Ballet is an art, but most people forget it is also a discipline. It requires rigorous training and strict rules that even encompass hairstyles and dance clothes during practice and especially during performances.
This article will explore the elegance, rigidity, and occasional flexibility of ballet as a discipline.
Self-Discipline in Dance Practise
Discipline in ballet class means learning and practising what is expected of you as a ballet dancer. For example, if you are working on learning a pirouette and you’re not yet ready to perform it, you have to be disciplined enough not to show off your skill in front of your fellow dancers.
If you practise the steps enough times, you’ll reach a point where they become second nature to you: that’s self-discipline. Ballet also develops critical thinking skills because dancers must learn choreographed movements and apply them in a routine.
Dancers need to focus on the exercises and combinations that create a sequence to execute the required combinations of ballet's centre and across-the-floor techniques. The steps in ballet relate to the music.
Ballet dancers need self-discipline to meet the standards of ballet, and that can be quite challenging. Sometimes, when they learn how to commit to ballet, they also acquire more self-discipline, which can help with other areas of their lives.
Teacher as Mentor and Figure of Strict Authority
Ballet teachers are the figures of authority in a dance class. They impose the class attire, instruct students regarding choreographies, and make students go through their paces of warm-ups, conditioning, and the like.
Ballet instructors may be demanding taskmasters who push their students to strive for perfection. However, they are also mentors who work on helping students improve and do well. They provide valuable, constructive criticisms on their student’s performance and teach them priceless life lessons along the way.
Discipline in Choice of Ballet Clothes and Hairstyle
While teachers should dress to impress their students, students should abide by the class attire that’s a size appropriate for them. Clothes too small will restrict movement, while those too large can cause accidents.
A dancer should never see anything in the mirror that distracts them or makes them lose sight of what they're doing. This is also true for their choice of hair accessories and jewellery.
Both teacher's and dancers’ hair should be tucked away; bangs and split-ends should be trimmed, and no tangles should be left standing to distract the student. Hair should not swing over a student's eyes like curtains, making it hard to perform.
Expected In-Class Decorum
Dance classes have regulations that everyone must follow. Students are expected to be quiet while the teacher gives the instructions for combinations or corrections.
At the same time, mobile phones and other devices are required to be put on silent or turned off and kept until the class is over.
Interjecting to ask questions is considered impolite in dance class. Should there be questions on techniques and choreography, dancers are expected to raise their hands and await the instructor’s acknowledgement before asking away.
Conclusion
Ballet is a beautiful discipline with strict rules and regulations about decorum, dance clothes, hairstyles, and more. However, this form of dance produces elegant works of art and teaches students about self-discipline, self-care, and other valuable life skills.
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