Ballet is an art that will make extreme demands on your body. When you start you should know how to wear your hair and how to dress. You should also know what type of shoes to get and how to sew the elastic and ribbon on. These are just a few things that you will learn.

Getting ready

For ballet class girls should always have their hair pulled up out of their face in a tight bun. The boys usually wear their hair short so that it is out of their face. When girls get dressed for ballet class a simple leotard is the best thing to wear. They could wear a short skirt. Girls should not wear tights until the age of eleven or twelve because the teacher needs to what muscles are working.

Shoes

When you go to buy ballet shoes you should go to a place that specializes in dance shoes so you can be fitted properly. You can buy flat shoes in leather, canvas and satin. If you want to but point shoes then you can only buy them in satin. When you buy shoes you should always sew the elastic and ribbon on yourself so that it fits you foot and ankle right.

Basic Positions

-First position with your heels together, turn each leg out from hip.

-Second position keep your toes in the same line as first position, but place your feet apart. The space between your heels should be about the length of one foot

-Third position cross one foot in front of the other. Don’t forget to keep your legs turned out and your body lifted.

-Fourth position this position can be either crossed or open. For crossed, place one foot exactly in front of the other with space between them.

-Fifth position it requires good turnout to be performed well. Stand with your feet fully crossed and touching each other firmly.

Stretching and strengthing

When you stretch one thing you should do is breath naturally with the movement of each exercise. Rhythmical breathing helps with the flow of movement.

Barre Work

- Bend forward gradually and smoothly, keep your legs tight and turned out. Lower your arm naturally as you bend down and try not to sway back with your hips.

- Bend backward holding arm above head. Hold back and stomach muscles strongly. Bend shoulders and upper back. First go back only a little way then lower back will take over.

Splits are also a good way to warm up but you should only do them after barre work.