How to Handle Unexpected Situations. This Really Made Us Think 🤔

[@sunny-rl8zt]

I'm a male dancer but I would always pick dancing Clara over the Sugar Plum Fairy!! The story you get to tell as Clara is just so much better than the 'prestige' that comes with dancing the Sugar Plum 🤭

[@balletreign]

Agreed, good choice!! 😄🙌🏻

[@xuefensun1117]

Me too. Plus, Clara gets to watch the entire ballet from the stage, something you can't do often

[@susanpaul4752]

The Prix de Lausanne USED to be held on a raked stage and it was known to be a challenge. Since they are now in a new venue, for the Prix deLausanne, they announce every year how relieved the dancers there are, to not have to deal with a raked stage anymore, as they did, in earlier years. So...conclusions are yours to draw.

[@balletreign]

Thanks for this!!

[@isabelaandzico]

So I’m a professional ballerina trained in Moscow and perform mostly with Bolshoi based companies. The ONE time I danced with a Balanchine company, I had to do a different type of bun. I have very long hair and had a minor hair malfunction in the orchestra rehearsal. The AD made me cut my hair 💇🏻‍♀️😳 I dance mostly in raked stages and it’s what I know. I don’t know if you guys know that in Russia, Ukraine and all Eastern European countries I’ve danced for, have raked studios just like the stages. Jumping downstage is GLORIOUS but doing anything upstage feels like climbing a hill… but you get used to it. I’d say I’m a jumper who can also turn (right and left), but the real question is would you rather have extreme flexibility but have to work a little more on turns (hyper mobility is all fun and games but I have to do Pilates and conditioning work to control my flexibility). Music 🎼 over everything and my favorite role is Myrtha. It says everything you need to know about me.

[@curiousman1672]

Great answer.

[@isabelaandzico]

I’d love to see a video, maybe even a live chat where you guys share your worst horror stories from your professional ballet careers? I’ll go first: I was dancing one of solos in Paquita in a gala so we also did the duets as well (it was a smaller number of corps members because of the special event). It’s time for me to do the duet with another dancer but when I get onstage, she’s not there. Of course, without hesitation I turned the duet into a solo because that’s what we do. My problem wasn’t over because for Maximova’s sake where’s she? No time to find out because variations are coming soon and hers was before mine. I had no idea if word had gotten to the conductor to skip that part of the score… thank goodness it’s Paquita but I really wasn’t sure what piece of music would be played when I got on: hers or mine. That’s when I was thankful that I’m an overachiever and basically learned all variations (side note: Paquita is for sure the ballet I’ve danced the most corps to principal). I just told myself: be prepared to dance both variations back to back - if there’s music playing, you dance! Thankfully, the conductor did know to skip her part, I danced my variation and later found out she was MIA because she’d broken her foot right before stepping onstage! 🇧🇷🇵🇹🇺🇦🇷🇺🇷🇴🇱🇻🇸🇮🇦🇹🇭🇺🇫🇷🇪🇺🩰

[@janmanning7231]

​@@isabelaandzico😊

[@philzmusic8098]

I'm so happy you chose to do a nerdy show on KZbin instead of having the glam career! They ballet world's loss is our gain. (And anyway, Ballet Reign IS glam!)

[@balletreign]

Love this Hahha thank you for your kind comment and support of this channel! Y’all are the best ballet nerds out there💗♥️

[@brit1583]

Great as usual girls. Re the story ballet question. I took a friend to their first ballet. It was Sylvia. Birmingham royal ballet. After about 20 minute she leaned over with an awestruck expression and said “I didn’t know they could tell a story”. One convert !

[@balletreign]

Awww that’s so special!! Thank you for sharing 🥳 we had fun playing with y’all today 🤩

[@mjgbabydragonlet]

I was very lucky to have spent time in Russia when my Dad was stationed at the embassy in Moscow (when it was the USSR) Dancing on a raked stage makes you stronger as a dancer. It does give the audience a better view of the entire stage, so if your performance is for the audience, the raked stage is better for them. Small stages really allow a single performer to shine, but a raked stage really does give the corps an area to shine.

[@balletreign]

Thanks for sharing that! You’re very lucky indeed 😁😁

[@Witfrenci]

In my career ai mostly dance in Italy and we only have raked stage in la Scala Theater in Milano even the ballet studios are racked, to say the truth it is a question of getting used to it. It feels a bit different, but in the end you can dance as on a flat stage. Love your videos you’re great girls.❤❤❤

[@balletreign]

Thanks for your insight! We’d honestly would love to try dancing on a raked stage one day… thank you for watching and for supporting the channel!! 💕☺️☺️

[@scarlettwinters5642]

OML what a memory that brought up when you said costume malfunction. Corps de ballet, Les Sylphides. Beautiful busty dancer, mom and boyfriend were in the audience for the first time and her elastic to her costume broke, it flung forward like a sling shot. Her entire well endowed breast was showing, it was truly horrifying and that wasn’t even the worst malfunction I’ve seen 😂

[@bindak]

Having danced in classes where the instructor totally ignored me (he was one of those “private class for the best dancer, everyone else is ignored” types), I found it infuriating. I’m there for class, for corrections, and to get better. AND I paid for class. I mean, throw me a bone like, point your feet, or even someone else. But to be totally ignored… 😡😡🤬🤬😡🤬😡🤬🤬🤬

[@balletreign]

Haha we get u! Not fun being ignored 😢

[@annasahlstrom6109]

I had the opposite problem. My instructor (founder of the adult ballet studio) never left me alone. He constantly had private convos with me about my core and if I could discipline myself to fix things. And he gave me public corrections every class. The other instructor, who danced with the Royal Danish Ballet, was an absolute gentleman. He gave personal corrections respectfully and privately or corrections to the whole class. The head of the studio only let him teach one of the advanced classes. I'm advanced level after doing ballet most of my life. Sadly, I can't afford ballet classes anymore.

[@mariellouise1]

Oh, another story. My ballet instructor Mr Zorach, who had danced with the Ballet devMonte Carlo, would correct me and I’d start shaking. One day he stopped, in very heavy Russian accent, he said, “Mariel, I would not criticize you if I didn’t think you were worth it. The day I don’t stop is the day you worry!”

[@Muslimah_4_Life]

1. Super messy hair at first, then ripped tights after I heard the hack 2. A turner because I’m already okay at jumping and I’m really bad at turning 3. Clara because she is a huge important role and I just love her character 4. Have my hair come loose because I don’t want my costume to fall off 5. Partner with less technique because I know I won’t dance well if I don’t like my partner (but I’m not partnering yet, so…) 6. A small stage because I’d be scared to dance on a raked stage 7. Teacher that corrects me because I’ll actually get better (even if I get nervous that I’m doing everything wrong) 8. Barre even though center is my favorite because I’ll dance better and remember everything I need to do (pulling up, holding your arms, etc) 9. Any other company as a principal, be to want to move up and have my improvement and talent recognized 10. Understudy my dream role because I wouldn’t want to mess up on stage in my dream role but I still would like to learn it 11. Watch an hour of just variations because I love storylines and storytelling through ballet 12. Only be able to play happy/playful characters because it’s easier for me to smile onstage 13. Choreography I don’t like because I can think more about the music and focus on tying the steps to the music 14. I don’t know bc I’m not on pointe yet 15. Adagio, I can conserve more energy but I don’t like it as much 😭 16. Wear my tights under bc it’s more comfortable for me and it looks more flattering plus I think it maybe makes my legs look longer 17. School of American Ballet because it’s closer to my family and I like the Balanchine technique more 18. Follow the girl in front (especially in a performance) because I don’t want to stand out or mess up Sorry this was super long but I wanted to write out my thoughts anyways bye ✌🏾

[@balletreign]

We loved reading your answers!! Thanks for playing! 😄😄💕🙌🏻

[@mayaflorres]

when jordan said "well done" and eden "im hungry" at the exact same time had me dying😭😭

[@balletreign]

Eden has her priorities straight lol 🤣🤣

[@mariellouise1]

I danced a renaissance dance on a raked stage in the theater. My costume had a long train, and the girl behind me kept stepping on it, which brought me to a very abrupt stop.

[@MeretrixTricks]

It's always such a treat to see you lovely women post new video! Big thanks!

[@balletreign]

Awww this is too sweet, thank you!! ☺️💕

[@yvonnestrong3856]

This was really interesting! Thanks for your thoughts on so many topics. And for your next would-you-rather video - would you rather dance the lead role in one of the classics (Odette-Odile, Aurora, Giselle, etc) or a lead role created especially for you in a contemporary one-act ballet?

[@balletreign]

Oooohh good one 😅 thank you!! We’re glad u liked this video, and excited to play again 😁

[@CheyenneSedai]

Excellent as always.

[@balletreign]

Thanks so much!! 💕✨

[@eslolin]

Amazing video 🫶 adult ballet dancer here who is always looking forward to this content 🎉also loving the hair styles on y’all in todays video. So gorgeous!

[@balletreign]

Yay! Welcome and so glad to have you here. Thank you for watching and for the kind comments ❤️

[@MeretrixTricks]

Would you rather dance with Baryshnikov or Nureyev? Yes, I went there. Mic drop!

[@balletreign]

OOF good one!! 😅😅

[@isabelaandzico]

Wow! Ultimate mic drop! It’s definitely Sophie’s Choice, ballet edition. At first glance, I think Misha, but then I think would I rather be Margot Fonteyn or Gelsey Kirkland (my mic 🎤 drop), and my answer is Margot, so Rudy it is!

[@MeretrixTricks]

@@isabelaandzico It's like you want to go polytheism, but you have to choose one god. I truly thought for a long time about the most difficult question I can ask and came with this one. She feels accomplished!

[@isabelaandzico]

@@MeretrixTricks Bravo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I’m very impressed. The ultimate ballet conundrum. So Dame Fonteyn or Gelsey? And what was your choice? Misha or Rudy?

[@MeretrixTricks]

@@isabelaandzicoI truly adore both of them. In my absolutely amateurish laic opinion Baryshnikov have more artistic emotional flare and Nureyev have uncanny physical and stamina skills. But I would never dare to decide which one is better. That's why I asked this question to our beautiful divas. After all its a would you rather challenge and there is no place for tie!

[@sarakuzminski7843]

Professional ballerina who’s bald here 👋 made me laugh so hard when you were discussing hair v costume malfunctions cause my hair (wig) really COULD fall off 😂 thankfully hasn’t happened yet 🙌

[@charlottebridges6869]

I am an older dancer (70+ years old).. and have been dancing for many years. Back in the early 1970s, I did have to dance on a raked stage. It was terrible to dance on turns were not because your center of gravity is totally off..

[@balletreign]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience!! Raked stages sound precarious and scary, but still kinda wanna try it one day 😏☺️

[@tiny_balletrina]

for me, i would have to go with SAB. i’ve been going to their NY Junior Session 2 years in a row and even though i’m not trained Balanchine, there is just something about it that calls me ❤️

[@tiny_balletrina]

oh, and btw, raked stages are a nightmare. i was at Paris Opera’s Summer Intensive this year and the stage we presented on…… let’s just say you’re lucky to have never touched one. AND we had to do an entire pirouette combo on this stage. you seriously can’t do more than 2 turns without falling forward

[@MartenDahlqvist]

Black tights in the shoe or black tights under the leotard? 🤔

[@liepateja5231]

If you are not used to it dancing in raked stage feels like you are always falling or you are constantly drawn to the side of orchestra pit/mirror especially during chaines turns but if rake is not really big it does not feel like big difference you just have to be aware of where your body weight is standing and whenever you have to be a little more to the front or to the back

[@balletreign]

Thanks for sharing your experience!! ☺️

[@curiousman1672]

I'm going to share my opinion, and given the times, I hope it is not too controversial. In my humble opinion, in the known universe, the gravitational center of ballet, is located on a couple of acres of land in St. Petersburg. If you resurrected GB from the grave, he would say the same. All things considered, it would be very thrilling to dance at either.

[@balletreign]

Thanks for sharing your opinion! We agree, we love the purity of the Vaganova/Russian ballet technique, but either way it would be fun ☺️

[@laurencebastien-dionne218]

lvoe your videos 1-ripped tight 2- jumper (I LOVE to jump, high and far) 3-SugarPlum

[@balletreign]

Thanks for playing with us!! This was fun, we love reading y’all’s answers 😄😄🙌🏻

[@davidclague8359]

I believe the San Francisco Ballet performs on a raked stage at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco.

[@janjakolenc7634]

omg, it was sooo trippy for me when Eden said "o whoo whoo" and Blathers appeared on the screen, while I was playing ACNH at the same time and talking to Blathers 😂

[@balletreign]

Lolll he’s everywhere! He must be related to the Duolingo owl 😂

[@mayomadness9197]

If you ever want to just watch variations for an hour just pull up YAGP tapes 😂

[@balletreign]

For realzzzzzz 😂

[@NigelLucasMcBain]

I love your channel, ladies, keep it up, you are so delightful and the repartee highly enjoyable. I’m only a male adult beginner (well a beginner of many years - an ongoing beginner maybe) but so much is relatable. Keep it up!

[@balletreign]

Aww thank you sm! 🥹 Keep up the hard work in the studio; we appreciate y’all for the work you do as male dancers 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@lyn100]

i haven't danced on a raked stage, but i have acted on one! (in heels, no less). it was a bit of an adjustment at first, especially when it comes to moving downstage, since you don't want to lose your footing or traction and go sliding. after a little bit of warming up to it, though, i did pretty okay on it! i still was extra careful moving downstage, of course, but the worst thing that happened was my ankles being a little sore haha

[@balletreign]

Thanks for sharing your experience! 😄😄 sounds tricky, but kind of a fun challenge 👍🏻

[@lyn100]

@@balletreign it was! one of the last scenes in the play was particularly physical and chaotic (basically a wedding gone awry, featuring murder), so we rehearsed a ton with a fight choreographer to make sure no one got seriously injured. the end result turned out super cool, though!

[@annasahlstrom6109]

I love Rhapsody In Blue for a ballet without a story.

[@balletreign]

That’s a good one! 👍🏻

[@victoriarissland1569]

I danced for years as a child/teen and love it ever since. Now my daughter go to dance class. Love your videos and your channel because I can learn so much and it feels like Ballett will be a part of me and my life. I have a Q for a Part 3? Would you rather dance your least favorite pas de deux with a male partner or a new interpretation of your favorite one with a same sex partner?

[@grahmichelle_k]

OMG I AM SO EXCITED TO SEE THIS ON MY FYP…. ❤

[@balletreign]

Hahaha yay for the YT algorithm lol 😂 Thanks for supporting the channelllll 🥰

[@HeatherLandon227]

Looked this up while watching- Ford's Theater in Washington DC, is one of the last remaining raked stages in the USA.

[@balletreign]

Wowwww so cool!! 🤓🤓

[@mermaidopulence8539]

So because I dance Balanchine I would personally choose SAB. Also I have my own would you rather. Would you rather have a costume that is way too tight or way too big. Would you rather dance on dead pointe shoes for a performance or get thrown into a brand you have never worn before. Would you rather wear a black leotard to class that is too small or break dress code by wearing a colored leotard to class that is your size. (P.S I've actually done that before lol)

[@balletreign]

Oooohhh those are good ones 😅😅. Thank you!

[@mermaidopulence8539]

@@balletreign I figured I had some good ones

[@MeretrixTricks]

Oh and one more thing - I truly expect you create Patreon. I would love love love to repay you for your hard work and expertise.

[@balletreign]

Thank you so much for this! We will definitely consider! The support means a lot to us 💗💗 What would y’all like to see more of from us on Patreon? 😊

[@nina-oh1fs]

did jordan get bangs??? looks so pretty!! loved this video as always

[@balletreign]

Lolll yes 😊 thanks so much! We’re glad you found that helpful, corrections aren’t the easiest thing but keep working hard, you’re doing amazing and we believe in u!! ☺️🙌🏻🙌🏻💕

[@agathaknive3321]

WOOO NEW EPISODE

[@balletreign]

LETTSSS GOOOO 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😆😆

[@markbeck8384]

I was wondering: do you learn roles by counting the music or do you sort of learn by watching, listening to the music, and thinking about the logic of the steps? I was always a counter, and I know lots of people aren't good at that or don't really like it. I also wondered what you think of really modern music that sometimes seems to have no clear beat, and how you learn that.

[@balletreign]

Great questions for us, thank you! We’d love to tackle some of these in a future video. As always, thanks for watching and sharing 😊

[@kerriemckinstry-jett8625]

Oh, good ones... Ripped tights Turner (because I kind if suck at it) Frankly, I would be so thrilled to be dancing in the Nutcracker that I wouldn't care which role I got. Hair malfunction (costume malfunction sounds scary!) A partner I can communicate with... even if neither of you are really skilled, you can put together a solid performance together. Small stage I already have a teacher who corrects me all the time, but probably because he's more frustrated with my mistakes. 😂 I don't mind, though, because that is how dance teachers pay attention to their students. I'm definitely not going for a career, I just enjoy it. Only barre (especially in pointe class) Honestly, I would have a blast in the corps. Understudy A cohesive ballet with no plot (Jewels is awesome) Happy playful characters Music I like... You have to listen to it during every rehearsal! You can add pizazz to boring choreography. Shoes that break too low (I have high arches) Probably adagio... But I would be knackered. Tights under (unless it's everyday clothing) I'd probably have fun with one SAB class, but not more than that... That would be too intense for an old person like me! Follow the girl in the front. 😂

[@balletreign]

Thank you for playing with us! This was so much fun and we loved getting to read what *you* would rather 🙌🏻✨💕

[@kerriemckinstry-jett8625]

@@balletreign These are fun. I'm 45 & have taken ballet off & on since I was 6, so I'm definitely not pro material. I have fun, though, & I appreciate the athletic art form. 😊 🩰 Plus, I have been in enough recitals to have seen or encountered some of these issues! There was one girl who was a very talented dancer and also umm, a bit busty. She was dancing front and center when the top half of her costume came off! Luckily, she was wearing something underneath. She completed the dance like a champ, but oh man, I wouldn't have wanted to be her. 😳

[@susanpaul4752]

Question: WHERE did you both study and WHERE have you danced/still do dance?????

[@balletreign]

Stay tuned for that in a future qna!! 😆😆🙌🏻

[@curiousman1672]

@@balletreign A nice q&a, followed by a couple variations. I'm so glad we've settled that. Ballet Reign fans patiently wait.

[@yvonnestrong3856]

Given how much these ladies seem to love the Ashton rep, they ought to be dancing at Sarasota. They'd get to do their Puddleduck and Titania roles there!

[@lilliedoubleyou3865]

I thought they were in the Metroplex. That's where Ballet Reign is, I think?

[@katherenewedic8076]

black tights under the Leo and with the point shoes is channel punk

[@etruy2138]

I started to not listen partway through because the background music was Le Phile le Gardee and I recently did it lol

[@deborahmarr2210]

As an observer I loathe tights over leotards. It's like wearing socks with flip flops. A good but difficult partner might make you a better dancer. Work on the relationship.

[@balletreign]

Great perspective and advice, thank you for sharing! 😊

[@aaronfuegopop]

I LOOOVE your videos

[@balletreign]

Thank you!! 😄😄

[@mariannedippenaar8488]

Do y 2 girls have pics a dances of y two? Im sure y were beautiful

[@BLW888]

Last night at Frida, there was a large one story box. There was a ballerina bird character (Riho Sakamoto of the Dutch National Ballet) dancing en point on top of it. Does this count as a raised stage?

[@balletreign]

Probably not a raked stage but yea you could call it a raised stage or platform ☺️. What did you think of the performance??

[@BLW888]

@@balletreign Nice contemporary ballet incorporating aspects of Frida Kahlo’s tumultuous life. Lots of interpretative subtle dance numbers you have to read the synopsis to understand. Did not have many fast high energy dances as seen in classic ballets. I wouldn’t know the proper way to describe ballet. A very enjoyable night.

[@balletreign]

Amazing!! Glad u enjoyed the evening 😁😁

[@Caroline-jt6ez]

The Animal Crossing noises tho! I think that's Isabelle's voice?

[@balletreign]

🤣🤣🤣

[@zuzanatulakova6212]

i hate sugerplum music cuz its sooooo overplayed sorry

[@domdotdom]

ohhh I was thinking hair, but if there’s a fix, tightsss; ohhh jumper, feels like flying(but it’s close!); Sugar Plum but the snow scene REALLYYYY makes me wanna be Clara; man these are rough, Costume cuz like it’s a okay partially fate but valid pointssss, less skilled, the other just sounds like a miserable journey; rakeddd?but I’d be worried about knees; corrections; only center, I’m re-learning but I assume I know technique but center sounds like the fun part of classs; principal for sureee; understudyyy; variations; tragic; I think choreography, music is soo important cuz vibes; I’d say high; adagio even though I’m not fully sure what that means😂😂😂; under lolololol the tips😂😂😂 thanks!; DANG I don’t KNOWWW I love Balanchine style lolol, but Vaganovaaa; ohh I thought music at first,m it your right we’re like a unit so the girl in front; WOWOWOW THE LAST ONE DRAGGED YOU😂😂😂😂😅😅😅😅🤍🤍🤍 lolol loved it thank youu always funnnn🤗🤍🤗🤍🤗🤍😊🌸🤍

[@balletreign]

Thanks for playing and for sharing your answers!! 😄😄This was so fun but yeaaa the last one was low key savage 😂

[@domdotdom]

@@balletreign Yes of course! These are sooo funn, I felt outrageous with all the answers but it iz what it iz😂🤷‍♂️yea you should file some kind of complaint on that one. Straight jugular😂😂😂😅😀🤍💕

[@balletreign]

😂😂😂😂😂