It’s time for our next question on Pas de Trois (at dancing3.com)–answered first here by me…

If you are new to this collaboration, please visit the site and learn more about what we are doing. It’s a collaboration between David, Henrik and me–and we invite you to join us!

Today’s question is “How important is barre practice?”

To me, working at the barre is one of the most important things a ballet dancer does–especially if you study under a good teacher. Instructors who are knowledgeable know how to use the exercises at the barre to help you strengthen your muscles properly and ready your body for movement in the center. I have been lucky enough to study under teachers who really knew how to craft a class.

For me as a dancer, barre practice is also fun. In the center there is more going on, so it is harder to concentrate on technique. At the barre you can almost get into a “Zen-like” state as you focus in on working your muscles and doing things properly. It’s actually quite relaxing for me!

As a teacher, I spend a lot of time planning my barre. It sets the tone for the entire class. If I am going to have students work on something in the center, I incorporate bits and pieces of it in barre practice so that they can work on their placement and technique before doing it without support.

I guess you can see from my answer that I am a huge fan of barre practice! We’d love to hear what your thoughts are on this–join us and share your opinion…