6 Comments

  1. After every exercise last night, when she went to turn off the music, I wanted to not just shake out my legs, but launch into full-bodied, somewhat quirky improv! Ballet can be so stiff at times… I totally agree with your conclusion that: “It’s also rigid and forced and upright and lacking momentum.” When I dance, I want to MOVE!!

    And also, it’s a pleasure to be in class with you 🙂

  2. What you wrote about ballet sums up a recent conversation about opera. Both participants agreed that it is an amazing form of performance art, yet neither of us would listen to more than a few minutes to be reminded that it is not reaching me.

  3. I quit ballet when Mrs. McCloud made me spit my gum into her spidery-blue-veined hands in front of the class. I then hid in the bathroom of Milwaukee’s JCC every week thereafter during my class time until my mother discovered my secret. Ah well. In the past four years, I’ve done African Dance, which is also the antithesis of ballet in many ways. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.

    • gracefulfitness

      I love African too! Especially West African, although it’s been a very long time since I was in a class.

  4. Mariah

    I think I’l forward this to Belle. Ballet was hard for her – body and soul. Might be nice for her to know it’s hard for other dancers she knows. Thanks for sharing Faith.

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