10 Things I Learned In Ballet More Than Anywhere Else
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Things I Learned In Ballet More Than Anywhere Else

I thought it would be a fun, easy class that would relieve some stress. I was right with it being fun and relaxing, but ballet is so not easy! Reflecting back on the semester, I see some changes within myself.

151
10 Things I Learned In Ballet More Than Anywhere Else
Wikimedia

On a whim, I took Ballet 1 this semester.

I thought it would be a fun, easy class that would relieve some stress. I was right with it being fun and relaxing, but ballet is so not easy! Reflecting back on the semester, I see some changes within myself.

1. You can't force your turnout. Well you can, but you really shouldn't!

A ballet dancer's turnout is dependent on how deeply curved their hip joints are, so you only have as deep a turnout as your hip joint. Over turning out can actually really hurt!

2. I am only really as flexible as I am.

Yes, you can make yourself a little more flexible with stretching, which I have! But if you aren't as flexible as some in your class, THAT IS OKAY! Everyone is different!

3. My self-confidence has improved!

Not as radically as I would've liked, but it has! The other day I left the dance studio in my leotard, which I NEVER would've done at the beginning of the semester.

4. Ballet really is 80% mental, 20% physical.

Whether it's comparing myself to other dancers or psyching myself out of a jump, I immediately become unable to do a move I was just doing before I thought about what I look like.

5. I can hold my leg up above my hips...

But only with the help of the bar. MAN DOES IT HURT!

Yep. Can't do that. NOPE!

6. Everything hurts.

I hadn't thought about the physical toll ballet would have on my body. There have been days where I cannot walk the day after doing jumps. It's rough.

7. Leotards take getting used to.

Yes, we all look like hot messes, but at least we are doing it all together. I've noticed myself fidgeting a lot less with my leotard as the semester has gone on though!

8. I have no idea what's going on half the time.

9. I leave my stress at the door.

Or at least, I try to.

10. Lastly, and most importantly, I learned ballet!


While I am not taking ballet again next semester, I'm really happy that I took the class. Yes, it has been exhausting, but it's been so worth it.

And the only reason I'm not taking ballet next semester, is because I'm taking jazz dance instead!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

46136
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

29223
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953583
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

160981
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments