Svetlana from lumiere ballet

Well It is Saturday ..D-day sort of speaking. As promised , I showed up a little before 2:30.
I brought pictures of some toetap dancers ,and my art work . Sort of a ice breaker and Svetlana seemed interested in seeing them . When we spoke the week before. As we waited for the studio . I opened my portfolio and let her view the art work . She said I had a real understanding for the physics of the dance. Svetlana had to speak to the mothers of the group for a few minutes .Before she entered the studio with me . So, I went ahead As I entered the main studio . I came across a grey floor material . Some sort of floating floor with a echo . I know because when my shoes hit it . My stomach muscles tightened when it resounded into the mirrored room.I started to sweat... a coldish sweat. There was some benches by a wall before the main studio . I moved towards a started to remove my shoes and socks. At the moment Svetlana came in. Saying you can wear socks for today. I want to see your shoes . I opened my bag and showed her my blochs pointes and slippers. The slippers was new I still had not worn them . She picked up on that as soon as the hit her hand . I told her I don't even know how to do a tondu.. Oh why did I say that!
We moved towards the main studio She said Face the bar . I grabbed it like it was a life line . I rolled up my pants . Then followed her into first position Then she starts a 4 /4 down beat count . With each movement of her foot .. What .. I in trouble ! All I have to do for now is follow. She was teaching a tondu in 4/4 time.All the todus when she was done with them .She stopped at which I thought ,we was all done ...wrong! It was time for the pointe shoes and releves! I did not catch it at first because she rolled the R. When she said, you say it releve. A lump in my throat formed. OMG! In first from flat to demi to pointe back to flat,.. Then in second. I have been with physical trainers for 45 minutes .. and I have got to say . They never raised my heart beat like she did. I was sweating for real! She moved me through so many things today to see my alignment. It is still a blurr. We moved back to the area of the benches and, talked a bit.
I asked her ..you wanted to see my alignment. What did you find out .? She answered I was pleasantly surprised. She looked at me and said I am not going to charge you for to day.Come back next Saturday same time . I replied I could kiss you..thank you.
I have a TEACHER! Wa hoo! Damn I hope I remember all the steps.!

Stretching in first

While trying my feet at a Echeppe


I discovered My feet would not bend into the proper


Ballet position. As you can see from the picture . First and Fifth position are at a 180 degree feet rotation. From the normal feet position. No matter how hard I tried ,I just could not get my feet into ballet form.


I tried it bare footed with skin gripping the rug . I managed to hold it with some slipping. So, since I am somewhat a stubborn person . I will find a way. maybe not the correct way.Yet, a way.
I was sitting at the computer. With the ballet bar next to me .Just starring at it .Asking my self "how can I get my feet like the picture." Need someway to keep them in position....Mmmm to push against.

I remembered that I had the 2x4 piece of lumber that I used .Before, I changed over to the metal feet for the ballet bar. The lumber was still the same size as the ballet bar in length. I removed the small side bracing's .So, I had one long piece of lumber . I laid it down across so, the ends of the ballet bar.So, they touched the wood.
Now standing in front of the bar . I addressed it. Hello ballet bar ! giggle.. sorry a little humor.
I placed my feet far apart a drew them together into First position . I must say one thing .

OMG! My muscles feel like there ripping! From my toes into the knees to my lower back! My eye ball are rolling into the back of my head! To quote Dr. Smith "oh the pain ..the pain..the pain!!!!"
With my feet still now glued in the first position. I rolled my back into a circular motion and bowed over. I moved leaning away from the bar and then back to it. I was determined to hold this position. After a minute or two . I pushed one foot away and pointed it ,then pulled it back. then did the same with the other side . Then tried to let go of the bar . Not a good Idea. . After five minutes the pain level did go down a bit . I then tried to Releve in this position . Did it to a full demi pointe. Then returned to First. With a little problem . I sure with a little more practice. I can remove the wood all together .
There must be a easier way. To stretch out the feet . Any sugestions?

A poor mans Ballet bar

Hello My friends ,

The next step in getting to the exercises Nora gave me . I did not have enough money to send to a company for a ballet bar . So, I drafted one !

went down to the local hardware store . Now mine is on a 2x4 with three outward braces . Now 2x4 today are about two inches high. I needed a height of 44 inches . Here what you are going to need to build one

I made mine out of 3/4 galvanised pipe.

Two 3/4 by 24 inch sections

Two 90 degree elbows

Three 3/4 flange

One 3/4 T coupler

Three 3/4 by 10 inch sections

Three 3/4 couplers

Three 3/4 by 30 inch sections

If you want to make it like the picture above

Your going to needed Three 3/4 T's

With 6 more sections of pipe

Ok building time

Take one 90 degree elbow and put a 24 inch section followed by a T then another 24 inch section Followed by a 90 .That is the top section The legs are the following The 10 inch sections

The a coupler followed by a 30 inch section On mine the legs are screwed into a 3/4 flange.

If you want to make it to the picture the feet go a 3/4 T followed by a pipe section on each side .

That all there is to it . I made mine for about 50.00 US