to jazz or contemporary, they will not realize the subconscious benefit they are taking with them from class to class. But, we know and that’s what important for now. Like any good parent who knows what is good for their kids, ballet will take them places physically the never dreamed of; whether they become a professional ballet dancer, hip hop dancer, nurse or accountant.
Choreographers today are looking for versatility. Sure it’s great to be super flexible and whack a side tilt, but do they have the strength to stand in a la seconde en l’air with their leg in correct hip alignment? Sure it’s amazing to see them do a million turns into an aerial but can they give you four clean pirouettes and finish on a dime in plie? This is where ballet training will come in handy. So, if you are doubting yourself and how important ballet is to be part of your required curriculum- stop. Ballet should be non-negotiable. End of story. It may or may not be a student’s favorite class but the residuals they will take with them throughout their life are priceless; whether it be as a professional dancer or that of just an aficionado.
