Things to avoid in ballet class | Ballet Etiquette you NEED TO KNOW!

[@ThecatnamedBoris]

I wish this was implemented more in the adult studio where I take classes. It's always social hour and so many people cut up with the teacher and complain in class when something is hard. So much time gets wasted telling stories and being silly... yes with adults!!! It's really annoying. I understand for many adult learners it's just for fun and time to let loose after work, but I long for a serious studio where no one talks!

[@nancywillaert5129]

I’ve done ballet and had two teachers on different ages, the last one was very strict she was a ballet dancer and even when her feat where hurting from artritis she kept going and made de different moves and in what sequence. When someone dared to talk or not watch she stumped her cane on the ground and asked to show the others that where watching and listened how it should be done. She was strict but I think thanks to her pointing out where the body was off line or she tapped with her finger, now I’m have Bechterew and if I don’t watch my way I’m holding myself I still hear her say, straight backs please. Even I’m 55 and she passed nearly 8 years ago. I started late in ballet and it was my escape. The first ballet teacher gifted me my first pair of points because I couldn’t afford it. I was in fosterhome age almost 15 and I needed permission to buy things. Although I was allowed a hobby. I sat between rich kids but nobody of the kids felt above me, it was more the parents that a poor kid would enter the school even it wasn’t professional. I was an aid for the toddlers class, than I did two classes in a row of both one hour. Came home did homework did exercises again and went to bed. Did that two years there before transfer to the last ballet teacher. I loved it a lot. We always curtesy at the teacher and piano player.

[@nancywillaert5129]

Still do some things from ballet as to keep my hips loose.

[@isabellfox2915]

I have the sae issue with some of the adult classes I attend and I agree I wish they would be a little more attentive to this

[@peachperfume3694]

wow that‘s crazy. I go to am adult class and everyone takes it quite seriously. I can‘t imagine having people casually converse in class, when I need my full concentration to remember the combinations.

[@gloriaquintana5635]

I would like to add something, that just as the students show respect, there should be respect from the teacher towards the students, since there are teachers who shout and treat them rudely or with rude answers when they get desperate because it is difficult for you to learn something very quickly or because they are They feel on a higher level just by being the teacher, because right now we have a male teacher who replaces my female dance teacher when she is on a trip, and he is really rude and uneducated with us.

[@Stewalebeth]

I remember being so paranoid as a young ballet student. Once got kicked out of class for tearing an itchy tag out of my leotard in between barre combinations!!! lol I’m so glad none of this applies to my adult ballet classes. At 42 years old, I’m sitting on the floor after barre to massage my feet and calves a bit 😂

[@Yeknodathon]

Yes, a thank you is required. We have spent time together and so much has been offered. I like a reverence at the end.. a bit old fashioned but we bow and respect the teacher, the person at the piano but also the history and the dancers both present and past. And if things have not gone well in class a reverence seems to be restorative.

[@crustyrash]

Thank you for for such a long and in-depth video. I remember my stretch teacher always saying, “do not covet your neighbor’s stretch.” Fortunately I have good flexibility but always struggled with remembering the combination. At some point I realized that looking at someone else to make sure I had it right made me get off the music. I love your channel and you are inspiring me to go back to ballet after not dancing for 30 years.

[@sm-k5513]

I love this etiquette and respect for the teacher, which is a tradition in ballet classes!!! ❤

[@balletwithisabella]

❤

[@EmL-kg5gn]

I’ve never done ballet but I know some classes have pianos. As a musician I can pretty confidently say don’t touch the piano!! We’re generally very protective of our instruments. Aside from repairs I never let anyone touch my instruments unless they’re another musician trained to a reasonable level, or maybe someone I trust to be very careful, and it’s only under my instruction. While pianos are an exception in that they’re often shared between pianists I would still never ever touch the piano if I had accompaniment!

[@EmL-kg5gn]

The only exception is my teachers or classmates, I wouldn’t feel compelled to supervise them. But that’s very unlikely to happen after you’ve been taught how to assemble, pack away, and care for your instrument. One time my teacher attached her mouthpiece and played my clarinet because she was curious about it, I’d moved country and she hadn’t seen the model I had before! Coincidentally I was still adjusting to that instrument, I’d got it only a few months before I moved. She picked up on some of its quirks right away and was able to help me adjust faster so it was very helpful. I was really thankful for it but because it’s so uncommon and I didn’t know her well yet I also felt a little uncomfortable tbh

[@bellebb8673]

My teacher has a formal rotation of lines from front to back, when we are working on center floor combimations. After a series is complete, the front line splits in the middle and moves on the sides to form a new back line. The other lines then move forward. It's a very nice traditional approach. He trained at Vagonova.

[@Crewelperleology]

Thank you for this helpful refresher, Isabella!. I do have one question that I hope you will answer. What if you are a returning adult ballet student int/adv, who experiences a new teacher or an older hostile teacher treating you quite rudely and with clear anger? If that teacher is generally sour and angry and arrogant, then you have the perceived "audicity" to ask them what the counts are (because they just said do this that and go without counts), or you noticed the rest of your group performing to completely deferring counts and you need clarification, and you are a music professional who knows the incongruancy, etc . What if they snap at you? What if they then shout at you toward the end of the class, as you are quietly collecting your bags to leave, in order to put an end to their abuse? Is this acceptable? I've been two professional schools (contemporary, ballet, ethnic, history...) but now focus on Vaganova when it comes to ballet. I believe that the teacher should also respect the student, and that kindness is part of the foundation.

[@seaofglass77]

I know I'm not Isabella, but I've been in this situation. It took me growing up a little and being treated well to understand how badly I had been treated by a particular teacher. You must respect yourself as much as you respect the art form and if the teacher isn't acting in a professional way, not giving you respect, you MUST leave. Don't give her (him) your money, time, or attention. No pearls before swine. Even if this person is touted as a great reacher. Respect yourself so you don't waste your precious energy on fear and resentment; you need it for your dancing!

[@Crewelperleology]

​@@seaofglass77 How generous of you to share that sage counsel with me. It feels like a blessing receiving that poignant and much needed reminder to respect and hold what is dear, for myself and for the love of dance. Thank you!🙏💐💐

[@Sunflowerlightt]

@@seaofglass77be careful in the adult ballet realm because there can be a laid back approach to it which can lead to a laid back approach to teaching and general technique teaching. You still as a dancer want to learn how to do hard steps like jetes and fouettés. This makes it challenging and fun .

[@elainesutton7183]

Thank you Isabella! As always, you bring value, detail and inspiration to dancers everywhere.

[@chiarabay9364]

As an adult dancer I do wish our teacher would require a reverence at the end of class. Do they think it’s for children only? I know that all us adults would love to do this as it would feel more balletic. I’m always so grateful that an adult class even exists so a curtesy seems very appropriate 😊

[@BarbaraT.]

You just reminded me that as a professional ballet student we never drank water. We certainly weren't allowed to have a bottle with us in class. Only on a couple of occasions, when we were really really young, we were allowed to have some water from a nearby tap, BUT we were told to not swallow it and to spit it out, so as to have the feeling of refreshment without consequences.

[@ioanagrancea6091]

@@BarbaraT. This sounds tough

[@BarbaraT.]

@ioanagrancea6091 Hi. At the time of the spitting out of the water (I was around 7/8 yo) it felt like torture. I couldn't understand why we weren't allowed to drink. Later I got used to it. I still don't know how I managed to get used to it though 😅.

[@ioanagrancea6091]

@@BarbaraT. you must be a strong person

[@BarbaraT.]

@ioanagrancea6091 Thanks for the nice words! Much appreciated! It's funny because I don't think of myself as one, and maybe I'm doing myself a disservice. 🌹🌹

[@mothball5425]

Water bottles under the barres, getting kicked over and left behind when moving the barres for centre. People taking a little break and not helping move the barres 😡

[@Andrea-sx3xo]

The leaning on the barre one! My teacher always says you’re at the barre not the bar 🍺🤣

[@balletwithisabella]

😂😂😂

[@ioanagrancea6091]

Thank you. I love your elegance and the pieces of advice. I feel ballet is part of another dimension of life and agree that certain behaviours should be completely forbidden because they do not match the spirit of ballet. Everything must be so classy, kind, sustained-from-the-highest level of self-control. I am blessed to have met people who keep that spirit even offstage, after the training is over. I have actually stopped following channels where the Girls.were just trashy and dancing on trap music during the break. It seemed so unfit for the spirit of ballet

[@emhu2594]

I hate rude teachers (particularly dorit koppel at broadway dance center) who was mad that I was wearing yoga pants in a beginners ballet class and i didn't have my hair in a bun. When she complained about my hair, which is shoulder length anyways, it was literally the only time she had ever talked to me or given me feedback of any kind. And it was to be a total B to me, not to give corrections or instructions. People like this ruin ballet for new people who are just there to learn. Not that I think anyone would actually learn ballet in her class.

[@balletwithisabella]

@@emhu2594yes that kind of talk is just unnecessary

[@a.phillips6892]

I really loved this! I identified with so many of the scenarios you talked about. The hydration was particularly interesting to me. I have a battle with drinking too much before class and having to go during. I’m very shy usually,but actually like being in the front of the class, and going in the first group, surprisingly. Thank you for this!

[@ishitaa4480]

Thank you for this reminder 🙂. Actually, I am dancing at a Ballet School and our teacher always says when we're allowed to take a sip of water

[@gracepoint3]

As always the instruction and information you provide is invaluable and your technique is exquisite. Thank you Isabella ❤😊

[@seaofglass77]

I have friends I've been going to open classes with for almost 20 years. It's taken that long to really get to know each other because we don't talk in class!

[@balletwithisabella]

I know!! Always good to schedule a coffee date! ❤

[@nancywillaert5129]

We had our talks after class even with the teacher because she would ask who will be present for the next class if that question came we knew she was up to something. She always had something to tell about her past and if there was a fitting for certain people for a performance.

[@KayAlexandria283]

I definitely used to be a dancer who liked to run and hide in the back in my highschool modern class. Not only because I was insecure but also because there was that unspoken rule that the front was only for the teacher’s favorites/best dancers in the class, so I definitely was made to feel like it wasn’t my place (which, in hindsight is definitely where I needed to be, not because I was the best dancer but because my vision is horrendous and I couldn’t dance without my glasses flying off 😂). Thankfully when I got to college where it was a much safer environment to learn, my terrible vision worked in my favor, as it forced me to get over myself enough stand in the front so I could learn, and with time I eventually grew into having enough confidence to voluntarily stand in the front of the class, because I know it’s what I need and what’s best for my overall learning and confidence 😊

[@BarbaraT.]

I was also one who wanted to always be in the front, and for the same reasons as you. 😊❤

[@GeorgeOu]

* Respecting the teacher by always facing them and listening, not arguing, is absolutely essential. * Not leaning on a barre or not sitting down might be acceptable guidelines for a strict pre-professional school, but not appropriate for grown adults and probably not for most kids. It's a holdover from demanding toughness from athletes like not letting them rest their hands on their own knees and telling them this slows their recovery when in fact science says otherwise.

[@balletwithisabella]

Hey!Yes totally, more for students not to lean on the barre but it’s mainly just class etiquette that we learn early on. I felt and still feel odd if I leaned on the barre. As dancers it’s good to try to stand up straight between combos as often as we can, as on stage we wouldn’t be able to “relax” and lean on the hands. Off stage sure! All this is trained in class early really so we try to instil it. Yes these are more for students and adults and professional can do what they want but I’m just passing on what I’ve learned. . It’s sort of like how I had a mentor always tell me to sit upright and not slouch when sitting ( very hard for me haha ) but we learn just a way to be, and make all these habits automatic . But or course if you’re a pro or an adult as I said in the video - do what you want. I’m really sharing the things we are actually taught when young mostly.

[@GeorgeOu]

@@balletwithisabella I just want my students facing me and observing when I'm giving instructions or corrections, even if it's someone else's corrections. Just have some basic respect for the instructor. If they can just follow those basic rules, I don't care if they lean, slouch, or even sit. I learned old-school discipline too and it was a lot harsher in football than pre-professional ballet. I personally don't even need water for a full class + rehearsal, but I try to remember to give water breaks. I tell the students just get water without asking.

[@balletwithisabella]

@@GeorgeOuI understand! In a normal scenario for me like drop in classes and privates I always give them water breaks and check they are ok as the class is so intense, but anyway the rules never felt forced it was just like pliés and tendus and having our hair done nicely, even as we go pro we relax a little and do what we want, we still have that base of etiquette within us 🤍

[@GeorgeOu]

@@balletwithisabella I get the reasoning to be overstrict, especially with children. I'm easy on students getting water and slouching and it's easy to lose control of the class and they'll start running off the the other room or worse, start taking in the back. Some students figure out within 5 minutes "oh he's not as mean as he looks" and they start running wild.

[@balletwithisabella]

@@GeorgeOu I’ve never had over strict teachers with these rules nor am I strict at all about these things. Sounds like you had very strict teachers so I understand if you want to do things differently. Again company we have much more free reign as we are adults ( but that respectful way of being to one another never really goes ) thanks for your comments, keep going 😊

[@PettyBlue1]

We are expected to take a water bottle with us for wetting the floor - I do sneak a tiny sip of water two or three times during the class. I think it helps to reset the mind and muscles a little bit. Our classes are 1,5 to 2 h long though. Our teacher is not completely strict with it either. She has cought me drinking during class and mentioned with dissapointment how “this generation” don’t have enough discipline - as if drinking water was the reason why people don’t hold their muscles properly. Then seeing me lay the bottle down, she’d say “oh, go on, of course you can have some water!” I still avoid drinking in front of her out of respect.

[@GIOBODAN]

What do you think about tattooed dancers? You were speaking about things to avoid.

[@SolèneD-o2c]

Thank you so much for all those advises! I realized my posture in-between exercises at the barre might be misunderstood.. Will definitely pay attention. Quick question for adult open ballet class: how do you feel about students always picking the same spot at the barre? Sometime in a matter of respect to the others I would have thought they could change from class to class so that other can watch them selves/have more space for example

[@balletwithisabella]

Haha very good point - in Russia it’s a thing!! usually there’s better spots and people get accustomed to their spot. It’s funny but the spot can determine how ranked you are in the school or company. Not all places are like this and in some it’s just you get used to a spot and that’s as in depth as it goes. In drop In classes people get a spot they like and it’s a case of grab it when you can!! Sadly people don’t like to share their fave spots 😅😅

[@bellebb8673]

My studio has free standing barres that are of various heights, with as much as a 4 inch difference. I am 4'9". My fellow dancers have all been great about letting me gravitate to the lower barres. Otherwise my shoulders just dont align properly when holding the barre.

[@monongahelacats]

Hi Barry! I love your belly en l’air! 😂

[@isabellfox2915]

I agree with so much of this and it resonates with some of the issues I have with one of the adult classes I take, the group are really bad with any kind of etiquette and honestly in other classes also I have found the ones that are worse are those who claim to have been at professional level or attended some kind of professional school etc........and TBH they really should know better!!!

[@pphau119]

Thank you so much Isabella. I love this video. I've learnt so much. I like your cat, he looks like he is wearing the bodile leotard, the black with long sleeves you wear sometimes. Both of you are so beautiful. Alice xxd

[@heidistangertzpacheco]

You look so pretty in this video❤

[@LauCab-l8g]

Thank you for all your very useful videos !

[@han76557]

I am soon starting ballet, thank you for your advice. Will definitely apply it (and you're very pretty btw!!!)

[@balletwithisabella]

You’ve got this! Glad to help 😊

[@brendastevens9077]

Is it called Isotonic drink? Can you tell me the name of the brand that you like?❤

[@darlaaddams7169]

Dear Isabella maybe I missed you already commenting on this, but I was always wondering, if Vaganova would ask you to teach there, would you consider that? Your videos made me to be interested in learning about ballet at my 42 so thank you and much love from Budapest!

[@brendastevens9077]

Thank You for this Wonderful Video. It is a memory refresher!!😊❤

[@balletwithisabella]

Thank you for watching ❤️

[@msbeejones]

omg! a three amigos clip? love you so much!

[@balletwithisabella]

😂😂😂

[@amandaf4918]

What is the name of the thrid variation she tried?

[@moucheblanche]

I think your talking videos were perfect.. Those small videos that you put in between aren't necessary. I like watching you speaking the hole time.

[@balletwithisabella]

Oh thank you! I was just sharing a little humour to help visualise what I am saying :-) Appreciate the feedback.

[@sharonreeve7509]

Really good guidance.

[@balletwithisabella]

❤️

[@lionsmaine1238]

The footage of Tsiskaridze made me crack up lol

[@elizzy8754]

Agree! I don't think he is so much frustrated at his students, as with his students. He just knows how perfect they can be and when they don't reach that perfection he looses it 😆

[@drbr6929]

Very impressive!

[@ranjithpowell6791]

“spatial” dear

[@ch3rry.x0]

Does anyone have any tips on how to use your own personality when dancing the only thing I do us copy certain things from different people and that's my "personality" 😂

[@ioanagrancea6091]

I would suggest you try to catch the mood of the music and the mood of the combination you are practicing, while trying to think of the intentions behind it (who invented it and what mood or idea they were pointing to). As you do that, you will be increasingly expressive and your personal touch will shine through as a side effect.

[@balletwithisabella]

Definitely check out my artistry course! It will be very helpful in understanding what that means.

[@Minimeowzilla]

ur cat is so cute!

[@balletwithisabella]

❤

[@MegaSaachi]

so funny!😊

[@nancywillaert5129]

Can still remember as a teen, in a class full of rich kids the teacher said she’s new here be kind. But it was the parents that told their kids I was from the fosterhome, still I felt at home. My teacher gave me my first pointed ballet shoes. We always curtesy towards teacher and if there was a piano player towards this person too. Three times a week two to three hours at the school, and practice at the fosterhome. One day of fitness, 45 min run than 1 hour swimming then running back. I kept myself bussy to keep me sane. My carers where worried about me due to pushing my body that was I’ll and harmed to the limits. When I moved to my foster parents we had classes from two to four hours especially when there was a performance planned. I could hold it up. That was my strength. Now I’m lucky because due to the posture one has to keep my back is still straight, I have Bechterew that’s an autoimmune disease that hardens soft tissue and everything between the bones. And often seen hunge forward. I still do some little things to keep my hip loose. Now it’s yoga that’s helping me. I’m only shocked when parents ask when their kid can go on points! They are around 5 or 6 and never done ballet before!

[@tiffcat1100]

Ridiculous cat!! 😻😻😻

[@annapaulina5678]

First❤

[@williammorris584]

Professionalism benefits the amateur.

[@sangchi317]

omgg

[@Yeknodathon]

Ah, the inclusion of electronic mobile devices to barre and centre. Such a novelty... must be good for thumb extensions. Sigh.

[@balletwithisabella]

I only ever use my phone for Bluetooth. If I was dancing myself I would never get my phone out. I welcome that 1.5 hours where I don’t need it! If anyone is texting in class, and it’s not an emergency work thing, then I would be worried 😅

[@Yeknodathon]

@@balletwithisabella I was just considering some excuses if ever I brought a phone into class. 1 - you said something to me French, I needed to use Google translate 2 - I'm consulting during a medical emergency. Laying on my stomach while doing the frog position is essential. 3 - Catching up on a Netflix episode while you yabba on about something that doesn't apply to me. 4 - eBay auction I must have that Bolshoi 2003 The Sleeping Beauty DVD.

[@Yeknodathon]

@@balletwithisabella ... now full disclosure. I did once or twice bring a phone to barre [SHOCK] BUT we were all invited to dress up for Christmas so it was perfectly reasonable that with my inflatable reindeer I played a recording of a genuine Scandinavia reindeer honking and mooing. It was put away before we started. But the inflatable reindeer was allowed at barre.