the historical lowdown on ballet...

ballet started way back in the 1400's in Italy. then, in the 1500's it was introduced to France where the first official school of ballet was established by King Louis XIV. that's where all the french terms used in ballet today were created :D!

some french ballet terms you might recognize...

• Arabesque - dancer is standing on one straight leg, the other straight leg is extended behind the body
• Ballerina - female ballet dancer
• Pas de deux - dance for two
• Pirouette - a complete turn of the body on one foot, on point or demi-pointe
• Plié - full bending of the knees
• Relevé - raising of the body on the points or demi-pointes, point or demi-pointe

the benefits of ballet...

ballet is the major must-have for dance technique. it helps strengthen your core, helps with proper placement of your body and limbs, amps up your overall strength and flexibility, gives you long lines, and major bonus, ballet gives you grace and beauty in your movement :D.

so you wanna take ballet?

most open class dance studios offer some sort of beginner or adult ballet class, so you don't have to be a pro! a lot of studios will let you observe a class before signing up, and some even offer one free class to make sure you like it.

dance classes can be intimidating, but just go in with the attitude that you are excited to learn, and don't worry about what other people think! don't judge yourself either... you can't get good at something unless you start it in the first place right? so take a risk and go for it!

what to wear to class...

a lot of studios have dress codes - especially for ballet, so check with the studio you want to attend classes at to see what they would like you to wear before you go shopping. a pretty common 'uniform' for a ballet class is a black or pink leotard with pink, white, or nude tights, and pink or nude ballet slippers. but, some studios allow you more freedom with what you wear, and if so, then you can get dance dolled up with different leg warmers, crop sweaters, knit pants, skirts... there's so much cute dancewear!

Discount Dancewear »

ballet on DVD...

so maybe you would rather try out a little ballet and get some dance vocabulary in before you take an actual class. well you're in luck! there are ballet DVDs where you can get some practice and technique in at home!

ballet dvds »