The Root of it All: Ballet

Ballet is the skeleton of dance, dating back to the time of King Louis XIV in France. His royal court dances evolved into what we know as Ballet. Today, there are several forms of dance: Jazz, tap,hip hop/breaking, flamenco, African, modern and liturgical/praise dance and more. Although each dance has its own technique and style, the fundamentals of Ballet are sprinkled throughout each genre.  At the root, you have Ballet.

Students with a solid foundation in ballet tend to excel in other genres because they have mastered discipline and technique, and they have an appreciation and love for all forms of dance. Modern is an earthy, gravity-friendly dance that celebrates constriction and involves the essence of the soul. It adapts several dance techniques and utilizes the same foot and arm positions as ballet. Jooking, a common Memphis dance style in the urban community, requires both males and females to apply opposition and ballet moves to a hip hop beat. Ballet is the root of fusion with each dance style there is.

Ballet On Wheels has plenty of classes for your ballerina to explore. Ages 3 & up are invited to experience the different genres in dance or to simply learn the root of it all, also known as ballet. Visit www.balletonwheels.org to register your child or to get more information on what we have to offer. Also, feel free to contact us by phone at 901-870-4248.

“Diversity in Ballet: Crossing Cultural Barriers"

                                                                                                        

Tall. Slender. Poised. Elegant. Fair Skinned. These are all characteristics commonly attributed to ballerinas. With finesse, they travel across the stage clad in pink tutus and pointe shoes. The crowd applauds as they take a bow. In recent times, diversity has begun to emerge on the scene, adding a bit of color to the landscape of classical ballet. Many ballerinas of color experience similar obstacles that block their success: Their skin tone is not fair enough. Their body type is too full figured to showcase perfect lines. They often struggle to pay tuition for classes.

Although many have overcome these challenges and have finally become accepted as dancers, there are still some barriers. There is the idea that due to the lack of trained ballerinas of color, there are not many role models that are visible to the current generation that can inspire them to want to learn. There is also the fact that most dance outreach programs are purely educational and not as focused on the training aspect.  

While these issues may be prevalent, it is safe to say that Memphis has a dance program that is geared toward training a diverse group of dancers at Ballet On Wheels Dance School & Company. As a pre-professional youth dance company, Ballet On Wheels provides the opportunity for dancers to showcase the techniques that they have learned and to embrace the art of ballet and other dance forms. Visit www.balletonwheels.org for more information. There are financial aid opportunities available for those students who qualify. 

"Top Ten Health Benefits of Dance"

1. Memory Boost- Dance prevents the development of dementia as the aging process occurs. 

2. Increases Flexibility- Back bends, simple stretches, and a quick 2-step can help ease joint pain and post-exercise soreness.

3. Stress Relief- Ever felt so stressed out that you wanted to scream? Find your favorite tune,  grab a dance partner and bust a move!

4. Destroys Depression- There is another word that starts with a "D" that can destroy that melancholy feeling, and that word is "DANCE"! Dance away your blues. Don't do it alone. Grab a partner. 

5. Helps Your Heart- Fight the risk of cardiovascular disease with a dance. It improves heart health, breathing and quality of life.

6. Weight Loss- Shed a few pounds with a good dance work out.

7. Better Balance- Dance requires good posture and helps maintain control of your body. This is good to avoid the risk of falls when you begin to age. 

8. Increases Energy Levels- When your body gets used to high energy movement, it will begin to adapt to the new feeling and increase endurance. 

9. Builds Stronger Bones- Dance helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

10. Builds Lasting Relationships- Being involved in a dance troupe allows you to be socially engaged, and you are never alone. This leads to a healthy and peaceful life. Get up and dance!!!!

Check out this video of an 80 year old dancer who still has some moves!

http://youtu.be/EyMXYvvVRc0

Need a dance troupe for your daughter to join? Visit the Ballet On Wheels website to register!